Delora Sanchez Ifekauche, Esq.

Principal and Director
Annapolis, Maryland

Delora Sanchez Ifekauche, Esq.

Principal and Director
Annapolis, Maryland

Quick Facts

  • Created the first trade association of Maryland’s nine Medicaid MCOs and served as Director and principal lobbyist for the MCOs who are responsible for providing health care to 1.6 million Marylanders enrolled in the Medicaid HealthChoice program
  • Provides strategic consulting and lobbying to the Maryland Hospital Association and its 60 hospitals
  • Lobbied for the passage of legislation on behalf of ZERO to Prostate Cancer making Maryland the second state in America to eliminate cost-sharing for prostate cancer screening
  • Named 2020 Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE)

Delora's Bio

Delora Sanchez Ifekauche, Esq., is an accomplished professional with a distinguished career in government affairs, lobbying, and healthcare consulting. With a background in state legislative and regulatory issues, Delora has played a pivotal role in shaping healthcare policies and advocating for the well-being of Maryland residents.

Delora’s notable achievements include founding the Maryland MCO Association, the first trade association of Maryland’s nine Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). Serving as the association’s executive director for two years, she spearheaded efforts to shape policies affecting 1.6 million Marylanders enrolled in the Medicaid HealthChoice program. In recognition of her contributions, Delora was named the 2020 Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE).

Currently, Delora is an integral member of Cornerstone. In addition to her work as a principal and director in the Mid-Atlantic Annapolis office, Delora also serves on the Cornerstone Board of Directors and the Cornerstone DEI team. Her client portfolio includes hospitals, managed care organizations, pharmaceutical manufacturers, cannabis companies, county governments, local municipalities, and private sector special interests.

Prior to joining Cornerstone, Delora spent nearly a decade representing Johns Hopkins University and Medical System’s interests in various governmental and administrative capacities. She has been instrumental in securing state funding for clients and influencing policies affecting the energy sector, Medicaid, insurance markets, the Maryland Waiver, cannabis, medical liability, prescription drug pricing, pharmacy benefit management, and human subjects’ research.

Delora’s impressive background includes a Juris Doctor degree with a concentration in Health Law from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, as well as an undergraduate degree in healthcare management from Towson University. She is licensed to practice law in Maryland and the District of Columbia and holds a DEI certification from Stanford University.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Delora actively engages in community service and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Her accomplishments have garnered recognition from various organizations, such as the Daily Record, where she was named one of Maryland’s 40 Most Powerful in Government and Lobbying in 2022 and 2023. Named a Top Lobbyist in 2020 by the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics; Delora was also honored as a Women Who Lead in 2020, a VIP 40 under 40 in 2017, and a Leading Woman in 2013.

Delora is a resident of Howard County, where she resides with her family. With her extensive expertise and commitment to making a positive impact, Delora continues to be a driving force in the healthcare and legislative landscape.

Services

Expertise

Education

JD, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, BS, Towson University

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