John Martin
Partner /
John Martin is a partner and head of the Health Care practice at Capitol Counsel, LLC. Having worked in both the public and private sectors, Martin brings extensive knowledge to the firm’s health practice team. His wealth of knowledge in healthcare policy and government affairs has been honed through his previous roles as Vice President of Government Affairs at Pardes Biosciences and CRISPR Therapeutics, as well as his service as Principal Associate Commissioner for Legislation at the FDA under Commissioner Scott Gottlieb.
Education
- Texas A&M University – B.B.A.
Positions Held
- Pardes Biosciences – Vice President of Government Affairs
- CRISPR Therapeutics – Vice President of Government Affairs and Policy. Developed and executed the strategy to introduce what would become CASGEVY and the CRISPR gene-editing technology to Federal and State stakeholders. Upon FDA approval in 2023, CASGEVY was the first gene-editing therapy approved in the United States. It is a one-time therapy used to treat sickle cell patients who experience frequent vaso-occlusive crises.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Principal Associate Commissioner for Legislation. Worked with Commissioner Scott Gottlieb and agency leadership to develop and execute legislative initiatives affecting the FDA across a broad range of issues.
- Office of Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) – Legislative Director
- Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson – Senior Health Policy Advisor
- Tommy Thompson for Senate – Political Director
- Deloitte Consulting – Consultant
Successes
While at the FDA, Martin oversaw the passage of the 2017 & 2018 User Fee Agreements, House passage of Over-the-Counter Monograph reform, the SUPPORT Act, and the advancement of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act (PAHPAIA) through all committees in the House and Senate.
During his time in Arkansas, he developed and secured legislative approval for Arkansas Works, the Governor’s conservative reforms to Medicaid expansion.
In the private sector, Martin secured new DRG codes for innovative cancer treatments and worked with NIH, BARDA, and the Biden Administration to advance a new oral anti-viral treatment for COVID-19.