40 Under 40 in Public Health: FAQs

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 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, Freely Associated States, and the District of Columbia)
• Under 40 years old as of June 13,  2025
• Be based in the U.S. States, Territories, or Freely Associated States

Nominations for the Class of 2025 are currently open and are due on Friday, June 13.

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 October 2025.

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 Bethany Kuerten, Senior Program Associate, at [email protected]. 

No, individuals who nominate someone else provide the nominee’s name, contact information, and a brief explanation as to why the nominee should be selected. The nominee will then be prompted to submit additional information to complete the nomination.

Yes. You will need to fill out a new form for each nominee. 

They can, but this will not impact the selection process. There is no preference between individuals who nominate themselves, those who are nominated by someone else, and those who are nominated by multiple people. A nominee may only submit their completed nomination form once.

No, there is no preference between individuals who nominate themselves and those who are nominated by someone else.

You can self-nominate by filling out this form.

Nominees must submit an online form with a series of questions, including: 

• Open-ended, written responses to: 

• • Describe a project or initiative you have led in your organization and how it reflects your professional strengths. 

• • How have you used creative problem-solving and contributed new and innovative ideas to improve public health? 

• • What are your goals and ambitions to continue contributing to your organization, your community, and/or the field of public health? 
• Open-ended, two-minute video response to: 
  • Why should you be named to the 40 Under 40 in Public Health? We encourage you to reflect on how your personal and professional goals and accomplishments relate to the values of the program.  
• Contact information from two references 

Yes, they will be contacted to verify the information in this application.

No, we will not accept any letters of recommendation.

The video portion is intended to provide nominees an opportunity to share their personality and go beyond what can be reflected “on paper,” and to do so more efficiently than an interview requirement would. 

Yes, you should receive a confirmation email immediately upon submission. If you do not receive this email, please check your spam and junk folders, and contact [email protected].