Employee Spotlight: Danielle Chiacco

March marks the month where we honor women for their profound contributions to our nation’s history and their ongoing positive influence on society. It’s a time to reflect on the resilience, creativity and leadership that women bring to every aspect of life. In this blog, we get to know Danielle Chiacco, one of the many inspiring women at RELI Group who’ve helped shape our company’s journey. Danielle’s diverse background informs her current role as a Project Manager with RELI Group. In this role, she contributes to the success of the Provider Compliance Group Data Analysis and Statistical Sampling & Overpayment Estimation programs within the CMS Center for Program Integrity.

Danielle Chiacco is a distinguished academic, having earned a Master of Arts in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in International Law and Diplomacy, graduating Cum Laude from the University of Oregon. With a career spanning more than two decades, Danielle is a seasoned professional renowned for her expertise in supporting the federal government, as well as the security, human rights and health sectors. Her portfolio includes roles within institutions such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the U.S. Department of State and the Organization of American States (OAS).

Experience and Research

Danielle’s passion for advocacy has taken her across the globe, supporting development and security in post-conflict societies, advancing women’s health initiatives and promoting organic empowerment methods. Serving as the U.S. Diplomatic Representative in Brazil and the Amazon for the Envision Institute, she delved into critical issues such as threats to indigenous communities, land rights disputes and biodiversity preservation. Danielle’s initiatives prioritized community-driven conflict resolution programs, ensuring the recognition and funding of organic empowerment approaches. Her extensive research spans HIV/AIDS programs, humanitarian aid, preventive healthcare, war trauma and the reintegration of former child soldiers, comparative development, and women’s initiatives. Notably, in Haiti, she collaborated with medical teams, investigating the intersection of rising domestic violence rates and HIV/AIDS. Danielle’s impactful career has led her to reside and work in diverse locations including the Amazon, Brazil, Italy, Spain, South Africa and Haiti. She served alongside U.S. medical and aid teams in Haiti during periods of political turmoil and earthquakes.

Awards and Recognition

For her exceptional contributions to diplomatic security, Danielle was honoured with the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service Merit Award, recognizing her pivotal role in supporting Mobile Security Deployments for Diplomatic Missions across the globe. Her expertise in political and trade affairs garnered further acclaim, earning her the State Department’s Merit Award in support of the OAS Mission & Free Trade Agreements Task Force. Ms. Chiacco’s recent achievements with RELI Group earned her a Ruby GEM Award in 2022 by her Supervisor and Practice Lead in recognition for outstanding support above and beyond normal job duties, recognized for “Jumping in with both feet, always being eager to help, and for making things so much better for her colleagues with her happy and enthusiastic demeanor.”

Advocating for Federal Health Causes

Danielle’s unwavering dedication to health and public policy extends beyond her professional endeavors, as she actively supports critical causes at the federal level. She serves as a passionate advocate for the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) as well as a policy advocate and national and state representative for key legislation such as the Telehealth Modernization Act, Childhood Cancer STAR Act and Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, as well as programs under the Department of Defense and Advanced Projects Research Agency for Health. Notably, both Danielle and her daughter lead by example as team captains during the NBTS Washington, D.C. Annual Brain Tumor Run, embodying their commitment to raising awareness and support for those affected.

At RELI Group, we recognize and celebrate the invaluable role of women in our workplace every single day, not just during this dedicated month. We firmly believe in fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, are empowered to thrive and contribute meaningfully. If you are interested in joining our team of inspiring individuals who champion diversity, visit our website at www.RELIgroupinc.com/careers to explore exciting opportunities!