Yesterday, Matt Pierce, Senior Program Officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, received the 2025 C. Everett Koop Unsung Heroes Award from the American Lung Association during a plenary session of the National Conference on Tobacco or Health in Chicago. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to public health through commercial tobacco control efforts.
At the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Pierce oversees its commercial tobacco control portfolio. His leadership has focused on equity-centered approaches and advancing policy changes aimed at reducing health impacts related to tobacco use in communities across the United States.
“Matt Pierce exemplifies what it means to be an Unsung Hero, driving real, lasting change through strategic action, deep collaboration and a commitment to equity,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “His work has been instrumental in strengthening commercial tobacco control policies and ensuring that communities most impacted by tobacco use have the tools, voice and resources to lead.”
Pierce's career includes support for initiatives that empower local and tribal communities. He was involved in launching Building Capacity to Reduce Tobacco Inequities in the South and Midwest—a program now led by the Center for Black Health and Equity—which backs community-driven policy change. Additionally, he has supported projects reclaiming sacred tobacco use among American Indian communities, promoted smokefree housing initiatives, and contributed to research on disparities related to menthol and flavored tobacco products.
By directing funding toward local organizations and grassroots leadership, Pierce has contributed to regulatory progress and expanded public health laws that reflect the experiences of those most affected by tobacco-related harms.
The C. Everett Koop Unsung Heroes Award is named after former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop. It honors individuals who work diligently to improve national health without seeking recognition.
