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Melinda Simon receives 2024 Jeffrey P. Koplan Global Health Award

Melinda Simon receives 2024 Jeffrey P. Koplan Global Health Award

Melinda “Mindy” Simon of Emory’s Office of the General Counsel is the 2024 recipient of the Jeffrey P. Koplan Global Health Award.

Jeffrey Koplan, founder of the Emory Global Health Institute (EGHI), presented the award at InFocus: Emory Excellence in Global Healthin November.

Koplan recognized Simon’s contributions to global health initiatives as having “shaped our success from the early days of Emory’s global engagement” as she “recognized the need, advocated for and led the group that became the ‘front door’ to Emory’s operations and activities abroad.”

“Mindy’s magic is making what’s legally complex appear seamless and supportive. Her leadership is critical to our success,” said Koplan.   

In accepting the award, Simon described the best part of her job at Emory as having the “opportunity to support and facilitate the amazing work of others,” which she does by ensuring Emory’s programs, staff, faculty and students are supported by solid legal frameworks and guidance at home and abroad. 

From corporate governance, tax, executive compensation, conflicts of interest, corporate structure, risk management and compliance with regulatory requirements, she brings comprehensive knowledge, strategic acumen and dedication to upholding legal and ethical standards in support of Emory’s mission.

Simon has provided leadership and legal counsel to EGHI since its inception. The reach of her work extends into many aspects of Emory’s global health impact, including support for EGHI’s programs and grants, Child Health & Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS), the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) and its academic initiatives with Emory and international students.

She has been instrumental in negotiating complex agreements, reviewing vendor contracts and managing critical aspects of ongoing matters with fiduciary intermediaries, as well as navigating legal considerations in many countries where CHAMPS has sites and programmatic activities. 

“For the past twenty years, I have been privileged to help some of the most dedicated and talented individuals in public health navigate the complexities of international law, as Emory expanded its work and impact into Ethiopia, India, China, Rwanda, Zambia and other countries,” Simon said. “I am proud to accept this award on behalf of all those at Emory who play active support roles in improving the health and well-being of people throughout the world.”

Koplan speaks to room of attendees

About the Jeffrey P. Koplan Award

Jeffrey P. Koplan founded Emory Global Health Institute in 2006 and served as Emory’s vice president for global health and EGHI’s director until 2021. He continues to serve as a senior strategic advisor to EGHI’s Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance program and the International Association of National Public Health Institutes.

The Jeffrey P. Koplan Global Health award is named in honor of EGHI founder and former CDC director and is given to an Emory University student, staff or faculty member in recognition of outstanding academic merit or achievement, exemplary service or performance towards global health impact. Dr. Koplan has inspired many generations of global health leaders. He founded EGHI in 2006 and served as Emory’s Vice President for Global Health and EGHI’s Director until 2021.  

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