About Indigo Hill Strategies
Indigo Hill Strategies is a boutique government affairs firm specializing in navigating the complex landscape of policy, lobbying, and strategic consulting to empower organizations to achieve impactful change. Driven by a mission to use public policy as a tool to improve the lives of underserved populations, we are committed to driving change in the innovative and effective ways.
Ryann Hill, MPH
Founder and CEO
Ryann Hill is a seasoned government affairs strategist with a strong track record at the intersection of policy, politics, and impact. With more than a decade of experience, she has led transformative initiatives across healthcare, aging, and disability policy, helping mission-driven organizations turn bold ideas into lasting change.
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She is known for her sharp political instincts, deep policy expertise, and ability to build trusted relationships across sectors. Throughout her career, Ryann has held senior leadership roles in both the public and private sectors, where she has developed and executed effective strategies to influence legislation, manage policy risk, and expand access to care for underserved communities.
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Before founding Indigo Hill Strategies, Ryann led public, government, and community affairs at SCAN Health Plan, where she directed advocacy strategy across all lines of business. Prior to SCAN, she led Medicare policy and government affairs for Cambia Health Solutions, working closely with internal leadership to shape federal policy positions and engagement strategies. She later served as one of the lead lobbyists for a national hospital trade association, representing member hospitals before Congress and federal agencies on complex healthcare policy issues.
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Ryann began her career in the U.S. House of Representatives in the office of Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and also served at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, giving her a strong foundation in both legislative and regulatory policymaking.
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Ryann earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Policy from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Public Health from The George Washington University. She is deeply committed to advancing policy solutions that deliver meaningful and measurable impact.
Madeleine Russak
Partner
Madeleine brings more than a decade of experience in public affairs, strategic communications, and legislative strategy across both the public and private sectors. She has led integrated campaigns for companies, coalitions, and causes focused on healthcare, veterans’ issues, financial services, Tribal affairs, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. Known for her clear messaging and sharp instincts, Madeleine helps clients navigate complex policy landscapes and shape the conversations that drive results.
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Her career spans senior positions in both chambers of Congress, including serving as lead spokesperson for the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. As a congressional communications leader, Madeleine crafted messaging for Senate Democrats on healthcare, education, and labor policy in order to advance critical legislative priorities. She led communications for numerous successful bill passages and high-profile hearings, including Cabinet and Supreme Court confirmation hearings.
Her experience extends to political campaigns and issue advocacy, having directed communications for statewide gubernatorial races, competitive congressional campaigns, and national coalitions.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Southern California, graduating cum laude.
Taylor Thomas, MPH
Director of Federal Affairs
Taylor is an experienced government affairs professional specializing in healthcare policy and federal advocacy. As the Director of Government Affairs at Indigo Hill Strategies, where she represents clients in disability, rare disease, and aging spaces, advocating for policies that improve access to care.
Previously, she worked as a researcher at George Washington University, focusing on public health policy, federal food assistance programs, and regulatory advocacy. Her background also includes integrating AI into healthcare systems through collaborations with Volpara, Hologic, and MagView to enhance breast cancer detection and streamline electronic health record (EHR) integration. Her leadership at MagView was recognized through multiple awards, including Project Manager of the Year and Sales Support of the Year.
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With a strong track record in business development and stakeholder engagement, she has played a key role in high-profile convenings, including a White House patient safety event and a maternal health summit on health equity. Committed to driving impactful policy change, she continues to work at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and government to shape policies that improve patient outcomes nationwide.
Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Maryland and a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from George Washington University.
Niyahnee Thomas
Health Policy Fellow
Dr. William Knight, PT, DPT, SPH, CSCS
Health Policy Fellow
Niyahnee is a rising health policy professional with a strong foundation in science, communications, and public affairs. She brings a multifaceted perspective to healthcare strategy, shaped by hands-on experience at the White House, on Capitol Hill, in academic research, and through national leadership programs focused on equity and innovation.
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Her background includes work in the office of Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV), where she supported Medicaid, maternal health, veterans’ care, and substance use policy. Niyahnee is an alumna of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Walmart Emerging Leaders program and is widely recognized for her commitment to people-centered, service-driven policy leadership.
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She holds a degree from Texas State University, where she studied biology, business, and mass communication. Niyahnee is deeply committed to advancing policies that reflect the lived experiences of communities and deliver meaningful impact.
Dr. William Knight is a licensed physical therapist and health policy fellow at Indigo Hill Strategies, where he supports research, strategy, and advocacy efforts focused on healthcare access and innovation. He brings a rare combination of clinical experience and public health training, grounded in his years of direct patient care and a commitment to advancing equitable, evidence-based policy solutions.
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William is currently pursuing his Master of Public Health at The George Washington University, with a concentration in Health Policy. His policy interests are shaped by his work treating individuals with neuromusculoskeletal conditions across the lifespan. He is especially focused on modernizing pain management, reducing reliance on opioids, and expanding access to comprehensive rehabilitative care. His work also explores payment reform, provider scope of practice, and strategies to improve outcomes through movement-based care.
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He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and holds certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He also received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Community Health Science from Towson University. William currently practices at Rose Physical Therapy Group in Washington, DC, where he integrates a patient-centered, movement-focused lens into both his clinical and policy work.