5/17/2006

The National Catholic Bioethics Center Announces the Appointment of Dr. Marie Hilliard as Director of Bioethics and Public Policy

PHILADELPHIA, May 17 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Marie Hilliard, Executive Director of the Connecticut Catholic Conference, will join the staff of professional ethicists at The National Catholic Bioethics Center on July 1, 2006.

Dr. Hilliard holds graduate degrees in Maternal-Child Health Nursing, Religious Studies, Canon Law and Professional Higher Education Administration; and she has an extensive professional background in medical ethics and public policy and advocacy. She is a practicing registered nurse who has been substantially involved in health care regulation at the state and national levels for twelve years. In addition, she is a canon lawyer and serves as a resource for the implementation of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services and Church – State relations.

The Connecticut League has recognized Dr. Hilliard for her outstanding contributions to nursing in Connecticut, and she has been recognized as well by the Connecticut Nurses’ Association with the Agnes Ohlson Award for Outstanding Contribution to Nursing through Political Action. She is an affiliate member of the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses and serves as a board member of a number of health care oriented agencies and coalitions.

As a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserves, Dr. Hilliard developed the Northeastern U.S. Licensed Practical Nurse training program, which was conducted out of Ft. Devens, Massachusetts and approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. She has been recognized for her contributions with the Meritorious Service Medal.

Dr. Hilliard has served as an advisor to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on their Task Force on Catholic Bishops and Catholic Politicians and she is chair-elect of the National Advisory Council of the executive committee of the USCCB. She has been a guest at the White House at the invitation of President Clinton and has consulted with President Bush on faith and community-based initiatives.

The National Catholic Bioethics Center, located in Philadelphia, was founded in 1972 to provide moral analyses to developments in health care and the life sciences. The Center is honored that Dr. Hilliard has offered her extensive background and professional credentials to its mission. Her vast experience in health care, bioethics and public policy will make her an invaluable asset to its work of defending the dignity of the human person in health care and the life sciences.