Awards
Each year, RISE recognizes two esteemed health care professionals for making a significant impact on the health care industry
The RISE Trailblazer Award
In the spirit of the RISE mission to drive meaningful impact in the health care industry, the RISE Trailblazer Award honors outstanding innovation, leadership, and dedication. This prestigious accolade celebrates an individual who has made a significant difference in the lives of America’s seniors by introducing groundbreaking ideas, driving transformative change in the industry or community, and setting an inspiring example through courage, creativity, and determination. Inspired by the legacy of the late Dr. Martin L. Block, this award pays tribute to his enduring passion for transforming the health care system and his tireless efforts to inspire positive change.
Formerly known as The Dr. Martin L. Block Award for Innovation & Excellence, the RISE Trailblazer Award is presented to an esteemed nominee each year at RISE National.
2025 Award Recipient
Shannon Wilson
VP, Population Health and Health Equity
Priority Health
The 2025 award recipient is Shannon Wilson, VP of population health and health equity at Priority Health. She was chosen for pioneering health equity leadership, transforming care with data-driven solutions, advancing quality improvement across diverse populations, bridging the gap between health and race, and driving impact beyond industry. Her nomination highlights her unwavering passion for enhancing the health and well-being of everyone she serves. Commended for serving as an expert on the intersection between health and race, Wilson has led several initiatives aimed at improving the health care experience for vulnerable populations. In addition to her work at the health plan, Wilson is an active leader in the industry and community.
Past Award Recipients
- 2024: Dr. Amy Boutwell, Founder and President, Collaborative Healthcare Strategies
- 2023: Elizabeth Haynes, Director of Risk Adjustment and Stars for Government Programs, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City (BlueKC)
- 2022: Dr. Tiffany C Pankow, Associate Chief Medical Officer, HonorHealth Medical Group
- 2021: Dr. Heather O'Toole, Chief Medical Officer, Innovation Care Partners
- 2020: Frontline Workers Who Died During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- 2019: Mark Dambro, M.D., Senior Vice President of Health Informatics, Signify Health
- 2018: Dr. Manjusri Vennamaneni, Chief Medical Director and Chief Quality Director, Access Health Care Physicians, LLC
- 2017: Michelle Lupoli, RN
- 2016: Dr. John Broderick
- 2015: Dr. James M. Taylor
- 2014: Dr. Martin L. Block
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The RISE Health Care Hero Award
RISE is pleased to present the RISE Health Care Hero Award to an esteemed nominee who has made a significant impact on the lives of underserved populations through health care and/or social services interventions, and through superior example of the RISE mission to promote health equity among all patients.
2025 Award Recipient
Dr. Deborah Villaneuva, DSW, MSW, LCSW
Mental Health Clinical Supervisor
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
The 2025 RISE Health Care Hero Award goes to Dr. Deborah Villanueva, Mental Health Clinical Supervisor at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. She was honored for her commitment to supporting individuals and families facing the challenges of mental health, trauma, and systemic inequities. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Villanueva has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes for underserved populations through innovative mental health care and education. She advocates for accessible mental health services, designs community-based interventions, and leads clinician groups in cultural humility and best practices. Passionate about social justice, gender inclusivity, and mental health advocacy, Dr. Villanueva leverages her lived experience to drive systemic change and promote early intervention.
Past Award Recipients
- 2024: Dr. Kimberlee Wyche Etheridge, Primary Care Provider and Assistant Professor at Meharry Medical College & Sr. VP Health Equity and Diversity Initiatives at ASTHO
- 2023: Rick Whitted, CEO, U.S. Hunger
- 2022: Mariam Merced, MA, Director, RWJUH Community Health Promotions, New Brunswick, Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health