Media Contact:
Vincent Plymell
vincent.plymell@state.co.us
NASHP selects Leilani Russell for its 2022 Rising Star Award
DENVER - Leilani Russell, Health Initiatives and Implementation Project Manager for the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), was recently selected for the Rising Star Award for 2022 from the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP).
The award recognizes Russell’s accomplishments in working in health policy with exceptional leadership, innovation and a commitment to effective state health policy. She was selected as part of a nationwide competition.
“I am not at all surprised that Leilani was chosen for this award,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner and director of the DOI, Michael Conway. “Leilani has become an invaluable resource for the Division, and I know that many of our key programs and initiatives would still be stuck in development if not for her effort, organization and determination.”
Her fellow DOI colleagues said much of the same when they nominated Russell for this award.
“Leilani works tirelessly to ensure the success of Colorado DOI’s health policy initiatives and has become a trusted advisor to not only each of the Program Directors, but the Deputy
Commissioners and the Insurance Commissioner as well. In her role, Leilani not only ensures that all program deadlines and deliverables are met, but jumps in to support policy and program development when she notices a gap or another colleague overwhelmed with their growing to-do list. Leilani’s tremendous skill set, including excellent interpersonal skills and concern for others, makes her an ideal project manager, as she effectively prioritizes a huge amount of work across programs and knows the best communication style and cadence for all program managers and department leadership.”
Russell has been with the Division for two and a half years, and before that worked with the Colorado Department of Health Care, Policy and Financing. She currently lives in Superior, but hails originally from Hawaii.
The Rising Star Award will be presented at NASHP’s annual conference in Seattle this September.
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About the Division of Insurance:
The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), regulates the insurance industry and assists consumers and other stakeholders with insurance issues. Visit doi.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7499 / toll free 800-930-3745.
About DORA:
DORA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit dora.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7855 / toll free 800-886-7675.