In 2023, we created the Melissa L. Knabe Community Impact Award to honor our wonderful colleague. The award recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to their communities through their time, actions, talents, dedication and resources. These individuals serve as role models for compassion and service and strive to make their communities better places to live and work.

We are pleased to announce that the 2026 recipient of the Melissa L. Knabe Community Impact Award is Chenikka Usher, MSW, CTTS. Usher is the Quality Assurance Director for the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Program and a nationally certified tobacco treatment specialist with more than 20 years of clinical, medical and academic experience.

Throughout her career, Chenikka has been committed to improving the health and well-being of Floridians by expanding access to health education, supporting tobacco cessation initiatives and strengthening community partnerships. Her dedication to service extends beyond her professional work through volunteer efforts across the Tallahassee community, including mentoring students at Griffin Middle School, serving meals at Grace Mission and helping collect food for Thanksgiving baskets for families in need.

Chenikka said these experiences help keep her connected to the community she serves and reflect her commitment to servant leadership.

“I strive to be a servant leader, which means leading with humility, empathy and a commitment to building a community where everyone feels valued and supported,” Usher said.

Receiving an award named in honor of Knabe carries special significance for Chenikka.

“Melissa exemplified generosity, compassion and dedication to both the Tallahassee community and her colleagues at the College of Medicine,” Usher said. “It is an honor to be recognized in her name.”

Congratulations, Chenikka, on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your continued service to our community.