Washington, DC, July 21, 2025 — The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), the voice of the over 3,300 local health departments across the country, named Lisa Sesterhenn, MBA, of Black Hawk County Public Health in Waterloo, Iowa, the 2025 Advocate of the Year. This award recognizes outstanding accomplishments related to advocacy and outreach to members of Congress to create better health policy outcomes. The award was presented during the 2025 NACCHO360 Annual Conference in Anaheim, California on July 17, 2025.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award from NACCHO,” said Sesterhenn. “Now more than ever, sustained public health advocacy is vital for building thriving communities, and it’s a collective effort. We are truly advancing together. This recognition highlights the incredible work of advocates at all levels, from our local and statewide committees to organizations like NACCHO to our many community partners -- all of whom collaborate tirelessly to champion healthy people and healthy communities.”
Sesterhenn is a leader in public health advocacy for Black Hawk County Public Health and across the state of Iowa. Sesterhenn has served as the agency’s Public Health Planner since 2020 but has been influencing public health in Iowa since 1994 through policy and planning efforts. In her role, Sesterhenn leads the department’s Advocacy Committee, which consists of senior leadership and staff. She has led the development of the department’s advocacy priorities for three years in a row, ensuring that priorities align with community improvement and strategic plan initiatives. She has been instrumental in ensuring local and state elected officials understand their advocacy priorities by meeting directly with them, attending local and state candidate forums, and drafting correspondence to elected officials.
Sesterhenn currently serves as a co-chair of the Iowa Public Health Association’s (IPHA) Advocacy Committee, where she helps to develop advocacy strategy and communication. Through years of policy and advocacy work, she has helped shape position statements, advance advocacy priorities, and strengthen relationships with elected officials at local, state, and national levels.
“We are honored to present Lisa Sesterhenn with the 2025 Advocate of the Year Award,” said Lori Tremmel Freeman, NACCHO CEO. “For over 30 years, she has consistently elevated the role of advocacy to help push forward the most pressing public health priorities across the state of Iowa. This recognition is well deserved and reflective of the lasting impact she continues to make.”
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About NACCHO
The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the over 3,300 local governmental health departments across the country. These city, county, metropolitan, district, and tribal departments work every day to protect and promote health and well-being for all people in their communities. For more information, visit www.naccho.org.
