Over the past nearly 20 years, Ayame Dinkler has applied her passion for advocacy, strategic growth and public policy to advance missions in both the public and private sector. With a wealth of experience in strategic advisory, government affairs, coalition building, brand positioning, and complex regulatory and legislative challenges, Ayame has delivered results for local government, federal government, business, and non-profit organizations.

In 2023, she founded Crane Strategies, LLC to leverage these core competencies and offer insights and solutions to clients facing operational and financial challenges in today’s dynamic business and government environments.

Most recently, Ayame served as Chief Administrative Officer for LCMC Health, a nine hospital, non-profit health system based in New Orleans. While there, she played an executive role in government affairs, regulatory approvals, innovation, strategic partnerships, operations and reimbursement maximization. Highlights of her work include securing a certificate of public advantage to purchase three Tulane University affiliated hospitals, growing state funding for a successful public-private partnership hospital, and obtaining a 95% voter approval outcome to purchase a formerly public hospital, East Jefferson General Hospital. LCMC Health achieved historic growth during her tenure.

Prior to her role at LCMC Health, Ayame was appointed Special Assistant & Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, focusing on shaping policy and stakeholder engagement under the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology and Acting Assistant Secretary of Health, Dr. Karen DeSalvo. Her early career and commitment to public service began with roles in the United States Congress and the City of New Orleans.

Ayame has been recognized for her contributions by national publication Becker’s Hospital Review (Rising Star, 2018) and New Orleans CityBusiness (Healthcare Hero, 2019 and Woman of the Year Nominee, 2021). She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of California San Diego and currently resides in New Orleans.

She is passionate about supporting her local community and currently serves as a board member for several organizations, including:  WWNO Public Radio, Eden Centers for Hope and Healing, New Orleans Building Corporation, Youth Force NOLA, University of New Orleans Research and Technology Foundation, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, and the Anti-Defamation League South Central Chapter.