The Center for the Future of Arizona recently presented a big award to Dr. Marie Peoples, Chief Health Officer for the Coconino County Public Health Services District.

Dr. Peoples was recognised with the 2018 Gabe Zimmerman Civic Leadership Award. The annual award is presented by the Center for Arizona’s Future and the Arizona City and County Management Association (ACMA). The award is named in honor of Gabe Zimmerman, the beloved Community Outreach Director for former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords who was killed in the 2011 Tucson shooting at a constituent meeting outside a Safeway grocery store.

Dr. Peoples accepted the recognition with pride and appreciation. “To be a civic leader is not only an honor, it’s a responsibility,” said Dr. Peoples. “A leader ensures all people, regardless of background, have a seat at the table and are listened to. I’m proud that I was recognized for these qualities and those that the Game Zimmerman award celebrates.”

Dr. Peoples started her professional career as a substance abuse therapist in Missouri’s correctional system and has worked with a wide range of offenders and rehabilitation programs throughout multiple prisons. Before moving to Arizona, she worked for the Missouri Department of Mental Health and the Missouri Supreme Court. She also served as the director of a county health department there. She has an impressive range of educational endeavors, including a bachelors’ degree in criminal justice, a master’s in public health and a PhD in public health epidemiology.

Learn more about Dr. Peoples on the official website here.