2025 Heroes in Health Convenes Changemakers, Champions for Older Adults
Published October 7, 2025
“Trust, Empowerment, and Healthy Aging” was the theme of the 2025 Heroes in Health Celebration held September 30. More than 300 policymakers, patient advocates, industry partners, researchers, health education experts, and more filled the iconic Waldorf Astoria, Washington, D.C., to hear important insights and honor four individuals who have made it their life’s purpose to improve the lives of older adults.
The evening kicked off with Conversations with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Since 2013, the Conversations—moderated by the Alliance— have convened leaders from the FDA and CMS. The sessions provide the opportunity to reflect on progress their agencies have made in implementing major policy changes to improve the health of older adults. The event is also an annual opportunity for these leaders to offer their insights on future changes that may positively impact healthcare innovation.
The CMS panel, titled, “How is the Shift to Transparency, Health Outcomes, and Chronic Disease Prevention Going for Older Adults in the Medicare Program?” moderated by Alliance Board Member and President & CEO of Applied Policy Jim Scott, explored how the rising older adult population will have profound social, economic, and health impacts on our nation for decades to come. Discussion focused on an increasing need for care delivery that can provide high quality, accessible, and lower-cost health care to America’s older adults. Panelists included Alec Aramanda, Principal Deputy Director of the Center for Medicare; Christie Bloomquist, JD, MHA, Vice President of U.S. Strategy and Government Affairs at Astellas Pharma; Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League; and Katie Jones, Head of Federal Affairs for AstraZeneca.
The FDA panel, “Aligning Policy with and Aging Population,” examined how traditional hallmarks of scientific rigor like randomized controlled trials and peer-reviewed research can support better health outcomes for older adults, while also exploring where these standards may fall short in addressing the urgent and evolving needs of a rapidly aging population. Moderated by Alliance Board Chair and Omnicom Head of Global Health Accounts, World Enterprise Lead Michele Markus, panelists included Grace Graham, MPP, Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Legislation, and International Affairs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; John Dwyer, President of the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation; Steve Hersch, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President of Clinical Research within Clinical Evidence Generation, Deep Human Biology Learning (CEG, DHBL) at Eisai Inc.; and Alexis Reisin Miller, J.D., Executive Director of Global Regulatory Policy at Merck.
A reception followed the Conversations and provided guests with the opportunity to network and catch up with colleagues. Widely recognized as Washington, D.C.’s signature social event following Congress’ return from its traditional August recess, as one Capitol Hill regular put it, “This is like back-to-school night for Washington’s health policy community – you see everyone here.”
The Annual Awards Dinner followed in the beautiful Waldorf Astoria ballroom. The Alliance welcomed back long-time emcee and master of ceremonies Kevin Rigby, and guests were treated to remarks from Alliance President and CEO Sue Peschin, MHS, and Alliance Board Chair Michele Markus.
Four individuals were honored throughout the evening program for their contributions to advancing the science of human aging and advocacy for older Americans:
Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL) was recognized with the Distinguished Public Service Award. This award is presented each year to a Republican member of Congress who is leading the way for policies encouraging medical research, innovation, and care to benefit Americans as they grow older. This year’s award was presented by Shannon Stehouwer, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Eli Lilly and Company. Dr. Dunn’s Chief of Staff, Sarah Gilbert, accepted the award for him.
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) was recognized with the Claude Pepper Award for Advancing Healthy Aging. This award is presented each year to a Democratic member of Congress who is leading the way for policies encouraging medical research, innovation, and care to benefit Americans as they grow older. The award was presented by Tom Spulak, Chairman and President of The Claude Pepper Foundation.
Foluso A. Fakorede, M.D., Chief Executive Officer at Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi, was recognized with the Silver Innovator Award. This award is presented to an individual who anticipates and embraces the evolution of high-quality research aligned with the needs of older patients. This year’s award was presented by Bobby Patrick, VI, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for AdvaMed.
Georges Benjamin, M.D., Executive Director of the American Public Health Association (APHA), was recognized with the Daniel Perry Founder’s Award. This award is presented to an individual or group who is helping to change the paradigm of how we view aging and well-being as we age. This year’s award was presented by Dan Perry and Susan Polan, Ph.D., Associate Executive Director of Public Affairs and Advocacy for APHA, accepted the award on Dr. Benjamin’s behalf.
Thank you to all of our generous sponsors and supporters, our honorees, and our Conversation panelists and participants. We look forward to sharing details about the 2026 Heroes in Health Celebration, planned for September 23, 2026, soon! Be sure to check www.agingresearch.org and follow #HeroesInHealth on social media for updates. You can also read the program, watch a recording of the night and Sizzle Reel on our YouTube channel and find a larger photo gallery on our Facebook page.