NSF and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) have jointly announced Timothy Hatch, MPA, REHS, as the recipient of the 2024 Walter F. Snyder Environmental Health Award. This prestigious accolade honors Hatch for his exceptional contributions to advancing environmental and public health.
Currently serving as the District Health Administrator for the State of Alabama Department of Public Health, Hatch oversees a team of 300 professionals addressing public and environmental health challenges across a vast area impacting 709,000 residents. His accomplishments include securing policy initiatives and funding to enhance public health in Alabama, as well as his international efforts with organizations like the International Federation of Environmental Health and the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction.
Hatch’s pivotal role in developing the Public Health Scorecard for resilient cities in collaboration with the World Health Organization underscores his global impact. His advocacy efforts were instrumental in ensuring environmental health funding as part of the Pandemic and Hazards Preparedness Act of 2022, a critical initiative for nationwide public health readiness.
The award was presented to Timothy Hatch by Pedro Sancha, President and CEO of NSF, at the 2024 NEHA Annual Education Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on July 17.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive this recognition from such esteemed organizations,” said Tim Hatch. “I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to building a safer and healthier world through environmental health workforce development and sustainable frameworks.”
Established in 1971, the Snyder Award commemorates Walter F. Snyder, co-founder and inaugural executive director of NSF, and individuals like Hatch who demonstrate exemplary leadership in environmental and public health throughout their careers.
“Tim Hatch’s achievements are profound,” noted Pedro Sancha. “From his initiatives benefiting rural homeowners to his pivotal role in managing Alabama’s COVID-19 response, his work has significantly improved the health and well-being of millions worldwide.”
Dr. David Dyjack, CEO of NEHA, added, “Tim Hatch epitomizes the spirit of the Snyder Award through his unwavering dedication to advancing environmental public health on local, regional, and global levels.”
As a lifelong environmental scientist, Hatch has been instrumental in advancing environmental health standards and policies, including his role as NEHA representative to the National Health Preparedness Security Index.
Nominations for the Snyder Award are open to the public, with recipients selected by a panel of environmental health leaders.
About NSF:
NSF is an independent global organization dedicated to improving human and planetary health for over 80 years. It develops public health standards and offers testing, inspection, certification, advisory services, and digital solutions to industries including food, water, life sciences, and consumer goods. NSF operates in 180 countries and is recognized as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center on Food Safety, Water Quality, and Medical Device Safety.
About NEHA:
NEHA represents nearly 7,000 environmental public health professionals across governmental, private, academic, and uniformed services sectors in the U.S., its territories, and internationally. It advocates for excellence in environmental health practice and supports an effective environmental health workforce to achieve its mission of sustaining and empowering communities through improved environmental health.
