FOR RELEASE OCTOBER 18, 2016
MAG HONORS FORMER LOBBYIST FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
ATLANTA – Marcus Downs, the former government relations director of the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG), received the Donna Glass Non-Physician Distinguished Service Award during a ceremony that took place in conjunction with the MAG’s 162nd House of Delegates meeting in Savannah on October 15. The MAG award honors non-physicians for their contributions to the advancement and support of medicine.
In nominating him for the award, Medical Association of Atlanta President Thomas E. Bat, M.D., stated that, “Mr. Downs helped to build MAG’s brand and reputation as the leading voice for physicians in Georgia at the State Capitol. The legislative success that MAG experienced during his tenure at MAG was in large part due to his ability to bring a diverse array of stakeholders together.”
Dr. Bat said that Downs, who is now the chief executive officer for the Georgia Nurses Association and the Georgia Nurses Foundation, helped MAG become “recognized as one of the most influential advocacy organizations in the state.”
MAG made James Magazine’s list of ‘Top Lobbying Associations’ for several consecutive years during Downs’ tenure at MAG – while the magazine also recognized Downs as a ‘Rising Star’ and a ‘Top Association Lobbyist.’
Downs is credited with passing several key landmark bills, including the nation’s first ‘Provider Shield Act’ and the ‘Name Tag Bill.’
Dr. Bat concluded that, “Mr. Downs was instrumental in MAG's success in the state legislative arena for a five-year period. He found a way to build consensus while staying focused on MAG policy. Mr. Downs was a team player who helped to elevate MAG's brand to its highest level in years.”
Downs has an undergraduate degree from Morehouse College and a graduate degree in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
With more than 7,800 members, MAG is the leading voice for physicians in Georgia. MAG is an advocate for physicians in every practice setting and specialty. MAG’s membership has increased for six years in a row. Go to www.mag.org for additional information. ###
