The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) is proud to announce the winners of its 2025 Impact Awards, presented during the Association's Annual Business Meeting on Sept. 11.
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NACDD's Annual Impact Awards celebrate diverse and innovative approaches being used to address chronic disease across our nation, from advancing data modernization to improving preventive screening outreach to expanding access to care. Together, the honorees demonstrate the power of public health leadership in building healthier communities nationwide.
“The Impact Awards are one of the most meaningful traditions we have as an Association,” said NACDD Interim CEO Jeanne Alongi, DrPH, MPH. “They spotlight the extraordinary work of our Members-whether leading on the national stage, strengthening communities, or innovating behind the scenes. This year's honorees remind us that progress in chronic disease prevention is made real through the commitment of public health workers who show up, often under immense pressure, and at times controversy, to improve lives.”
Nominations for the awards come from NACDD Members and are reviewed by a committee of the Association's Board of Directors. This year's committee was chaired by At Large Director Barbara Wallace (New York) and included Lainey Faulkner (Kansas), David Hoffman (New York), Kimberly McDonald (North Carolina), and Ashley Minaei (Alaska).
“What stood out to me about this year's awardees is not just their accomplishments, but the way they've brought others along with them,” Dr. Wallace added. “Whether through mentorship, community partnerships, or cross-sector collaboration, these public health leaders are ensuring that their impact is lasting and shared. Though it's no surprise, it's always inspiring to see the passion, dedication, and fortitude of so many in our profession.”
This year's honorees are:
Community Impact Award (Chronic Disease Unit) Sage Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division Minnesota Department of Health, and partners
Community Impact Award (Individual) Yvonka M. Hall Executive Director Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition
Community Impact Award (Individual) Terri Swartout School Health Coordinator Minnesota Department of Education
Health for All Award Casey Eastman Deputy Director Office of Family and Community Health Improvement Washington State Department of Health
Chronic Disease Innovator Award Long Covid Team Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division Minnesota Department of Health
Data Systems Change Leadership Award (Team) Minnesota's Chronic Disease Data Modernization Team Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Data Systems Change Leadership Award (Individual) Katie Zimmerman Senior Business Analyst Utah Department of Health and Human Services
Joseph W. Cullen Excellence Award Maurizio Nichele Retired GI Surgeon and Program Director of the colorectal cancer screening program at the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections
Rising Star Award Courtney Ramsey-Coleman Healthy Eating and Nutrition Security Coordinator Division of Public Health North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Mentor Award Julie Sergeant Deputy Bureau Director, Bureau of Health Promotion Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Lifetime Achievement Award Ruth PetersenFormer Director (retired) Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Contact: Stacey Evans, sevans@chronicdisease.org
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SOURCE National Association of Chronic Disease Directors
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