About 40 Under 40

What is 40 Under 40 in Public Health?

40 Under 40 in Public Health, an initiative of the de Beaumont Foundation, is the first list of its kind to recognize and elevate leaders changing the face of public health in creative and innovative ways. Honorees are equity-focused, service-oriented leaders who bring passion and an entrepreneurial spirit to their work. They span professional settings, interest areas, and career stages, but all work toward the improvement of state and local public health. The first class of 40 Under 40 was released in 2019. 

Members of the 40 Under 40 report that their participation has helped them advance their careers, learn from their peers, build a robust professional network, and improve the impact of their work. All honorees receive: 

  • Recognition through leading public health organizations, media outreach, and social media
  • A two-year professional development program, including expert-led virtual workshops and asynchronous discussions on timely, practical, cross-disciplinary topics in public health practice; and culminating in an in-person leadership retreat
  • Opportunities to network with other public health leaders and pioneers, including current and former 40 Under 40 honorees
  • Opportunities for thought leadership, which may include writing, speaking, and contributing to national philanthropic initiatives

Many lists recognize young leaders in health care, but not specifically in public health. The de Beaumont Foundation created 40 Under 40 to showcase public health leaders and highlight solutions and innovations that are improving the health of communities across the country. The professionals chosen for 40 Under 40 in Public Health embody the values of collaboration, creativity, and innovation.

Nominees to the 40 Under 40 in Public Health must:

  • Working toward the benefit of state or local public health.
  • Working as a health agency or department employee, OR at an organization that works closely with State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal health departments (“State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal” applies to departments in the U.S. States, Territories, Commonwealths, and the District of Columbia)
  • Under 40 years old
  • Be based in the U.S. States, Territories, or Commonwealths

We are not currently accepting nominations. The next nomination period will be open in 2025.

The de Beaumont Foundation created 40 Under 40 to celebrate the achievements of young leaders who embody the values of collaboration, creativity, and innovation in service of community health across the country. In recognizing and honoring individuals under 40, we also hope to inspire the next generation of public health professionals, draw in those who may be considering the profession, and showcase the variety of pathways and opportunities available to people just entering the field.

Yes, if you work toward the benefit of state or local public health or closely with State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal health departments, you may apply. 

Yes, you may apply again. 

Applications will be reviewed and scored by a cross-disciplinary panel of public health leaders appointed by the de Beaumont Foundation, with the Foundation making the final selections informed by their scoring and feedback.  

Nominees will be evaluated on the following criteria: 

  • Contributions to their organization, community, and the public health field
  • Demonstrated leadership in their organization and/or community
  • Collaboration within their organization, with community organizations, with other sectors, and/or other partners
  • Focus on advancing policy solutions, improved practices, and/or systems-level change
  • Engagement with leaders and members of their community
  • Creative application of new and innovative ideas to improve public health
  • Commitment and vision for their organization, community, and/or the field of public health

All nominees will be notified of their selection status in August, and a public announcement will be made in September 2023. 

No. 40 Under 40 honorees have no obligation to the de Beaumont Foundation, but they are encouraged to participate in 40 Under 40 networking events and other opportunities. 

For questions about the 40 Under 40 program, contact Zamir Brown, Senior Program Associate, at [email protected].