Paul Hull Receives Dave Woodmansee Award for Excellence in Cancer Advocacy

JACKSONVILLE, FL – September 15, 2022 – Paul Hull was recognized by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) this week in honor of his exceptional work advocating for cancer-fighting public policies.  

ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the award to a staff person who has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in the areas of advocacy and public policy. The award is named in honor of longtime ACS CAN State and Local Campaigns Director, David Woodmansee, who passed away in 2019. 

“Paul is an exceptional advocate who has made a real impact on reducing the cancer burden by delivering on ACS CAN’s mission priorities,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “For more than two decades, Paul has driven highly successful campaigns in the areas of access to care, smoke-free workplaces, tobacco prevention and education, tobacco taxes, breast cancer screening, and cancer research, achieving monumental impact in Florida as well as the rest of the nation. He is admired and valued by colleagues across the country for not only his impressive track record as a patient advocate, but for his steady leadership, quick wit and sense of compassion. Paul is very deserving of this recognition that honors our beloved former colleague, Dave Woodmansee.”   

Based in northeast Florida, Paul serves as Vice President of Regional Advocacy of ACS CAN’s Hope Region, which includes 25 states. He joined the American Cancer Society in 2002, serving for ten years as the Vice President for Advocacy and Public Policy for the former Florida Division prior to taking on multi-state, regional roles at ACS CAN. 

During his tenure, he’s ensured historic advances for his home state of Florida leading highly successful legislative campaigns including modernizing the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act in 2003, creating a a state cancer research program in 2006, and passing a $1 per pack increase in Florida's cigarette tax in 2009. He also led a successful ballot initiative campaign in 2006 to ensure funding for youth tobacco prevention through Florida settlement dollars received from the industry. 

“Paul’s long and distinguished record of accomplishment makes him overdue for this recognition that he richly deserves,” noted Susan Harbin, Florida Senior Government Relations Director for ACS CAN. “He’s not only a respected, gifted and trusted leader – but he is able to work with virtually anyone to find common ground to bring about positive change: a most valuable attribute in the world of advocacy.” 

The award was presented on Sept. 11 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day in Washington, DC. Nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met in-person for the first time since 2019 with their elected officials on Sept. 13 to urge them to make cancer a national priority.