Shawn Coughlin is the president and CEO at NABH. In this role, he serves as the association’s principal lobbyist, oversees the association’s advocacy work on Capitol Hill, and develops and implements strategic policy goals that support high-quality, evidence based behavioral healthcare for Americans who live with mental and substance use disorders.

Mr. Coughlin brings more than 30 years of advocacy experience to his role. Prior to joining NABH, Mr. Coughlin served as advocacy consultant to the association on behavioral health policy during his almost 16 years with Capitol Health Group as principal and chief operating officer. He is a leading healthcare advocate and policy expert who works with diverse external stakeholder organizations, including patient and provider groups, regulators, public and private payors, and trade associations.

Mr. Coughlin began his health policy career working on Capitol Hill for members of the influential House Ways and Means Committee. He was a professional staff member on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, where he served as senior health policy advisor for a senior member of the Committee.

Mr. Coughlin earned a bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. and a master’s degree in public management from the University of Maryland.