WASHINGTON (February 5, 2025) – Each year, in collaboration with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), the Geiger Gibson Program in Community Health at the George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health recognizes and celebrates young leaders whose work and dedication have helped further the health center mission of health care and better health for medically underserved people.
The Emerging Leader Award was established in 2007 to showcase the accomplishments of a new generation of health center leaders. Candidates for the awards are nominated by the leaders of their health center, primary care association or network, and awardees are selected by a committee drawn from senior health center movement leadership.
From a highly competitive field of nominees representing organizations across the country, 12 individuals have been awarded this year’s Emerging Leader distinction for accomplishments that exemplify the health center mission and the vision of Drs. H. Jack Geiger and Count Gibson, pioneers for community health and human rights.
“The professionals recognized as Emerging Leaders truly are the future of America’s health center program. We are delighted to recognize their achievements as clinicians, managers, educators, policy advocates and public health experts, and anticipate their exceptional contributions in the years ahead.” Feygele Jacobs, Director of the Geiger Gibson Program at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, said.
Community health centers have grown tremendously over a half-century, expanding their reach into underserved communities over the course of 60 years. In the late 1960s there were just two community health centers, now there are more than 1,400 operating in over 15,500 urban and rural locations across the country. Community health centers are a vital source of health care in under resourced and medically underserved communities and provide culturally competent, community-based care regardless of a patient’s insurance status or ability to pay. Through their diverse and essential work, the Emerging Leaders improve the health and well-being of those in their communities and the more than 32.5 million people nationally who receive care at health centers each year.
“Primary care is a team sport and this year’s Emerging Leaders reflect the talent and diverse skillset required to deliver the high-quality care that distinguishes Community Health Centers from other providers,” NACHC President and CEO Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, said. “Their dedication and commitment are inspiring and an integral reason why CHCs are the best, most innovative, most diverse, and most resilient part of our health system.”
2025 Emerging Leader Award Recipients
Amelia Hersey
Physician Assistant
Penobscot Community Health Center, Inc.
Bangor, ME
Dr. Arsalan Shah
Senior Director of Primary Care & Pharmacy
Central City Concern
Portland, OR
Bridget Magner
Director, Patient Programs and Health Equity
Erie Family Health Centers
Chicago, IL
Bryan Rodriguez
Program Manager, School & Community Programs
Denver Health & Hospital Authority, Denver Community Health Services
Denver, CO
Cally Kamiya Johnson
Director, Operational Excellence
OCHIN, Inc.
Portland, OR
Dr. Chedva Blumenkrantz
Director, Case Management
Lakewood Resource and Referral Center
Lakewood, NJ
Christina Toro
Director of Patient Engagement
Columbia Basin Health Association
Othello, WA
Dilan Herrera
Outreach Worker
Sun River Health
New Paltz, NY
Hannah Hudson
Director of Policy
Maine Primary Care Association
Augusta, ME
Landen Muasau
Director of Provider Relations
Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
Waianae, HI
Leah Woods
Chief Financial Officer
Aviva Health
Roseburg, OR
Dr. Michael Cianca
Eye Services Director
Brockton Neighborhood Health Center
Brockton, MA
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