Louis T. Benezet Award

David Helms '65 is the recipient of the Louis T. Benezet Award.

David has been a leader in the development of the fields of health policy and health services research with a focus on advancing evidence-based decision-making to improve health and health care services. Throughout his career he has been recognized for his skillful facilitation of high-level policy discussions and technical assistance to states and non-profit organizations. In 1976, he founded the Alpha Center, a non-partisan, non-profit health planning and policy center, providing policymakers with expert technical assistance, research, and analysis. In 2000, David led the establishment of AcademyHealth from the merger of Alpha to become the professional home for health services researchers, policy analysts, and practitioners. Today, AcademyHealth with its 4,000 members serves as a leading, non-partisan resource for health research and policy focused on improving health and healthcare in the United States.

He received his Ph.D. in economics and public administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University in 1979. At CC, David majored in political science and served as Senior Class President. Since graduating, he worked as an admissions counselor and has been active in the alumni community, contributing to the organization of class reunions. In 2008, David returned to CC to teach a course on health reform.