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NASHP Awards
As part of our mission to support states in the development of policies that promote and sustain healthy people and communities and advance high quality, affordable health care, NASHP recognizes exceptional state leaders through our Academy and Rising Star Awards. These Awards are selected by our Academy members and are presented at our Annual Conference.
Academy Award Recipients
When an individual’s expertise/service warrants special recognition, NASHP may present them with an Academy Award in acknowledgment of their excellence in state health policy.
Wendy Tiegreen (2025, pictured above): For her work and dedication to health policy and leadership in the field of behavioral health with State of Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
View Previous Academy Award Recipients
- Peter Lee (2024): Former Executive Director of Covered California in recognition of his leadership in building the largest state-run individual marketplace in the nation
- Marylou Sudders (2023): For her commitment and dedication to improving the health and well-being of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and New Hampshire residents and her willingness to share her experiences with others in state health policy
- Matt Salo (2022): For vision, passion, leadership, and advocacy in creating a strong voice for state Medicaid leaders as a group and in national discussions
- The State of Washington (2019): For consistent, collaborative leadership in health reform and for enacting the nation’s first public option, recognizing: Jane Beyer, Eileen Cody, MaryAnne Lindeblad, Pam MacEwan, Jason McGill, and Mich’l Needham
- Greg Moody (2018): For extraordinary and unflappable leadership to advance innovative state health policy
- Anne Barry (2017): In recognition of outstanding leadership as NASHP Chair
- Neva Kaye (2016): For unflagging loyalty and dedication to the work of NASHP
- Alan Weil (2015): In recognition of your vision and leadership to NASHP
- Cindy Mann (2014): For extraordinary service to Medicaid and it’s federal-state partnership
- Mary Kennedy (2014): For leadership in state health policy and service to NASHP
- Eugene Lewit (2013): For outstanding national leadership in improving health coverage for children
- Robert Mollica (2008): For service to NASHP
- James R. Tallon (2007): For sustained, effective leadership promoting excellence in state health policy and practice
- John McDonough (Award Date N/A): For outstanding leadership in improving access to health care in Massachusetts and across the country
- Jim Bernstein (Award Date N/A): For a lifetime of contributions to improve rural health in North Carolina and across the country
- Trish Riley (Award Date N/A): For years of dedicated service and leadership as NASHP’s Executive Director
- Tom Hamilton (Award Date N/A): For advancing home and community-based services at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- Steve Schroeder (Award Date N/A): President of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: For excellence in state health policy and practice
- Janet Olszewski (Award Date N/A): For service to NASHP
- Barbara Yondorf (Award Date N/A): For service to NASHP
- Debbie Chang (Award Date N/A): For building the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), in collaboration with states
- Barbara Matula (Award Date N/A): In recognition as the first Chair of NASHP’s Academy
- Rick Curtis (Award Date N/A): In recognition as NASHP’s Founder
Rising Star Award Recipients
NASHP recognizes new state health policy professionals working for state governments with the Rising Star Award. This award promotes the accomplishments of those working in the field with seven years’ experience or less who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to promoting good state health policy.
Allegra Hernandez (2025, pictured above), Fiscal Analyst, New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee
View Previous Rising Star Award Recipients
- Elizabeth da Costa (2024), Housing Program Administrator, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
- Yazmin Garcia Rico (2023), Director of Latinx and Hispanic Policy and Strategy, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
- Leilani Russell, MPH (2022) Health Initiatives and Implementation Project Manager, Colorado, Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Insurance
- David Crall (2019), Legislative Analyst, Oklahoma Senate
- Kali Klein, JD (2017) Manager, Medicaid Transformation, Washington State Health Care Authority
- Johanna Fabian-Marks (2016), Special Deputy and Acting Director, Pennsylvania Insurance Department, Bureau of Live, Accident and Health Insurance
- Catherine Gekas Steeby (2015), Administrator II, Nebraska Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care