Influence Alley

Walgreens continues to build its Washington office poaching AHIP vice president of federal affairs Alethia Jackson to be its senior Democratic lobbyist. The new hire comes less than six months after the pharmacy giant nabbed Humana's Ed Kaleta to run its Washington office. 

Walgreens is aggressively trying to position itself as a leader in cost-effective health care solutions and plans to continue expanding its Washington presence. 

"We are increasing our visibility inside the Beltway to serve as an important resource for government officials and staffers on these issues. We want to ensure they know the value Walgreens brings to our health care system and the innovative solutions we're providing," said vice president of GR Debbie Garza. "Alethia is a valuable addition to our staff who will effectively communicate our ideas."

A seven-year veteran of America's Health Insurance Plans, Jackson worked with Kaleta when he ran Humana's Washington operation. "I'm sure we're going to make a great team," she said. 

"I look forward to helping them raise their profile in Washington and highlight the things they're doing in the health care space," Jackson said of her new employer.