Press Release: Association of Immunization Managers Inducts Three Leaders into Hall of Fame

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2026
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[ROCKVILLE, MD] – August 19, 2026 – The Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) is pleased to announce the 2026 inductees for the AIM Hall of Fame: Kristen Ehresmann, Molly Howell, and James Lutz.

AIM’s Hall of Fame enshrines exceptional figures from the AIM community of immunization leaders who have made a profound impact on AIM’s mission and goals, the public health jurisdictions they served, and the broader immunization community. Induction into the Hall of Fame is a rare honor bestowed on selected leaders who have given their time, passion and expertise to AIM over the course of their careers.   

The following individuals will be inducted this year:

• Kristen Ehresmann, RN, MPH
  Retired Director, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division, Minnesota Department of Health
  • Kristen Ehresmann served for more than 30 years in the Minnesota Department of Health in various roles including immunization program manager and director of the infectious disease division. Kris served as AIM Chair in 2007 and played a key role in guiding AIM through the pursuit of hiring its first staff. She fought for AIM to secure a liaison seat on the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) and represented AIM as the ACIP liaison and liaison to the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC). She also served as a voting member of both the ACIP and NVAC.

• Molly Howell, MPH
  Director of Disease Control and Forensic Pathology, North Dakota Health and Human Services and Former Immunization Director and Assistant Section Director, Disease Control and Forensic Pathology, North Dakota Health and Human Services
  • Molly Howell serves as the director of the Disease Control and Forensic Pathology for North Dakota Health and Human Services after being promoted from her position as immunization program manager. As a program manager and member of AIM, Molly was dedicated to the success of all program managers and the AIM organization. She served as AIM Chair, on the Executive Committee, as a mentor, and chaired several AIM committees. She has been honored with multiple AIM awards, including the AIM Bull’s-Eye Award, the AIM Impact Award, and the prestigious Natalie J. Smith, MD Award for Excellence in Program Management. Molly represented AIM as a liaison member to ACIP and NVAC and also served as a voting member of NVAC.

• James (Jim) Lutz, MPA
  Retired Senior Public Health Advisor, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Immunization Program and Immunization Program
  • Jim Lutz served as the first immunization program manager in Philadelphia, a founding member of AIM, and on AIM’s first Executive Committee. Jim played an important role in the development of the AIM bylaws and other guiding principles. He developed the first AIM logo – the building blocks – which was AIM’s official logo for several years. Jim was also an integral part of recruiting AIM’s first executive director by sitting on the selection committee and interviewing all candidates. As a vocal champion for AIM, Jim helped establish credibility, respect, and recognition of AIM with CDC and other partners.

“This year we are excited to recognize the meaningful contributions that Kristen, Molly, and Jim have given AIM and the immunization community. All of our inductees are dedicated and passionate about building and strengthening AIM’s infrastructure and impact. We owe our successes to the building blocks they gave us,” said AIM Executive Director Claire Hannan, MPH.

The new Hall of Fame inductees will be celebrated and given a plaque at the 2026 AIM Leadership in Action conference in December. Visit the AIM awards webpage for additional background, photos, and to learn more about the inspiring work of this year’s recipients.