Cynthia F. Alpert

Ms. Alpert was a native of New Jersey and resident of Reading, PA before moving to the Washington area in 1965. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Oberlin College in 1977 and a master’s degree in social work from Catholic University in 1982. She spent a year in Brussels Belgium as an AFS foreign exchange student after graduating from McLean High School in 1972.

Ms. Alpert was a senior professional staff member for health care policy, programs and legislation for the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs from 1982-1987. She worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in their national headquarters from 1987-1995. She served on First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Health Care Reform Task Force in 1993. She held the positions of special assistant for health policy and principal speechwriter for the Deputy Secretary. She also was the Director of Health Policy, Executive Assistant and Legislative Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning.

Ms. Alpert championed access to health care for Veterans who were poor, elderly or chronically ill. She was an advocate for care in the community and home care long before assisted living facilities became in vogue. Trying to balance the more expensive care of hospital patients with the more labor intensive care in the home, Ms. Alpert was often going against the tide in legislative initiatives and budget decisions. “Poor people do not have high paid lobbyists to organize and fight on their behalf,” she insisted.

In 1998 she switched gears entirely and chose a second career working in a woman-owned and operated small, family business. As a saleswoman for B&C Jewelers, LTD in Alexandria, Ms. Alpert enjoyed providing direct customer service to local clients and supporting the independent jewelry store as it successfully competed with malls, chains and stores open “24-7.” “There is nothing like personal service. These folks are experts in gems, custom-made jewelry and the lost art of watchmaking,” she believed.

Many people found it curious that she would go from Federal service to the private sector, but Ms. Alpert found the contrast fascinating and fun. She also enjoyed the performing arts, the beach and her dogs.