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Kentucky academy of eye physicians and surgeons

ADVOCACY is a critical component in promoting surgery by surgeons, patient safety, and defending the art and science of ophthalmology in the state of Kentucky.  

GET INVOLVED

Legislative Chair Dr. Ashima Gupta and the KAEPS Board of Directors set the legislative strategy for the organization.

The involvement of KAEPS members is integral to the success of the organization's legislative initiatives. 

All members are encouraged to be a part of the discussion about legislative priorities and in meeting with our state and federal legislators.

To learn more about how to get involved or who to contact in your legislative district, please reach out to Jamie, Executive Director and Lobbyist at 859-948-4626 or jamie@kyeyemds.org or simply click this link: 

Find Your Legislator


CONTRACT LOBBYIST TEAM

Commonwealth Alliances is a comprehensive governmental advocacy and consulting firm based in Frankfort, Kentucky.  The team includes partners Patrick Jennings and Collin Johnson as well as Kate Wood.

Patrick Jennings has 16 years of experience in Kentucky politics having worked on campaigns, congressional staff, and as an association and contract lobbyist. He served two years as a legislative aide to Senator Mitch McConnell before returning home to become chief lobbyist for the Kentucky Farm Bureau.  

SAVE THE DATE

Eye Doc Day at the Capitol

February 5th, 2026

Make plans NOW to join your fellow ophthalmologists to advocate for surgery by surgeons and patient safety!

REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON! Questions? Email jamie@kyeyemds.org or call/text 859-948-4626.

Kate Wood joined the Commonwealth in 2014 after serving in the administration of Governor Steve Beshear as Legislative Liaison and Director of Legislative Services.  Kate began her political career in 2003 working on state and federal campaigns. 



Collin Johnson has over a decade of experience in legislative and non-profit roles, serving both State and Federal officials and Kentucky-based organizations. He began his career in Washington, D.C., with the National Association of Evangelicals and later worked for Congressman Brett Guthrie and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. He went on to serve in McConnell’s Louisville office, assisting constituents with federal agency issues.

Most recently, Collin served four years as Policy and Budget Advisor to the Kentucky House Speaker, playing a key role in the state’s $12 billion budget and landmark tax reform efforts. A Kentucky native, he holds a B.A. in political science from Campbellsville University and a graduate certificate in public financial management from the University of Kentucky.


Our Executive Director, Jamie Ennis, is also a key part of our lobbying team, having nearly 20 years of experience in scope of practice issues, budget appropriations, and health and wellness issues. Former legislative causes have included work with Smoke-Free Kentucky (Grassroots Director), National Alliance for Mental Illness – Lexington, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, American Heart Association, Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants, KY American Chapter of Emergency Physicians, KY Athletic Trainers’ Society, KY Pediatric Cancer Foundation, KY Association of School Social Workers, KY Association for Psychology in the Schools, and the Family Foundation.







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