Marge and Bill Watson Endowment for the William C. Watson Jr. Medal of Excellence

Watson Medal

The William C. Watson Jr. Medal of Excellence is the highest honor bestowed by CDC.



This award was originally called the CDC Medal of Excellence and was renamed when Bill Watson retired from his post as CDC’s deputy director. It recognizes extraordinary employees who consistently strive for and achieve superior scientific and technical results.



Bill Watson, who passed away in 2013, served CDC for 36 years and embodied the leadership and problem-solving qualities that are hallmarks of the agency today. The award honors scientific research and activities that have affected the past, present, and future enhancement of CDC and its mission.



Bill and his wife, Marge, who passed away in 2007, were so passionate about public health and recognizing the notable achievements of CDC employees that they established the Marge and Bill Watson Endowment at the CDC Foundation to support the activities of this award.

Program Description: To provide an annual service award to a CDC employee for outstanding achievements.The CDC Medal of Excellence was established in 1977 as the premiere service award for CDC employees and was renamed for William Watson in 1985 on the occasion of his retirement from CDC. In 1999, Marge and William Watson established the Watson Endowment, which provides permanent funding for a cash award to be given by the Foundation to recipients of the Watson Medal of Excellence each year.
Funding Partners:
  • Marge and Bill Watson
  • Multiple individuals and organizations
Program Partners:
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Program Location:
  • United States of America
CDC Foundation News
Public Health Leadership

William C. Watson Jr.
Medal of Excellence Winners

2020
Martin Cetron, MD

2019
Stephan Monroe, PhD

2018
James Mercy

2017
S. Patrick Kachur

2016
Patrick Lammie

2015
John Nkengasong

2014
Frank Mahoney

2013
Deborah Birx, MD

2012
Elias Durry, MD, MPH

2011
Mark L. Eberhard

2010
Barry Fields, PhD

2000s

2009
Myron G. Shultz, MD

2008
Russell L. Regnery, PhD

2007
Capt. Polly A. Marchbanks, PhD
Capt. Eugene McCray, MD

2006
Kevin M. DeCock, MD
Linda Saltzman, PhD

2005
Michael Parvin

2004
Suzianne Binder, MD
Joseph R. Carter
Richard A. Goodman, MD, JD, MPH
Charles A. Schable

2003
Martha Katz

2002
Kathy Cahill
Ross C. Cox
Dennis L. McDowell
Eric J. Sampson, PhD

2001
William L. Atkinson, MD, MPH
William E. Collins, PhD, MS
Andrew G. Dean, MD, MPH
Deborah L. Jones

2000
Don J. Brenner, PhD
Karen L. Foster
Robert A. Keegan
Thomas E. Starcher

1990s

1999
Patricia B. Brown
Edith A. Hambi, MS
Patrick J. McCannon, MPH
Gary R. West, MPA

1998
Godfrey P. Oakley Jr., MD

1997
James Virgil Peavy
Dixie E. Snider Jr., MD, MPH
Jack N. Spencer

1996
William D. Adams
Edgar M. Biel
Henry Falk, MD, MPH
Gordon E. Robbins
Wilmon R. Rushing
Stephen B. Thacker, MD, MSc.

1995
Barbara R. Holloway
Philip R. Horne
William C. Parra

1994
J. Brian Dugan
Alan R. Hinman, MD, MPH

1993
Virginia S. Bales
Joseph H. Blount
John F. Finklea, MD, MPH
Elvin R. Hilyer, Jr.
Robert L. Kaiser, MD

1992
George E. Hardy Jr., MD, MPH
Arthur C. Jackson
Alma M. Murlin
Alice R. Ring, MD, MPH

1991
Stanley O. Foster, MD, MPH
Vernon N. Houk, MD
Joseph E. McDade PhD

1990
Libero Ajello, PhD
Donald L. Eddins
William A. Shepard

1980s

1989
Gerald R. Cooper, MD
Elizabeth F. Hunter
Albert R. Martin
Anthony M. Scardaci

1988
Edwina B. Davis
Joe H. Miller
Larry W. Sparks

1987
James W. Curran, MD, MPH
James W. Hicks
Robert S. Hutchings
Gene W. Matthews

1986
Norman W. Axnick
J. Lyle Conrad, MD, MPH
Roy L. Davis
Betty E. McGrew

1985
Windell R. Bradford
Michael B. Gregg, MD
Billy G. Griggs
Dorothy Mae Melvin, PhD

1984
Glenda S. Cowart
Ira T. Layfield
Franklin R. Miller
Carl W. Tyler Jr., MD

1983
John V. Bennett, MD
Robert L. Mayes
Norma P. Gibbs
Donald R. Hopkins, MD

1982
Harvey F. Davis
Dary R. Noble, MD
Ann H. Wiman

1981
David Atkins
William B. Cherry, PhD
Ladene H. Newton
Claude F. Pickelsimer Jr.

1980
Winthrop N. Davey, MD
Mary G. Morland
Johannes Stuart, PhD

1970s

1979
Charles W. Health, Jr., MD

1978
Walter R. Dowdle, PhD
Eugene J. Gangarosa, MD

1977
J. Donald Millar, MD
Charles C. Shepard, MD