Emerging Leaders
Each year, in collaboration with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), the Geiger Gibson Program recognizes and celebrates young colleagues with Emerging Leaders awards presented during NACHC’s Policy and Issues Forum, in Washington, D.C. The awards celebrate young leaders whose specific work has helped further the health center mission of health care and better health for medically underserved patients, communities, and special populations. Nominees include those working across the health center movement – at community and farmworker health centers and health centers whose operations cover health care for the homeless or public housing programs, as well as health center networks and state or regional primary care associations. Candidates for the awards are nominated by their organization’s leadership, and awardees are selected by a committee drawn from the Geiger Gibson Distinguished Visitor Program.
"Our Emerging Leaders reflect the enormous range of talented young people who have made a career in the health center family and personify the enduring strength of health centers," said Sara Rosenbaum, JD, the Harold and Jane Hirsh Professor of Health Law and Policy, Milken Institute School of Public Health, and founder of the Geiger Gibson Program.
Feygele Jacobs, former President and CEO of the RCHN Community Health Foundation and now Director of the Geiger Gibson Program added, "The Emerging Leaders selected each year represent the future of health centers. The policy and program advocates, clinicians, health educators, and clinic administrators recognized each year truly will become the next generation of senior leaders."
>> Update: The nomination period for the 2025 Emerging Leader Awards is now CLOSED.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND AWARD SELECTION CRITERIA
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for the Emerging Leader award, the nominee must meet all of the following requirements:
- Is currently working at a community or farmworker health center, primary care association (PCA) or health center-controlled network (HCCN);
- Has worked at the health center, PCA, or HCCN for at least one year;
- Is not older than 35; and
- Is not the Executive Director/CEO/President of the organization
Award Criteria:
The Emerging Leader Award is designed to highlight and share the accomplishments of exceptional young colleagues working in the health center movement, whether in a health center, PCA, or HCCN. The awards celebrate young leaders whose specific work has helped further the health center mission of accessible, affordable health care and better health for medically underserved patients, communities, and special populations. We welcome nominations of staff in all positions, roles, and disciplines across the organization. The program considers the full range of community health center/network/PCA activities, operations, and candidate accomplishments, with particular emphasis on the following criteria:
- The nominee’s work accomplishments do not simply fulfill their responsibilities, but go above and beyond what is expected, evidencing their leadership capabilities;
- The nominee has lived experience that is reflective of the populations and communities served by the organization;
- The nominee’s efforts are useful to and transferable to other health centers and help advance the overall status of health centers within the health care system;
- The nominee recognizes and demonstrates the “community” aspect of “community health center” through engagement and collaboration with other organizations and community members;
- The nominee has displayed a sense of personal motivation by advancing within their organization in a short time and/or pursuing educational opportunities in a related field.
For more information, please contact the Geiger Gibson Program at [email protected] with any questions.