Judy Schaechter, MD, MBA

Director of the Division of Violence Prevention
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Injury Center
Former President and CEO, American Board of Pediatrics
Former Chair of Pediatrics, University of Miami
Former President and Current Board Member, Injury Free Coalition for Kids

The Injury Free Coalition for Kids Pioneer Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated dedication throughout their career to the mission of preventing injuries to children and their families. The award recognizes a forerunner in the field of Injury Prevention, an innovator and calculated risk-taker who blazes new trails and speaks out when needs are unmet. Injury Free Coalition for Kids is pleased to award the 2025 Pioneer Award to Judy Schaechter, MD, MBA.

Judy currently serves as Director of the Division of Violence Prevention at the CDC's Injury Center, where she leads efforts to bridge science and practice to stop violence before it starts. The Division of Violence Prevention monitors violence-related injuries, conducts research on risk factors and prevention strategies, and supports state and local partners in adopting and disseminating effective programs.

Dr. Schaechter has an impressive background in public health, policy development, and coalition building. She led the American Board of Pediatrics as President and CEO, spearheading strategic planning and initiatives on mental health, workforce, and belonging. She previously served as Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Miami and Chief of Child Health at Jackson Memorial, one of the nation's largest public health systems. She also was a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation/National Academy of Medicine Health Policy Fellow, working with the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

Committed to advancing progress on challenging issues of public health and community wellbeing, Dr. Schaechter has addressed issues including violence and injury, climate concerns, disaster preparedness, and access to quality education and health care. She earned a Certificate in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, an executive MBA from the University of Miami, a Medical Doctorate from Stanford and a BA in Religious Studies and Ethics from Brown University. A long-time leader within the Injury Free family, she is a former President and currently serves as a member of the Injury Free Board.

Dr. Schaechter is truly deserving of this award.