Chris Santarsiero is a seasoned professional with over 26 years of experience in government relations, contract procurement, and strategic consulting. As the Vice President of Government Affairs at Connections Health Solutions, Chris focuses on developing and executing policy outcomes that drive market access, innovative value-based care models, thought leadership, and new business opportunities with the Growth and Development Team. He is a passionate advocate for behavioral health crisis care, providing alternatives to emergency departments and jails for individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies.
Chris’s expertise spans federal and state government affairs, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, legislative relations, public policy, political campaigns, and public relations. His career includes significant roles such as Government Markets Director at National Strategies (NSI) in Washington, DC, where he served as a healthcare policy expert and led strategic sales teams in the state, local and education (SLED) market. At VITAS Healthcare, Chris was instrumental in negotiating regulatory structures and securing approvals for high-quality hospice care, generating substantial annual revenues, and protecting the Medicare Hospice Benefit.
As a co-founder and senior partner at DNB Lobby, Chris efficiently managed the firm’s operations and led successful grassroots campaigns, setting national fire safety code policies and advocating for diverse clients, including major corporations and public entities. His tenure as Executive Director of the Connecticut Republicans saw unprecedented electoral successes and record-breaking fundraising achievements.
Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree in English with a communications emphasis from La Salle University and an MBA in Finance from the Malcolm Baldrige School of Business. He is also certified in Mental Health First Aid by the National Council of Mental Wellbeing.
Chris Santarsiero’s career is marked by his strategic leadership, dedication to public service, and commitment to improving healthcare and public policy.