Alum Kevin Lass uses the global perspective he developed during his MGA in his work as a consultant
November 4, 2024 by Coby Zucker - A&S News
A&S alum Kevin Lass draws a direct line between his degree from the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and the skills he uses every day as a health care strategy consultant.
In his current role as a senior consultant at Rabin Martin, a global health consulting firm based in New York City, Lass helps clients develop compelling arguments to encourage governments to change policies aimed at improving patients’ health and well-being. These changes range from setting goals for shorter wait times, simplifying steps in patient care and enhancing access to effective testing and treatments.
“I operate at the intersection of policy, public health and business strategy,” Lass says. “A big chunk of my work deals with policy advocacy and supporting public health, while also achieving our clients’ business objectives.”
One recent example involved Lass supporting a workshop hosted by a client along with two non-profit groups with the ultimate goal of addressing the high prevalence of hepatitis C in prisons. The workshop brought together international researchers and clinicians, community advocates and individuals with lived experiences with the disease.
“Following this workshop, we were able to develop 10 different calls to action to policymakers to accelerate hepatitis C elimination in prisons,” Lass says. “It was an eye opener to hear some of the lived experiences patients with hepatitis faced in prisons. It gave me a new perspective on how solving the hepatitis C epidemic in prisons could have a major impact on eliminating the disease in broader communities.”
It’s common for Lass to fall back on lessons he learned at Munk in his daily work. He remembers a final project for a class, Government Relations in a Changing Global Economy taught by Marc Dupont — a former sessional lecturer at Munk — that involved a two-minute elevator pitch advocating for a policy change on behalf of an organization. “I was able to defend that pitch on the spot from classmates pressing me with tough questions,” Lass says. “Those are the types of skills I use every day.”
Working on numerous team-based projects within a cohort of 80 people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives gave me countless opportunities to think creatively and experiment with new ways of working with my classmates.
After graduating, Lass gained experience in the public sphere as a policy advisor to Ontario’s Minister of Health. He soon experienced the multidisciplinary approach emphasized at Munk — integrating economics, politics and public policy to tackle different challenges facing the province, from patients receiving health care in hospital hallways to managing various aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“One lesson I brought from that degree is bringing a global perspective to everything I’m doing,” he says. “It encourages me to consider how different regions address similar health issues, allowing me to adapt and apply those best practices to local contexts.”
These days, Lass is still involved in the Munk alumni network, mentoring students when he can. He says he’s frequently approached by current students as well as alumni who are interested in health policy, government and the private sector.
Since relocating from Toronto to New York City for his work, he’s enjoyed getting to see what the city has to offer.
“It's a global city, very diverse with both a strong LGBT+ community and strong Jewish community that I'm involved in,” Lass says.
In his free time, Lass enjoys traveling and training for triathlons and marathons with his partner. He recently ran the New York City Marathon, racing with New York Road Runners Team for Kids charity, which supports youth and community programs in the city.
