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NESHCo

New England Society for Healthcare Communications

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    • Home
    • MEMBERSHIP
      • ABOUT MEMBERSHIP
      • Join A Committee
      • MEMBER AREA SIGN IN
    • CONFERENCE
      • 2025 Conference
      • Registration
      • Sponsors & Exhibitors
    • AWARDS
      • Lamplighter Awards
      • Evans F. Houghton Award
    • Resources
      • Webinars
      • Blog
      • JOB BANK
      • NESHCo News
      • Calendar
    • ABOUT US
      • About
      • Board of Directors
      • Committees
      • SHSMD Chapter
NESHCo

New England Society for Healthcare Communications

  • Home
  • MEMBERSHIP
    • ABOUT MEMBERSHIP
    • Join A Committee
    • MEMBER AREA SIGN IN
  • CONFERENCE
    • 2025 Conference
    • Registration
    • Sponsors & Exhibitors
  • AWARDS
    • Lamplighter Awards
    • Evans F. Houghton Award
  • Resources
    • Webinars
    • Blog
    • JOB BANK
    • NESHCo News
    • Calendar
  • ABOUT US
    • About
    • Board of Directors
    • Committees
    • SHSMD Chapter

Evans F. Houghton Award

Recognizes exemplary performance in, and significant contributions to, the field of healthcare public relations, marketing and 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.

ABOUT EVANS F. HOUGHTON

Learn more about the lifetime achievement award namesake and founding member of NESHCo, Evans F. Houghton.

Award Criteria

Who Should be Nominated

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.

Contributions (in scope and time) to NESHCo

This section examines the contributions that a nominee has made to the organization, either in a leadership role or as a participant in NESHCo.

Contributions, exemplary performance in healthcare PR, marketing and communications

On local, state and/or national level. This category recognizes nominees who have made significant contributions to further the profession.

Accessibility/support to PR, communications & marketing practitioners w/out thought of personal gain

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.

Challenged herself/himself and peers

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. 

Photo Gallery

    Call for Nominations

    Application Requirements

    NOMINATIONS DUE FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025 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.



    Nomination form

    PAST WINNERS

    2006-Present

    2006-Present

    2006-Present

    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


    1990-2005

    2006-Present

    2006-Present

     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


    1975-1989

    2006-Present

    1975-1989

    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

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