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During its annual membership meeting, the AHA will present Distinguished Service Awards April 25 to Kevin Lofton, CEO emeritus at CommonSpirit Health in Chicago, and Teri Fontenot, CEO emeritus of Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, La. The AHA’s highest honor, the award recognizes significant lifetime contributions and service to health care institutions and associations.

Lofton was founding chair of AHA’s Health Equity Initiative, AHA Board Chair in 2007 and a founding board member of AHA’s Institute for Diversity for Health Management, now known as the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity. 

“Kevin’s dedication to increase equity in health care and ensure that we keep a sharp focus on serving the most underrepresented individuals in our communities has made him one of the most influential and transformational leaders in our field,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “His commitment has helped accelerate the pace of progress for the entire field, and his strong and passionate leadership has made a real difference that will improve the lives of millions of Americans.”

Fontenot chaired the AHA Board of Trustees in 2012 and has played an active role at the association since 1997, chairing its Operations Committee, Health Forum, Medicare DSH Advisory Group and Committee on Nominations. 

“Throughout her career, Teri has demonstrated a never-ending commitment to improving the health of women and infants with innovative strategies to strengthen community partnerships and improve the health of those she served,” Pollack said. “She showed incredible leadership in response to Hurricane Katrina when it came to protecting moms, babies and the people of Louisiana. Through her leadership and dedication, she provided many significant contributions to our field and to the AHA.”