Matt Pierce Recognized by American Lung Association for Lifesaving Work in Commercial Tobacco Policy

Yesterday, at a plenary session of the National Conference on Tobacco or Health in Chicago, the American Lung Association awarded Matt Pierce, Senior Program Officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with the 2025 C. Everett Koop Unsung Heroes Award. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant, behind-the-scenes contributions to advancing public health through commercial tobacco control efforts.

At the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Pierce leads the Foundation’s commercial tobacco control portfolio. Under his thoughtful and strategic leadership, the Foundation has elevated equity-centered approaches and advanced impactful policy change aimed at reducing tobacco-related health impacts on communities across the country.

“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.”

Throughout his career, Pierce has championed initiatives that empower local and tribal communities. He played a pivotal role in launching Building Capacity to Reduce Tobacco Inequities in the South and Midwest, a transformative program now led by the Center for Black Health and Equity that supports community-driven policy change. He has also supported efforts to reclaim sacred tobacco use in American Indian communities, while advancing smokefree housing initiatives and research on disparities tied to menthol and flavored tobacco products.

By prioritizing funding for local organizations and grassroots leadership, Pierce has helped drive meaningful regulatory progress and expand the reach of public health laws and policies that reflect the lived experiences of those most affected by tobacco-related harms.

The C. Everett Koop Unsung Heroes Award honors the legacy of former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop and celebrates individuals who, like Dr. Koop, work tirelessly to improve the nation’s health without always seeking recognition.

Learn more about Pierce’s work and the C. Everett Koop Unsung Heroes Award here.