Meet the Government & External Affairs Team

The UnityPoint Health Government & External Affairs team serves as the health system’s primary point of contact with state and federal legislators, government agencies and advocacy organizations to help shape policy as it is being created and to ensure laws and regulations implemented best serve our patients and communities. We use the expertise of our health care leaders, physicians, providers and staff to help communicate the vision and mission of UnityPoint Health, as well as the full spectrum of the services we provide and our economic impact on the communities we serve.

David Stark

Chief Government Affairs and Philanthropy Officer

David Stark joined UnityPoint Health in 1996 and is an Iowa native. Stark currently serves as the Foundation/Government Affairs Executive for UnityPoint Health and most recently served as President/CEO for UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. He received his undergraduate degree from Iowa State University in Management and his Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Iowa. Stark is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on the Iowa Hospital Association Board, Greater Des Moines Partnership Board, Principal Charity Classic Board, Des Moines University Board, and Grandview University Board. Stark is a member of Rotary and is a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute.

Cathy Simmons

Executive Director, Government & External Affairs 

Cathy Simmons currently serves as Executive Director, Government & External Affairs and has been with UnityPoint Health since 2008. Simmons started her work with UnityPoint Health as Grants Manager at the Allen Foundation in Waterloo. Simmons’ prior legislative experience spanned 13 years in various roles for the Nebraska Unicameral. Simmons received her bachelor’s from Grinnell College, juris doctorate from the University of Nebraska College of Law, and a master’s in public policy from the University of Northern Iowa. She currently serves on the governing board of Precedence, Inc.