Dan Pelino named IAOTP’s Top Advocate & Author of the Decade in Behavioral Health

The International Association of Top Professionals will honor Dan Pelino at its annual gala Dec. 12 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The award recognizes his decades-long career in healthcare leadership, advocacy and authorship, along with his work at Everyone Matters, Inc.

Why it matters: - IAOTP’s recognition spotlights Pelino’s influence in behavioral health, primary care and healthcare access. - The award also reflects broader interest in leaders who connect healthcare, education and citizen-based services. - Pelino will receive the honor at IAOTP’s Annual Awards Gala on Dec. 12, 2026, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

What happened: - IAOTP named Dan Pelino Top Advocate & Author of the Decade in Behavioral Health 2026. - IAOTP said the designation is reserved for only one advocate and author in the field. - Pelino is co-founder and president of Everyone Matters, Inc. - Pelino will also accept a previous Lifetime Achievement Award at the gala.

The details: - Pelino spent 36 years at IBM and ultimately served as senior executive and general manager of the company’s Global Healthcare, Life Sciences, Education, Government and Smarter Cities businesses. - Pelino co-founded Everyone Matters, Inc. in 2017 with Anne Altman to expand equitable access to healthcare, education and citizen-based services. - Pelino wrote the bestselling health policy book Trusted Healers. - Pelino has been a longtime supporter of the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative. - Pelino has testified before Congress and presented to the White House and multiple presidential commissions. - Pelino has appeared on CNN, Bloomberg, the BBC and The Dr. Oz Show. - Pelino serves as an advisor and board member to Vital Neuro, NEXT LTD and Call & Check. - Pelino is a member of Business Executives for National Security and the National Association of Corporate Directors. - Pelino previously taught applied leadership as an adjunct professor at Western Kentucky University. - Pelino earned both his B.S. in Business in 1979 and his M.A. in Behavioral Science in 1980 from Western Kentucky University. - Pelino continues to speak at universities nationwide. - His recent honors include IAOTP’s Top 50 Fearless Leaders and Top Advocate for Behavioral Health distinctions. - Pelino also received a 2025 “Most Admired Leaders in Healthcare” recognition from Influential Today and acknowledgment from Marquis Who’s Who. - Pelino said, “Why do we do what we do? Because everyone matters.” - More information is available at the company’s website.

Between the lines: - The award reinforces Pelino’s positioning as a bridge between corporate leadership and health equity advocacy. - IAOTP’s invitation-only model gives the honor a built-in exclusivity, which can amplify professional visibility. - Pelino’s mix of corporate, academic and nonprofit roles suggests his influence extends beyond one sector.

What’s next: - Pelino will be recognized in New York City at IAOTP’s December gala. - Everyone Matters, Inc. is likely to keep centering its work on access, dignity and inclusion across healthcare and education. - Pelino’s speaking, advisory and board roles position him to remain visible in behavioral health and primary care conversations.