The award recognizes senior federal executives who have provided great service, fostered partnerships and community solutions to achieve results, and strived continuously to work more effectively and efficiently. This is the highest award a federal senior executive can receive.

Dr. McPherson, director of MCHB's Division of Services for Children with Special Health Needs, was recognized for her work in establishing the "medical home" -- a collaboration among primary care providers, specialists, special needs children and their families to ensure access to culturally competent, family-centered and comprehensive health care. Over the past 15 years, the medical home model has dramatically improved systems of care for children with chronic illness and disabilities.

Dr. McPherson also led the effort to develop a comprehensive and nationally accepted definition of children with special health needs. She is currently collaborating with the National Center for Health Statistics on the first national survey to provide state data on special health needs children and their families. Her office is leading a 10-year action plan on improving services for special needs children to help them live happy and productive lives.

Dr. McPherson received her medical degree from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, and a master’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Preventive Medicine, an honorary fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and has served as director of the Division of Services for Children with Special Health Needs since 1987.

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