Company: Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility(Responsibility.org), Washington, DC
Company Description: Responsibility.org is a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empower adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. Over the past 3 decades, Responsibility.org has delivered successful outcomes on its core missions. Responsibility.org is funded by the nation's leading distillers.
Nomination Category: Thought Leadership Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Thought Leader of The Year - Government or Non-Profit
 Nomination Title: Leslie Kimball
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since January 1 2022, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 177 words used.
Leslie Kimball is the Executive Director of The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) and has been with the Foundation for over 20 years. Prior to her current role, Kimball served as chief of communications and branding for DISCUS and Responsibility.org, where she oversaw all communications work and built an award-winning, in-house team.
Kimball spearheaded an organizational rebrand to include a name change (from The Century Council to the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility) and website launch to boost visibility and engagement. She played an instrumental role in creating the Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix underage drinking prevention program and drew national attention to High Risk Impaired Drivers, catalyzing significant media attention. She orchestrated events involving Members of Congress and Olympic athletes to promote the organization's missions, showing her ability to mobilize diverse stakeholders.
Kimball's community service includes being involved with Best Buddies Capital Region and her current advisory role of her children's school board. As a mother of two teenagers, her personal commitment to fostering safer communities echoes her professional endeavors.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the nominee's thought leadership achievements since January 1, 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 241 words used.
Pivoting from Chief Communications Officer to taking the helm as Executive Director at Responsibility.org, Kimball transformed her role from driving strategic initiatives and creative campaigns to leading the organizations’ leadership, budget, and stakeholder engagement. In this multifaceted role, Kimball was still able to exemplify versatility and thought leadership. By leveraging her expertise, experience, and passion, she not only excelled in her new role but also emerged as a guiding voice in her field.
Under her guidance, the Responsibility.org communications team has garnered multiple accolades for their innovative campaigns, including Viddy, Hermes and MarCom. Through participation in podcasts and webinars related to preventing underage drinking, Kimball has effectively fostered dialogue on crucial preventive measures for both parents and those responsible for serving or selling alcohol. Notably, Kimball’s expertise has been acknowledged in print and broadcast news addressing underage drinking statistics, further solidifying her influence in the field.
Moreover, Kimball has spoken at industry conferences, sharing the organization’s missions, and increasing brand awareness. Additionally, her leadership has facilitated decisive actions, such as steering the Board towards approving a comprehensive budget and a new 5-year strategic plan, indicative of strategic foresight and effective governance.
Kimball’s thought leadership has been marked by proactive engagement across diverse platforms, innovative campaign strategies, impactful media presence, and strategic decision-making, all contributing significantly to the advancement of initiatives to prevent underage drinking, end drunk and impaired driving, and promote the responsible consumption of alcohol to those 21+.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 249 words used.
Kimball’s achievements stand out as they reflect a multifaceted approach to impact and progress. She has spoken on record several times about the dangers of underage drinking for those under 21 and what parents, educators, and school administrators can do to prevent underage drinking and underage cannabis use, alongside other experts like the executive director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. MOST KIDS DON’T DRINK! More than 6 out of 10 kids have never consumed alcohol. The significant work that Kimball and the Foundation have done over the past 30+ years has contributed greatly to this.
Kimball has elevated Responsiblity.org by actively working to make our nation’s roadways safer advocating on behalf of the foundation and its members and other traffic safety organizations on the local, state, and national levels. Her focus is on preventing lives lost and the impact of drunk and impaired driving—not just the numbers. Her passion, outlook, and leadership drives meaningful change.
In summary, Leslie Kimball's thought leadership is characterized by proactive engagement, innovative campaign strategies, impactful media presence, and strategic decision-making. Her motto is “start as you wish to continue,” which is exemplified in each project initiated and decision made. Her professional achievements significantly contribute to the initiatives aimed at preventing underage drinking, ending drunk and impaired driving, and promoting responsible alcohol consumption to those who choose to drink. Kimball's contributions are not just noteworthy within the industry; they set a standard for excellence and innovation in thought leadership and advocacy.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 146 words used.
Dedication to preventing underage drinking while parenting two teens: The Parentologist Podcast: Early and Often: How and When to Talk to your Kids About Alcohol on Apple Podcasts
Thought Leadership: 9. Leslie Kimball Responsibility Starts With Me Video
Demonstrates the progress made over 20 years with Ask, Listen, Learn program 3. Press Release - Ask, Listen, Learn Program Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Shows the progress made towards eliminating underage drinking 2. Press Release - Underage Drinking Rates Among Youth Remain Lower Than Peak Years
Exemplifies Kimball’s leadership in aligning board members to approve a comprehensive strategic plan 1. Press Release - Responsibility.org Announces New Board Leadership and New Strategic Plan
Exemplifies Kimball’s credibility in the industry
6. Washington Times - 2023 Study Finds Most Teens Have Never Tasted Alcohol
7. HuffPost - New Data On Teenage Substance Use Is Here, And It's Not What You Expect
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