In Memoriam
written by Dom Ruscio, Partner 

In our 35 years, CRD Associates has lost two people whose lives truly made a difference. One helped turn a vision into reality; the other topped off a remarkable career in public service with an all-too-brief stint at the firm.

 

Both proved that we're not defined by the things that make us separate and distinct, but by the moments that we share and the memories we hold dear.  And that we're shaped by the hands we hold in ours, cherish and gently let go.

 

I had the privilege of working with Joyce Briscoe for 31 years. The only one of us who knew her longer was Nick Cavarocchi who, together with Joyce, created what would eventually become CRD Associates. Both had a vision that, even in a city chock full of lobbying firms, there was room for something more.  A firm that would offer high-quality strategic advice and practical solutions-and do it for a price that even new and emerging organizations could afford.

 

Joyce and Nick had worked together at Group Health Association, where they formed a bond that would ultimately transcend the usual workplace relationship. The concept of Yin and Yang come to mind.

 

At the outset, Joyce officially held the title of office manager. But she did more than handle administrative duties.  She made sure that everything ran smoothly, though she was reluctant by nature to take on high-profile issues or play a lead role with clients. But her heart was too big to be satisfied sitting on the sidelines. Before long, Joyce was knee-deep in health policy issues.

 

Her first foray into policy--the arcane world of Medicare reimbursement, no less-- came when she helped build the case for reimbursing physicians for bilateral hip or knee procedures, rather than requiring seniors to go through the ordeal of two separate surgical procedures. Bolstered by that victory, Joyce went on to tackle issues of a more personal nature, like improving health care for pregnant women and infants, and getting policymakers to focus more research on musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune disorders like lupus.

 

To Joyce, these were not "work issues." They represented the faith and promise she held that those whose lives she improved would enrich us all.

 

Around the office, Joyce was more than a coworker. She was a friend who put aside her own personal struggles to listen to our day-to-day problems. She encouraged us in our weakness, quieted our fears and gave us hope when ours was lacking.

 

And when we forgot, she reminded us who we really are. She brought out our better angels.

  

Jay Cutler came to CRD Associates after serving for 25 years as head of government relations and special counsel for the American Psychiatric Association.  I first met Jay when I worked on the Senate Appropriations Committee and Jay was Senator Jacob Javits' top staff on what is today the HELP Committee. Working for a liberal senator from the northeast was a perfect fit for Jay--but often a real thorn in the side of appropriators who had to balance a host of health and human service needs against a limited pot of money. While Jay and I shared similar ideologies, our respective employers often put us at odds with one another. The fact that Jay would most often win the argument, but that I would have a smile on my face when he walked out the door, says as much about Jay's good humor as his persuasive powers.

 

Jay's Senate tenure included the passage of landmark legislation establishing the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and setting policies that changed the national perception toward alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Always a crusader, Jay then turned to the long-ignored issue of mental health. His work there led to passage of the Federal Mental Health Parity Act--and set the stage for Jay's next challenge.

 

At APA, Jay became one of the most powerful advocates for mental health patients--dedicating himself to eradicating any stigma associated with mental illness.

 

I recall one especially tough budget year, when competition for lawmakers' attention was especially fierce. I wondered, Jay told me, how could I possibly draw attention to the plight of the mentally ill in this somber fiscal climate?

 

With the holidays approaching, Jay came up with a plan. He sent every member of Congress a small tin of mixed nuts, courtesy of the American Psychiatric Association. Politically incorrect by today's standards...but it worked!

 

Two very different people with unique qualities. But both made a big difference. We still miss them.