Caregiver Action Network is proud to announce the establishment of a new policy fellowship to honor the legacy of CAN’s late CEO, John Schall, and his numerous policy contributions during his decades of working in Washington, DC. The John Schall Policy and Programs Fellowship creates a seat at the table for aspiring leaders to foster and refine their policy skills, while continuing the important work that Schall held near and dear.
While leading CAN for the past 10 years, Schall spent over 30 years working in a wide range of policy fields, including healthcare, labor, education, economic development, taxation, and budget policy, to developing programs and strategies to solve the nation’s looming caregiver crisis. Throughout his illustrious DC career, he served as Senator Bob Dole’s Chief Budget Advisor in the Senate Majority Leader’s Office, in addition to serving as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Department of Labor from 1991 to 1993 and was a White House Domestic Policy Adviser to President George H.W. Bush and Deputy of the White House Domestic Policy Council from 1989 to 1991. Schall was a visionary leader, a devoted advocate, and a powerful voice for family caregiving.
In the Fall of 2023, Dakota Heath was selected to serve as the inaugural John Schall Policy and Programs Fellow at Caregiver Action Network. He previously worked in allocations and sourcing for the City of Lubbock, Texas, as well as served as a former Policy Intern for Caregiver Action Network, through the Washington Center.
Heath worked closely with Schall on policy and legislative matters pertaining to family caregiving and truly developed his passion for policy work under Schall’s mentorship.
Dakota currently holds a BA in Political Science from Lock Haven University. His main principle in life is to help those in need and bring light to the injustices plaguing some of our most vital systems.
“We are thrilled to have Dakota Heath re-join the CAN Family, as an inaugural John Schall Fellow,” said Andrea Cohen, Chair of the Caregiver Action Network Board of Directors. He brings passion and vigor to the role that I know will not only honor John’s legacy but have a meaningful impact in the lives of the millions of family caregivers across the country."
“Speaking on behalf of John’s family and friends, we are utterly thrilled that John has been honored by the creation of the John Schall Fellowship for Policy and Programs,” said Dr. Thomas Schall. “This fellowship is a shining example of John’s passion for supporting policies that advocate for millions of family caregivers across the country. He would be so proud to see that passion carried now into the future and knowing that caregiver families have somewhere to turn to ease their many burdens”. To help further support the John Schall Fellowship Program, click here to make a one-time, or recurring donation.