Kavelle Christie

Kavelle Christie is a Jamaican-born health policy expert, strategist, and the Founder and CEO of Orion 360 Health, LLC, a healthcare policy and strategy firm advancing systems-level solutions through advocacy, education, and reform. Her work has shaped state and federal maternal health legislation, expanded access to doula care, and built bridges between communities and policy. A former journalist and registered lobbyist, Kavelle brings a rare blend of media savvy, political strategy, and community-rooted vision to every table. Her leadership was recognized by Business Insider in 2023 as one of 30 Leaders Under 40 Changing Healthcare, by Becker’s Healthcare in 2024 as a Black Healthcare Leader to Know, and by Black Leaders Worldwide in 2025 as one of their Women to Watch.

Kavelle’s impact stretches across multiple states and sectors—from local municipalities to Capitol Hill—where she has led campaigns, drafted policy, and mobilized communities to drive lasting change. At the Rhode Island State House, she spearheaded advocacy that laid the groundwork for the nation’s first law requiring both private insurance and Medicaid to cover doula services. She has supported efforts behind the federal Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and has helped shape narrative and strategy for national coalitions pushing for Medicaid reform, contraceptive equity, and maternal health justice. Her insights have been featured in BBC, Forbes, Newsweek, The Globe and Mail and other international media outlets, where she continues to connect the dots between policy, power, and people.

Through Orion 360 Health, LLC, Kavelle now leads public affairs and policy efforts that simplify healthcare policy and regulatory strategy: advising mission-driven leaders, briefing media, and building tools that help advocates speak with clarity, conviction, and courage. She serves on the board of Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island and is a member of the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS). Kavelle holds an MSc. in Global Health from the University of Manchester, a member of the Russell Group—the UK’s leading association of research-intensive universities often regarded as the British equivalent of the Ivy League, grounding her leadership in both analytical precision and the power of language to move the world.

Sub-specialties:

Policy & Regulatory Strategy:
Medicaid policy and regulatory analysis
Reproductive and maternal health policy
Healthcare financing and reimbursement structures
Abortion law and state shield policy
FDA oversight and health tech regulation
340B and pharmaceutical pricing

Advocacy & Communications:
Legislative and campaign strategy
Strategic messaging and public affairs
Narrative development for health justice
Coalition-building and community-led organizing
Media relations and thought leadership strategy
Digital advocacy and civic engagement

Equity & Innovation:
U.S. health disparities and systemic barriers
Immigrant and diaspora-centered policy design
SRHR equity and reproductive justice
Traditional and alternative medicine in marginalized communities
Health misinformation/disinformation response
Innovation in maternal and contraceptive care access

Cross-Sector Experience:
International development and global health (esp. Caribbean)
Disaster and emergency health systems (including climate resilience)
Strategic advising to mission-driven startups
Coaching for executive communications and leadership
Predictive analytics and healthcare system forecasting