Awards and Recognition
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These individuals are recognized for playing an important role during the President’s tenure. Whether it was offered guidance, mentorship, friendship, or providing support, these individuals helped each AHLA President accomplish their goals and serve AHLA in the best way possible.
Terrie Kopson: For her unconditional love, never-ending support, and constant encouragement. From nursing sick fur babies while I was at conferences, to postponing vacation activities while I participated in AHLA meetings, and serving as Chief Imposter Syndrome Slayer, my beloved wife of forty-three years has been by my side every step of my AHLA journey, has attended more Annual Meetings than many AHLA members, and has unequivocally demonstrated you cannot keep a good woman down.
Lisa Hathaway: For her mentorship, encouragement, and infectious enthusiasm. Lisa invited me to not only participate in an HMOs and Health Plans (now Payers, Plans, and Managed Care “PPMC”) Practice Group leadership meeting but to also offer my suggestions for the PG’s name change, despite me lacking a formal leadership position and knowing none of its actual leaders. Not content with that initial involvement, Lisa insisted that I co-present with her for my first ever AHLA speaking engagement, become the Managed Care Contracting Affinity Group leader, and follow in her footsteps as PPMC Membership Vice-Chair. She has been a constant mentor and champion and instilled in me my sincere desire to pay it forward to newer health law professionals.
Avery Schumacher: For her incredible service as the Early Career Professional Board Delegate and confirmation that our Association will be in good hands with the coming generation of leaders. I have had the honor of working with Avery during her two-year Board Delegate term and seeing first-hand the exuberance and dedication she brings to every task, all while demonstrating confidence and professional maturity beyond her years. Her contributions to the inaugural Leadership and Career Development Program have been both invaluable and impressive.
S. Craig Holden: For his sage advice and demonstrating by his words and actions what true leadership looks like. As a young government lawyer on the dais at the Fraud & Abuse Conference his mastery of substantive law was readily apparent. Fast forward three decades and Craig led us through the initial chaos of COVID 19 with a steady hand and admirable gravitas. Throughout the entire time I have known him, Craig has always been willing to listen without judgement and—only if requested—to offer perspective and encouragement.
Mark also extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Directors with whom he served on the Board over the past eight years; AHLA’s many leaders, volunteers, and members who have shared their time, talent, and treasure so selflessly; and to the incredibly talented, hardworking, and dedicated AHLA staff—both public facing and behind the scenes—whose efforts, advice, encouragement, and support have made AHLA his welcoming and nurturing professional home for nearly 39 years.
Elisabeth Belmont: for serving Asha's very first AHLA Mentor and providing tremendous encouragement and guidance throughout Asha's AHLA journey.
Tom Hyatt: for supporting Asha's presidential priority of effective governance by providing education around best practices of high performing boards.
Trish Markus: for serving as a wonderful role model and sounding board as Asha navigated her presidency.
Tom Shorter: for generously providing advice and counsel as Asha led numerous initiatives in furtherance of our association's Strategic Plan.
Eric Zimmerman: for advancing Asha's presidential priority of supporting the next generation of health law professionals and inspiring others to do the same.
Brian Dobbins: for his loving support, unparalleled bunny dad skills, and wearing the WBF shirt in public.
Marilyn Lamar: for her ongoing mentorship, fabulous wit, and excellent perspective.
Robert L. Wilson, Jr.: for his dependability, career mentorship, and following his instincts.
Anne Hoover: for her can-do spirit, friendship, and proficiency.
Amy Leopard: for her sunny attitude, persistence, and shared love of wine.
Stacey Shorter: for her unwavering love, support and guidance.
Christine Borne: for her organization, loyalty, and ability to keep me headed in the right direction.
Carrie Noonan: for her loyalty, tenacity, and team spirit.
Ralph Topinka: for his friendship, career guidance, and mentoring.
Emily Morris: for her attention to detail, organization, and patience.