New England Society for Healthcare Communications
While NESHCo acknowledges the many healthcare professionals who skillfully perform their duties every day, the Evans F. Houghton award is designed to reward those contributions that rise ‘above and beyond’ the norm. This prestigious award recognizes leaders whose dedication have not only advanced their organizations but also set new standards of excellence within the industry. Recipients of this award are celebrated for their visionary impact, influential work, and service as a role model to their peers.
Learn more about the lifetime achievement award namesake and founding member of NESHCo, Evans F. Houghton.
There are four general categories for which nominees can be considered for the Evans Houghton Award. While it is not a requirement for nominees to be “exemplary” in all areas, nominations are strengthened when evidence is presented that shows “above and beyond” performance in multiple categories.
This section examines the contributions that a nominee has made to the organization, either in a leadership role or as a participant in NESHCo.
On local, state and/or national level. This category recognizes nominees who have made significant contributions to further the profession.
This section examines how the nominee has given back to the profession in ways such as teaching and mentoring that are not part of her/his expected job responsibilities.
This category recognizes nominees who have pioneered new approaches to PR, marketing and communications or have contributed to ethical or procedural changes that have elevated the profession and have demonstrated that he/she boldly challenged herself/himself and peers to excel and meet the highest standards of conduct, professionalism and performance.
All nominations are reviewed by a panel of past Evans Houghton Award recipients and overseen by the NESHCo Board of Directors.
NOMINATIONS DUE FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2026 AT 5:00PM
Completed applications must be submitted online. All applications must be submitted as a package and must include the following components:
Recommendations: Two written recommendations, preferably with one from the candidate’s CEO or direct, executive-level supervisor.
Justification: Nominators must submit a detailed narrative justifying the nominee’s credentials for the award.
Supporting Materials: Nominations are strengthened when accompanied by materials such as a resume, biography, press clippings, list of accomplishments, and awards.
2025 Jeff Steblea
2024 David Reilly
2023 Jeff Evans
2020 Suzanne Spruce
2018 Dan Dunlop
2017 Shawn Mawhiney
2015 John F. Looney
2014 May Kernan, APR
2012 Keith Fontaine
2011 Helayne Lightstone
2010 Thomas Link
2008 Kathleen Tarbox, APR
2006 Thomas Hanley, APR
2005 Wayne L. Clark
2004 Keith J. O’Connor
2003 Jim Rattray
2002 Gina M. Balkus, APR
2001 Greg Goodman
2000 Joanne Donaghue
1999 Sally Vallance
1998 Mary Helen Wheeler
1996 James H. Shiels
1994 Joseph W. Bradley
1993 Owen J. McNamara
1992 Beverly A. Rutherford
1990 Elizabeth Sloan
1989 James W. Peters
1988 Richard Pozniak
1987 Robert J. Ristino
1985 Seth Ames
1984 Nancy Rowett
1983 Paul Taylor
1982 Patricia Elder
1981 Donald Giller
1980 Caroline Harrison
1979 Stephen Gelineau
1979 Robert Sheffield
1978 Rosabelle Tifft
1977 Thruston Hammer
1976 John Lew
1975 Whitney Jacobs