Top Boehner aide leaves Capitol Hill

A top aide to Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) is leaving Capitol Hill to join America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the group announced Monday. 

Brendan Buck will leave the Speaker’s office to become spokesman and vice president of communications at AHIP, which represents thousands of healthcare providers. 

Buck starts at AHIP on Wednesday.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the AHIP team, and couldn’t be more excited for the challenge. This is an industry going through an unprecedented transition, and health plans need as strong a voice as ever as they seek to provide Americans affordable, quality private coverage,” Buck said in AHIP’s announcement.

{mosads}Buck has served as Boehner’s press secretary for more than three years.

In a statement Monday, Boehner said Buck was an “absolutely crucial part” of the GOP’s takeover of the House in 2010.

“Brendan’s experience and skill set will allow him to hit the ground running on day one. He’s an effective communicator who knows how to tackle complex policy issues and skillfully navigate an ever-changing health care and media environment. We are delighted to welcome him to our team,” AHIP President and CEO Karen Ignagni said.

Buck took a leave of absence from Boehner’s leadership office in 2012 to join the Romney presidential campaign as press secretary to then-vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). 

Before joining the Speaker’s office, Buck served as communications director for the Republican Study Committee and Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), and as spokesman at the National Republican Congressional Committee.