Eileen Auer Bennett Receives National Merle McPherson Award at AMCHP Conference

ABCD Executive Director Eileen Auer Bennett recently joined maternal and child health leaders from across the country in Washington, D.C., for the 2026 AMCHP Annual Conference, held March 7–10 at the Westin Washington, DC Downtown. The annual gathering brings together national leaders, policymakers, advocates, and practitioners committed to strengthening maternal and child health systems and improving outcomes for families and communities.

During the conference, Eileen led a workshop titled Authentic Family Experience: Harnessing the Power of Co-Design to Transform Early Childhood Systems. In the session, she explored how centering family experience and using co-design approaches can help build more equitable and responsive early childhood systems. Drawing on examples from Colorado, Eileen shared lessons learned from ABCD’s work and opportunities to deepen partnerships with families as true co-creators of systems change.

We are especially proud to share that during the conference, Eileen was presented with the 2026 Merle McPherson Award by the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs Board and Family LEAD Committee. This national award recognizes outstanding contributions to advancing family–professional collaboration within state Title V programs and across the maternal and child health field.

Eileen was honored for her service and leadership to the maternal and child health field and for her “tireless advocacy on behalf of families.” The Merle McPherson Award was one of 16 national awards presented to leaders whose work is advancing maternal and child health across the country and strengthening partnerships between families and the professionals who serve them.

This recognition also comes at a time when ABCD’s work to elevate family voices is receiving growing national attention. ABCD’s Authentic Family Experience model was recently recognized as a Cutting-Edge Practice in the MCH Innovations Database, highlighting the organization’s commitment to advancing family-centered care and co-design in early childhood systems.

“In a time that has called for focus, adaptability, and resolve, these leaders and organizations have continued to move the field forward through collaborative action, strengthening programs, supporting families, and advancing solutions that make a lasting difference for MCH populations and the communities they serve,” said Terrance E. Moore, CEO of AMCHP.

We celebrate this well-deserved recognition of Eileen’s leadership and her ongoing commitment to ensuring that family voices are central in shaping early childhood systems. ABCD remains dedicated to advancing authentic family partnership at every level, from community programs to statewide systems, so that families and young children receive the support they need to thrive.