06/25/2026

2026 OAPA Annual Conference - CME #8

Friday, August 28, 2026 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

“The Long Game: OAPA's Advocacy Strategy Through Election Season and Beyond"

Presented by Tony Brigano and Zach Holzapfel of Hicks Partners, and Matthew Freado, MBA, PA-C, OAPA Government Affairs Committee Chair

Learning Objectives:

• Review OAPA's current legislative priorities, including our three active bills, and understand their status heading into election season
• Describe the lame duck period's procedural workings, what it typically means for pending legislation, and how OAPA plans to navigate it
• Preview how the 2026 Governor's race and the new Ohio General Assembly convening in 2027 could shape OAPA's future advocacy priorities and opportunities
• Identify concrete ways individual PAs can support and engage in advocacy for the profession

Speaker Information:

Tony Brigano, Senior Director of State Government Relations at Hicks Partners, provides lobbying and strategic planning on legislative and budgetary issues for clients in sectors such as energy, health, pharmaceuticals, and education. He helps define priorities, develops legislative strategies, and represents clients before state and local governments. Brigano previously held various roles in Ohio state government, including Director of Public Inquiries for the Governor and Policy Aide in the House. His experience spans public utilities, agriculture, and housing. A Wright State University graduate and Warren County native, he is also a past president of the Ohio Lobbying Association.

Zach Holzapfel is an accomplished government relations professional with over 20 years of experience. Holzapfel develops legislative strategies for public and private-sector clients and represents client matters before the Governor’s office, cabinet members, regulatory boards, the Ohio General Assembly, members of Congress and local governments. He analyzes and assesses the impact proposed rules & legislation will have on client operations and evaluates the best course of action through appropriate policy strategy. Holzapfel’s career spans positions in the Ohio Attorney General’s office and the Ohio Governor’s office before going on to work as a Legislative Liaison for the Ohio Department of Health under both Democratic and Republican Administrations. 

Matthew Freado, MBA, PA-C, is a clinician, healthcare advocate, and leader in the PA profession. He chairs the OAPA Government Affairs Committee, represents OAPA Region 4, and served as OAPA President from July 2023 to June 2024. He helped grow the organization, focusing on advocacy, leadership, and community engagement. A graduate of Ohio University and Franklin University, he works in emergency and ambulatory care in Columbus and participates in medical missions. Passionate about improving healthcare access and policy, Matthew is also a devoted husband and father of three daughters who inspire his dedication to service and leadership.

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