Waypoint’s recently retired advocacy director Keith Kuenning, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Sandi Van Scoyoc Legacy Award. During his 13 years of public policy work, Kuenning championed policies and programs that directly improved the lives of vulnerable children and families. His innovative and thoughtful approach to advocacy drove important initiatives addressing long-standing challenges in child welfare, juvenile justice, and healthcare.

His nominator, Susan Paschell of the DuPont Group, stated, “Keith is a skilled organizer and a role model for those who may be new to legislative work and to working with elected officials. His advocacy work has always been valued because legislators respect and recognize him as having broad experience, a wealth of knowledge, and the rare ability to explain very complex issues in a succinct and convincing way.”

“Keith’s work over the years has created a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in New Hampshire. His unwavering dedication to their well-being, along with his role as a mentor and role model for those new to legislative work, will be a lasting legacy,” said New Hampshire Children’s Health Foundation President Gail Garceau. “Keith embodies the very essence of the Van Scoyoc Legacy Award through his commitment, compassion, and tireless advocacy.”

The Van Scoyoc award recognizes an individual working with a New Hampshire nonprofit organization who demonstrates exemplary and aspirational commitment or innovation toward improving the health of New Hampshire’s children and families.