Shannon Wilson Honored with RISE 2025 Trailblazer Award for Population Health Innovation

Healthcare professional Shannon Wilson has been selected as the 2025 RISE Trailblazer Award recipient, a prestigious honor recognizing her transformative contributions to population health and health equity. Wilson, who serves as Priority Health's first vice president of population health and equity, was chosen from a competitive field of seven finalists and voted the winner by the RISE community.

The award, previously known as the Dr. Martin L. Block Award for Innovation & Excellence, celebrates individuals who drive meaningful change in healthcare, particularly for senior populations. Wilson's selection underscores her significant impact on improving healthcare experiences for vulnerable communities through strategic leadership and innovative approaches.

In her role at Priority Health, Wilson oversees quality improvement initiatives across Medicare, Medicaid, commercial, and individual business lines. Her responsibilities include developing and executing comprehensive population health and health equity strategies, demonstrating a holistic approach to addressing systemic healthcare challenges.

Recognized as an expert on the critical intersection of health and race, Wilson has spearheaded multiple initiatives designed to enhance healthcare accessibility and outcomes for marginalized populations. Her leadership extends beyond Priority Health, with active board memberships in organizations like Meijer Gardens, Children's Healing Center, and Our Kitchen Table, further amplifying her commitment to community well-being.

Wilson's achievements represent a significant milestone in healthcare's ongoing efforts to address disparities and create more inclusive health systems. Her work exemplifies the growing recognition that effective healthcare must consider social determinants of health and actively work to eliminate systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to medical services.

Her nomination by Kyla King, VP of individual markets at Priority Health, highlighted Wilson's exceptional ability to build compassionate teams focused on serving diverse populations. The RISE Trailblazer Award not only celebrates Wilson's individual achievements but also signals the healthcare industry's increasing emphasis on diversity, equity, and comprehensive population health strategies.