The New York Festivals Health Awards  2026 Shortlist Jury brings together creative and healthcare marketing leaders from 19 countries across six continents, reflecting the global perspective and diverse expertise needed to recognise work that truly sees health differently. The international panel represents a broad range of experience across health, wellness and pharmaceutical communications from Australia and Brazil to the United States, UAE, Philippines, Canada, Singapore, Spain, and Japan.

The 2026 Shortlist Jury spans a diverse mix of global agency networks, independent agencies, healthcare specialists and brands including VML, Klick Health, Area23, Medulla Communications, EVERSANA INTOUCH, Grey NY, Neon, 21Grams, Accenture Song, Delta Mullenlowe, Havas Life Milan, The Considered, Digitas Health, Ogilvy Brasil, Biolumina, Ward6, Remedy Edge Uk, Olixer NY, Wildtype Health, Horizon FCB, The Bloc, BBDO Spain, Asterisco Healthcare Communications, Publicis Brasil, The Health Army, Havas Lynx, MRM, Omnicom Health Canada, and Wellmark.

Explore the full Shortlist Jury.

Representing Australia on the jury are:

• Hugh Fitzhardinge, Founder & Executive Creative Director, Ward 7
• Kate Chisnall, Creative Director, Ward7
• Mark Sammartino, Executive Creative Director, Wellmark
• Ryan Wallman, Executive Creative Director (Copy), Wellmark
• Sharon Howard-Butler, Founder & Creative Director, Pet Projects Creative 
• Taylor Oyama, Art Director, Ogilvy Health
• Töbe Pickford, Creative Director, The Health Army
• Nina East, Group Creative Director, Ogilvy

The jury’s expertise spans healthcare, wellness, pharmaceuticals, creativity and strategy. The Shortlist Jury will identify work that demonstrates fresh thinking and meaningful impact and will recognise work that puts people and communities at the centre of health communications and embodies the spirit of See Health Differently.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the industry leaders who have joined this year’s Shortlist Jury and are sharing their time, expertise and perspectives with New York Festivals Health Awards. The caliber of this year’s jury reflects the breadth and depth of the health, wellness and pharmaceutical industries. Their collective experience will help us recognize the work that challenges convention, brings new perspectives to health and truly sees health differently,” stated Jennifer Vizina, executive director, NYFHealth Awards

The 2026 NYF Health Executive Juries, including  Health & Wellness, Pharma, Human Lens Specialty Jury, and Shortlist juries, bring an exceptional depth of industry experience and global perspective to the judging process, ensuring that every entry is thoughtfully considered and reviewed with respect for the work.

The final deadline to enter the 2026 NYF Health Awards is October 22. Find more information on the competition, including rules, categories, and entry details here. 

Explore NYF Health Pulse, a series spotlighting New York’s leading health agencies and the visionaries shaping the future of health campaigns.