Celebrating the 2026 Advocate of the Year Honorees
Behind every health center are the people who carry out the mission every day – clinicians, staff, and leaders who bridge the needs of patients with the policies and programs that support them. These advocates don’t stop at delivering services; they show up, speak out, and push for change that strengthens health centers and the communities they serve.
This March, at ACH’s Annual Member Meeting in Washington, D.C., we will honor one of these leaders as ACH’s 2026 Advocate of the Year. This award recognizes an outstanding ACH member who has gone above and beyond, not only through service on committees and at advocacy events, but through meaningful action to drive real results at the state or national level.
ACH is proud to announce our 2026 Advocate of the Year Honorees, a remarkable group of champions helping to shape the future of community health centers and primary care.
2026 Advocate of the Year Honorees
Nekeisha Afful
Chief Business Officer, Morris Heights Health Center (NY)
Chris Bates
Corporate Compliance Officer, Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation (KY & VA)
Brynn Felix
Chief Corporate Affairs & Legal Officer, Peninsula Community Health Services (WA)
Ernest Klepeis
Chief of Government Affairs and Advocacy, Sun River Health (NY)
Ana Melgoza
Vice President of External Affairs, San Ysidro Health (CA)
Lindsey Tippit
Chief Operations Officer, Lone Star Circle of Care (TX)
Chris Vann
Chief Development Officer / Vice President, Development, CommWell Health (NC)
Anthony White
Vice President, Government and Community Affairs, TrueCare (CA)
Ashaki Williams-Burgess
Chief Operations Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer, Tampa Family Health Centers (FL)
What Sets These Advocates Apart
All honorees:
- Are active members of ACH
- Participate in ACH committee work, working groups, or other special advocacy initiatives
- Engage in ACH advocacy events
In addition, honorees have demonstrated meaningful contributions by:
- Achieving successful advocacy outcomes at the state and/or national level
- Advancing ACH’s public policy priorities through action
- Inspiring and motivating colleagues to participate in advocacy efforts.
The 2026 Advocate of the Year will be announced at the ACH Annual Member Meeting, March 10–12 in Washington, D.C. Until then, we invite you to learn more about our past Advocates of the Year and celebrate the leaders who continue to move community health forward.