Category: External

Blake collaborates with clients on matters related to government contracting, investigations and disputes. He previously held senior positions in the Office of the Kentucky Attorney General where he helped lead an office of 200+ employees, set and executed the office’s policy goals and represented the office before multiple legislative bodies. Blake’s work spanned ESG issues, energy policy, the opioid crisis and much more. As a result, he draws on a significant understanding of government priorities and legislative strategies to help clients navigate complex legal landscapes.

Chris advises clients on regulatory, civil and criminal investigations and litigation, providing practical guidance on matters involving state attorneys general and federal regulatory agencies. Before joining Troutman, Chris served as an assistant attorney general in the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the West Virginia Attorney General, where he litigated consumer protection actions involving state and federal laws prohibiting unfair or deceptive business practices. His experience handling multistate litigations and settlements, adapting to evolving regulations and handling complex arguments on the government’s behalf has laid the foundation for Chris’ ability to advise clients confidently and effectively.

Gina Gibson is the Senior Director of Behavioral Health Solutions and serves as the crisis operations and technology subject matter expert at Bamboo Health. In her role, she leverages her more than a decade of experience in behavioral health crisis to consult with states to determine their business needs, matching those needs to the most appropriate Bamboo Health solution to achieve their desired outcomes.

Haley Winans is the Specialist for the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS), within the Bureau of Professional Licensing at the State of Michigan. Haley sits as Michigan’s representative on numerous committees and workgroups, including NASCSA, NABP, PMIX, TTAC, and Michigan’s Opioid Task Force.

Mike Plesh is the Executive Director of Information Technology at UNC Health, where he transforms the way healthcare data is leveraged across North Carolina. Mike is a dynamic leader, orchestrating the seamless integration of data to elevate patient care, not just within hospitals and clinics, but also through state and national data exchange initiatives.

His leadership extends to pioneering data science advancements and steering enterprise reporting, and ensuring that the Carolina Data Warehouse for Health operates at peak efficiency in support of clinical research initiatives for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mike’s expertise also shines in the technical oversight of clinical research built within UNC Health’s electronic health record application, making him a pivotal force in the future of healthcare innovation.

Karen McLeod, MSW, has served as the President/CEO for Benchmarks, a statewide non-profit association, since June 2006. In this role, she provides strategic leadership in representing provider agencies that deliver mental health, developmental disabilities and substance use services as well as child welfare and juvenile justice programs to children, adults and families across North Carolina. She engages state legislators and state and federal agencies to secure funding and legislation that support providers in improving behavioral healthcare and quality of life outcomes for the people they serve. Karen moves forward policy and practice issues to proactively promote association positions with key state government decision makers, legislators and community advocacy groups. Before this position, Karen was the executive director of the North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services, a non-profit association representing the 100 county DSS agencies. She also served as Director of the Office of Victim Services for the NC Department of Correction. Karen has worked in mediation and hospice and provided family intervention services for high-risk children. Karen currently serves as co-chair of the Legislative Child Fatality Task Force and is a Past Chair of the National Organization of State Associations for Children.