FLAGSTAFF — The Center for the Future of Arizona awarded Dr. Marie Peoples, Chief Health Officer for the County’s Public Health Services District, the 2018 Gabe Zimmerman Civic Leadership Award.

The award, which is presented annually by the Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA) and the Center for Arizona’s Future, is named in honor of Gabe Zimmerman, the Community Outreach Director for former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords who lost his life during a 2011 shooting event in Tucson. The award recognizes the commitment and dedication of professional public servants who serve as the link between citizens and the people elected to represent them. The presentation was made on Thursday, July 19 at the ACMA Annual Summer Conference.“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 Gabe Zimmerman award celebrates.”

Dr. Peoples began her career as a substance abuse therapist within Missouri’s correctional system and has worked within several of Missouri’s prisons with a variety of offender demographics and rehabilitative programs. In addition, she has worked for the Missouri Supreme Court and the Missouri Department of Mental Health and served as the director of a county health department in Missouri. Dr. Peoples holds a bachelors’ degree in criminal justice administration, a master’s degree in sociology and criminal justice, a master’s degree in public health, and a PhD in public health epidemiology.

The Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards are a statewide competition created to recognize outstanding non-elected public servants in three categories – Community Builder, Emerging Leader and Civic Leader. The Civic Leadership Award recognizes extraordinary leaders who have demonstrated knowledge, skills and commitment to addressing Arizona’s long-term issues and the personal leadership capacity to make Arizona a better place for future generations.

The awards are sponsored by the Arizona Department of Administration, the County Supervisors Association of Arizona, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. and the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, in conjunction with the Center for the Future of Arizona.