FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Minnesota Public Health Association Announces 2026 Public Health Award Recipients

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- June 2026 --The Minnesota Public Health Association (MPHA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Public Health Awards, recognizing outstanding leaders, practitioners, advocates, and students whose contributions have strengthened public health, advanced health equity, and improved the health and well-being of communities across Minnesota.

The annual awards honor individuals who exemplify excellence in public health practice, leadership, research, advocacy, environmental health, and community engagement.

"Each year, MPHA recognizes individuals whose work reflects the best of public health," said MPHA President Melanie Ferris. "This year's recipients have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to improving health outcomes, advancing equity, strengthening public health systems, and mentoring future generations of public health leaders."

2026 MPHA Award Recipients

Albert Justus Chesley Award
Kristin Moore

The Albert Justus Chesley Award honors an individual who has distinguished themselves in the field of public health and, through their membership, made a significant contribution to MPHA.

Kristin Moore has been a dedicated leader within MPHA since joining as a student intern for the Membership Committee in 2012. Over more than a decade of service, she has contributed as a leader, organizer, mentor, and advocate, ultimately serving as MPHA President and Immediate Past President. Kristin has helped expand MPHA’s reach, engage a broader public health audience, develop innovative programming, and elevate the association’s visibility at the national level. In addition to her service to MPHA, she has distinguished herself through her contributions to public health research and practice.

B. Robert Lewis Award
Representative Robert Bierman

The B. Robert Lewis Award recognizes an elected official who has demonstrated an aggressive pursuit of health as a human right and worked to secure optimal community and personal health.

As Co-Chair of the Minnesota House Health Finance and Policy Committee, Representative Robert Bierman has played a central role in advancing policies that improve the health of Minnesotans. His leadership has helped enact landmark legislation, including paid family and medical leave and prior authorization reform, reducing barriers to care and improving access to health services. Representative Bierman has also been a strong advocate for lowering prescription drug costs and ensuring that healthcare systems remain equitable, responsive, and accessible. His persistence, leadership, and commitment to public service exemplify the spirit of the award.

Harvey G. Rogers Environmental Health Leadership Award
Tannie Eshenaur

The Harvey G. Rogers Environmental Health Leadership Award honors an individual who, through years of dedication, distinguished service, and technical contributions, has promoted public health through environmental protection.

Tannie Eshenaur, Manager of the Water Policy Center at the Minnesota Department of Health, is recognized for more than 44 years of contributions to environmental health in Minnesota and more than a decade of work in Ethiopia. Throughout her career, she has been a tireless advocate for safe drinking water, helping elevate drinking water priorities through the Clean Water Council and Clean Water Fund. She has championed the use of social science to improve environmental health outcomes, advocated for Minnesota’s 1.2 million private well users, mentored future public health professionals, and helped secure more than $8 million to support private well education, testing, and mitigation efforts. Her work has directly improved the health and safety of communities throughout Minnesota.

Laura Waterman Wittstock Racial Justice and Health Equity Award
Sarah Brokenleg

The Laura Waterman Wittstock Racial Justice and Health Equity Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing racial justice and health equity.

Sarah Brokenleg, Lead American Indian Community Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Health, has dedicated more than 20 years to supporting Tribal Nations through community-based participatory research, public health practice, and program development. An enrolled member of the Sicangu Oyate (Rosebud Lakota Sioux Tribe) and a Santee Dakota descendant, Sarah brings a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to her work. She supports Tribal SHIP, Tribal Tobacco, and Urban American Indian Commercial Tobacco-Free Communities initiatives while overseeing Tribal technical assistance and training. Sarah’s leadership extends beyond her professional role through volunteer service, statewide and national presentations, scholarly publications, and advisory board participation. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing racial justice, Indigenous health, and health equity.

Paul and Sheila Wellstone Public Health Achievement Award
Jeanne Ayers

The Paul and Sheila Wellstone Public Health Achievement Award honors individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions to public health and whose leadership has inspired others while advancing innovation and public service.

Jeanne Ayers is recognized for more than 30 years of public health leadership dedicated to ensuring that the conditions necessary for health are available to everyone, everywhere. Throughout her distinguished career, Jeanne has shaped policy, advanced public health practice, and mentored future leaders. Her leadership roles have included Wisconsin State Health Officer, Assistant Commissioner and Chief Health Equity Strategist at the Minnesota Department of Health, and founder of the Centers for Public Health Education and Outreach at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. Jeanne was instrumental in developing the landmark report, Advancing Health Equity in Minnesota: A Report to the State Legislature. In 2020, she founded Healthy Democracy Healthy People, a national coalition promoting civic participation as a pathway to improved health outcomes. Her work has expanded the boundaries of public health and demonstrated the powerful connection between democracy, community engagement, and health.

MPHA Student Achievement Awards

• Joehy Dagher
• Alyssa Olson
• Jasmine Koch

The MPHA Student Achievement Award recognizes graduate students who demonstrate leadership and commitment to improving the health of individuals, families, and communities.

Joehy Dagher, an MPH student at St. Catherine University, has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a Senior Research Coordinator, leading work on an 1115 Medicaid Expansion Waiver for incarcerated individuals and contributing to innovative research on opioid use disorder treatment and healthcare access following incarceration. Joehy’s work has elevated the voices of people with lived experience and advanced evidence-based approaches to improving health outcomes among vulnerable populations.

Alyssa Olson and Jasmine Koch, MPH students at St. Catherine University, are recognized for their leadership within the Cross-Campus Food Access Coalition (CFAC). Through research, advocacy, and direct service, they have illuminated the often-overlooked issue of food insecurity among students attending private universities. Their work has challenged assumptions about student need, elevated food sovereignty as a public health issue, and influenced university leadership. Together, they have demonstrated collaborative leadership, scholarship, and a commitment to advancing health equity and student well-being.

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About the Minnesota Public Health Association

Founded in 1907, the Minnesota Public Health Association is a statewide membership organization dedicated to advancing public health practice, leadership, advocacy, research, and health equity. MPHA brings together public health professionals, students, researchers, educators, policymakers, and community partners to improve the health and well-being of all people connected to Minnesota.

For more information about MPHA, upcoming events, and membership opportunities, visit www.mpha.net.

Media Contact:
Minnesota Public Health Association
info@mpha.net
www.mpha.net