2026 Awardees
The Montana Environmental Health Association (MEHA) and the Montana Public Health Association (MPHA) annual Awards Ceremony celebrates the people making a difference in communities across Montana. Each year, individuals are nominated and recognized for their service, leadership, and commitment to advancing public and environmental health. Congratulations to our 2026 winners!
MPHA: Distinguished Service
Winner: Wendy Richards, One Health, Custer County
About the Award: this is MPHA’s highest honor, originating from the work of Mary E. Soules, MD, who was Director of the Disease Control Division of the state health department at the time of her unexpected death in 1972. “Dr. Mary” was a friend to all who knew and worked with her and represented the essence of public health. It is fitting that this award be given annually to one person who has exemplified public health principles and practices throughout his or her career in Montana.
Photo: Tammy Jo Douglas (right) accepts the Award on behalf of Wendy Richards from MPHA President Niki Graham (left).
MPHA: Early Impact
Winner: Kelsey Roebling, Big Horn County Health Department
About the Award: This award honors a public health worker who has made an impact in the first 2-5 years of employment in public health. The award was created in 1996 to honor the life of Marlene Stellmon, a public health nurse and nurse consultant who was known for supporting new public health workers during her employment at the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Photo: Kelsey Roebling (center) with nominators Esther Wynne (left) and Kelly Pretty Weasel (right).
MPHA: Exemplary Service, Region 1
Winner: Laureen Murphree, Dawson County Health Department
About the Award: This award honors an individual’s exemplary performance in public health. These awards are given (one per region) to those who provide support and expertise above and beyond what is customary.
Photo: Laureen Murphree.
MPHA: Exemplary Service, Region 5
Winner: Kristin Murphy, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Health
About the Award: This award honors an individual’s exemplary performance in public health. These awards are given (one per region) to those who provide support and expertise above and beyond what is customary.
Photo: Kristin Murphy (left) with MPHA President Niki Graham (right).
MPHA: President’s Award
Winner: Montana Families for Vaccines
About the Award: This award, chosen by the MPHA Executive Board, honors a group of individuals, an organization, or agency whose ongoing work in policy, research, a program, or a project has a significant statewide impact in public health. The MPHA President’s Award was established as a way for public health leadership to show appreciation for ongoing work performed in support of high priority public health issues in Montana.
Photo: Erin Harris, Director at MTFV
MPHA: Exemplary Service, Region 2
Winner: Melissa Snyder, MT State STI Disease Intervention Specialists Program
About the Award: This award honors an individual’s exemplary performance in public health. These awards are given (one per region) to those who provide support and expertise above and beyond what is customary.
Photo: Melissa Snyder (left) with MPHA board member Kristi Aklestad (right).
MEHA: Donald E. Pizzini Outstanding Achievement Award
Winner: Jackie Thompson, Butte-Silver Bow City-County Environmental Health Department
About the Award: awarded to a MEHA member who is new to the field of environmental health having less than eighteen months of service in the field as of July 1, 2008, and is currently a registered Sanitarian. In 1968, Donald E. Pizzini went to work for the Cascade City-County Health Department where he was responsible for creating the Cascade County Pesticide Program, Solid Waste District, and the Air Pollution Control Program.
Photo: Jackie Thompson.
MEHA: Doris Morgan Excellence Award
Winner: Sadie Overlie, Montana DPHHS Environmental Health and Food Safety
About the Award: awarded to a MEHA member who has made a notable and important contribution to the field of environmental health through excellence of leadership and motivational skills
Photo: Sadie Overlie (right) with Bekki Kirsch Wehner
MEHA: Distinguished Service
Winner: Nancy Rangel, Gallatin County Health Department
About the Award: Awarded to an individual or organization outside of MEHA who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of environmental health in Montana.
Photo: MEHA President Damion Lynn, accepting award on behalf of Nancy Rangel.
MEHA: Vernon E. Sloulin, R.S., Rookie of the Year Award
Winner: Eva Magnuson, Fergus County Health Department
About the Award: Vernon E. Sloulin served as Chief of the Food and Consumer Safety Bureau of the Department of Montana Health and Human Services for much of his career. Vern received the prestigious Mangold Award in 1982, NEHA’s highest honor that recognizes the outstanding contributions that environmental health professionals make to public health and safety.
Photo: Eva Magnuson (center) with nominators Darryl Barton (left) and Karenna Doctor (right).
MEHA: William G. Walter Outstanding Sanitarian Award
Winner: Robin Blumberg, Lincoln County Health Department
About the Award: Awarded to a MEHA member who has shown outstanding job performance in the past year. Dr. William G. Walter is one of the founding members of the Montana Environmental Health Association. In 1972, Bill was awarded the Mangold Award, NEHA’s highest honor that recognizes the outstanding contributions that environmental health professionals make to public health and safety.
Photo: Robin Blumberg (right) with nominator Morgan Castilla.
MEHA: Certificate of Recognition
Winner: RaeLynn Rider-Rhines
About the Award: Awarded to an individual or organization deserving of recognition for a special achievement in environmental health or special effort that promotes or supports the work of environmental health.
Photo: RaeLynn Rider-Rhines (right) with fellow MEHA awardee Eva Magnuson (left).