One of the main highlights of our annual conference is the presentation of the Bulldog of the Year award. The award recognizes an individual who best embodies the spirit of the Georgetown University mascot, Jack the Bulldog, through their tenacious efforts on behalf of children and families. This year we bestowed the honor on a true bulldog for the underdog – Anne Dunkelberg.

Anne directs health care policy for of the Center for Public Policy Priorities in Texas. She joined the Center in 1994 from the Texas Medicaid Director’s Office. Anne is a founding member of the statewide Children’s Health Coverage Coalition and the Cover Texas Now Coalition.

I first met Anne in the 1990’s and she has been a true inspiration ever since. She is a wise woman and generously shares her knowledge with all who want to learn, but few have been able to replicate the “special sauce” that makes Anne such a successful policy expert and advocate.

In true “Bulldog” fashion, Anne graciously accepted the award on the first day of our conference, then got right back to work on the second day speaking on a panel discussion about how she and her colleagues successfully pushed the Texas legislature to improve oversight and consumer protections for Texans enrolled in Medicaid managed care plans.

We’re thrilled to add Anne to our list of Bulldogs: Jon Peacock, Kids Forward of Wisconsin (2014); Miriam Harmatz, Florida Health Justice Project ( 2015); Diana Ragbeer, Children’s Trust Florida (2016); Dana Namark and Joe Fu, Children’s Action Alliance Arizona (2016); Laura Kellams, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (2017); Joan Benso, (retired) Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (2018).

This year we also recognized Idaho Voices for Children and Voices for Utah Children in recognition of their efforts to expand Medicaid for families in their states.

Please join us in congratulating these talented individuals and organizations for their unwavering commitment to getting people the health coverage they need to lead productive and fulfilling lives.