Marvin B. Figueroa is a Vice President at BGR’s Health and Life Sciences Practice, where he helps clients navigate the intersection of healthcare policy, politics, and government decision-making. With extensive experience at both the state and federal levels, he provides strategic counsel on access, reimbursement, regulatory affairs, and legislative advocacy.
Before joining BGR, Figueroa served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler, overseeing the Senator’s operations and advising on policy and communications strategy while managing relationships with congressional offices, government agencies, and California-based partners.
Previously, he was appointed by President Biden as Director of Intergovernmental and External Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), leading a 60+ person division across 10 regional offices. Reporting directly to Secretary Xavier Becerra, he built coalitions with state, local, and tribal governments, as well as advocacy organizations, to advance White House healthcare priorities.
At the state level, Figueroa served as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources and Legislative Director in Virginia under Governor Ralph Northam. He played a pivotal role in implementing Medicaid expansion, providing healthcare access to over 500,000 Virginians, while leading efforts to improve behavioral health services and strengthen the state’s healthcare and social services programs.
Earlier in his career, Figueroa was a Senior Policy Advisor to U.S. Senator Mark Warner, focusing on healthcare, education, and workforce development. He co-led the Senate Finance Committee’s Chronic Care Working Group, which resulted in the bipartisan CHRONIC Care Act of 2017, a landmark law that improved care for seniors and individuals with chronic illnesses.
A frequent speaker at national forums, Figueroa provides insights into the evolving public policy landscape. His expertise has been recognized with honors such as the Presidential Leadership Scholar (PLS), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Health Braintrust Congressional Staffer of the Year, and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Young Alumnus of the Year. He is also a Distinguished Fellow and Founding Faculty Member at Meharry Medical College School of Global Health.
Originally from La Ceiba, Honduras, Figueroa is bilingual and a proud Garífuna (Gah-ri-fu-nah). A POSSE Foundation Scholar, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and his master’s degree from Harvard University. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Areas of Focus
- Integrated legislative strategies
- patient access and coverage
- public health
Education
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Vanderbilt University
Bachelor’s degree -
Harvard University
Master’s degree