Nancy Doerrer Elevate Award

Recognizing those who, like Nancy, elevate people and programs to their highest potential

 

Who was Nancy?

Nancy Doerrer served as a senior staff member for HESI from 2002 – 2015 including a role as HESI’s Associate Director. A beloved friend, a highly respected program director, and a mentor to many, Nancy led numerous key scientific initiatives at HESI. She passed away in 2023 from melanoma. This award honors her legacy of leadership, collaboration, and her ability to bring out the best in all those around her.

Why this award?

Created to reflect Nancy’s spirit of collaborative and catalytic leadership, the Nancy Doerrer Elevate Award recognizes those who bring out the best in HESI programs, projects, and people. It is offered annually (as warranted) to celebrate individuals who make the HESI community stronger through their active involvement and uplifting presence.

Eligibility & Nomination

  • Who can be nominated?

    Any participant in HESI programming, whether they have a long history with HESI or are relatively new to the organization.

  • How to nominate
    • Submit a letter of 500–1000 words to Elevate@hesiglobal.org describing how the nominee embodies Nancy’s spirit and impact.
    • Self-nominations will not be accepted.
    • Provide specific examples of how the nominee:
      • Elevates one or more HESI programs, Committees, projects, or boards.
      • Lifts others up and brings out the best in them.

Selection & Recognition

  • Selection Process
    • The HESI Board of Trustees Executive Committee reviews nominations and selects an awardee when an exceptional candidate is identified.
    • The decision will be made based on the judgement of the Executive Committee and no formal scoring criteria will be documented.
    • If warranted, more than one awardee may be selected in a given year.
    • There is no petition process to review awards.
  • Award Details
    • No cash or monetary prize is given.
    • The awardee receives a commemorative object naming them as the Elevate Award winner.
    • A plaque bearing each year’s awardee name will be displayed in HESI’s Washington, DC offices.
  • Public Acknowledgement

    The awardee will be recognized verbally at a HESI Board, Annual, or Program meeting and announced through HESI communications.

Timeline

The Nancy Doerrer Elevate Award will initiate in 2025

Call for nominations: February 2025 – April 1, 2025

Awardee announcement: May 1, 2025

What our members said about Nancy

I am sure many others have contacted you to say what an asset she was to HESI and that she was so much appreciated for her consideration, help, advice and delivery of work product. However, it was Nancy as a thoroughly decent and kind person that I am sure she will be best remembered. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful description of Nancy and her many talents and gifts. I often think that the time I worked with her was one of my favorite work experiences.

I have such fond memories of working with Nancy. Nancy was such a joy to work with – always well organized, hardworking and always that smile. HESI would not be where it is today without her early efforts. For many years I equated HESI with Nancy. When I came to the HESI offices hers was the first door I knocked on. She was such a caring and gentle soul and made what sometimes could have been contentious discussions into fun outings. She had such a positive impact on so many people, especially me, I hope she knew that.

I have many fond memories of her, her skills and professionalism, and her ability to make important things happen at times under difficult conditions – and always with the smile you shared with us. Her way was what I always set as the standard, if not the high bar, for project managers at HESI. I have missed Nancy since her departure, and I imagine many more people will miss her energy and positive spirit. May that spirit live amongst us.

Contact Us

Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI)

hesi@hesiglobal.org
Phone: +1-202-659-8404
Fax: +1-202-659-8403

740 15th Street NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005

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