The Medical Device Manufacturers Assn. and the Medical Imaging Technology Alliance tapped a pair of Capitol Hill veterans to lead their government affairs departments.

Clayton Hall, a former chief of staff for 3 representatives with 12 years on The Hill, was named vice president of government affairs at MDMA, the association said.

The imaging alliance’s new director of federal & state government relations is Erin Doty Georges, former legislative director for Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.).

"Erin’s experience on Capitol Hill, coupled with her intimate understanding of healthcare policy, will enhance our ability to address the priorities of our members and ensure that they are well-represented in Washington, D.C.," MITA executive director Gail Rodriguez said in a prepared statement. "With the rapid advancement of medical imaging and radiation therapy technologies, it is even more critical than ever that MITA educate policymakers about the value of medical imaging in improving healthcare delivery and lowering costs."

Mark Leahey, president & CEO at MDMA, said Hall’s experience as staff chief for former Reps. Jim McCrery (R-La.) and Anh "Joseph" Cao (R-La.) and Rep. Tim Griffin (R-Ark.) will be a big help in the association’s fight to repeal the medical device tax.

“Clayton’s diverse experiences on Capitol Hill and extensive knowledge of healthcare policy will be a tremendous asset to MDMA and our members,” Leahey said in prepared remarks. “More than ever it is important that medical technology innovators have a voice in Washington, and MDMA will continue our proud tradition of passionate advocacy.”

Medtech representatives inside the Beltway have been fighting for a repeal of the 2.3% medtech tax since before it went into effect last year as part of the Affordable Care Act. A survey by AdvaMed of 38 of its members extrapolated that 33,000 jobs have already been lost as a direct result of the tax, which applies to U.S. sales – not profits – of prescribed medical devices.