Five Distinguished Awards Recognize Extraordinary Contributions to False Claims Act Enforcement and Public Service
Washington, D.C., November 13, 2025 – The Anti-Fraud Coalition celebrated its 25th Annual Conference by presenting five prestigious awards to individuals whose courage, dedication, and leadership have advanced the cause of justice and strengthened protections for whistleblowers who expose fraud against the government.
“These remarkable individuals represent the very best of what our community stands for,” said Jacklyn DeMar, President and CEO of The Anti-Fraud Coalition. “Their unwavering commitment to integrity, justice, and protecting the public interest continues to inspire all of us working to combat fraud and support those brave enough to speak truth to power.”
2025 Award Recipients
“Honest Abe” Integrity in Government Award: Colin Huntley
Colin Huntley, Deputy Director of the Fraud Section in the United States Department of Justice’s Civil Division, was recognized for his 18 years of mission-driven public service. Huntley has overseen millions of dollars in False Claims Act recoveries across healthcare fraud, disaster assistance fraud, government contracting fraud, and customs fraud enforcement. His partnership with whistleblowers and dedication to justice exemplify the highest standards of public service.
Whistleblower of the Year: Dr. Paul Bellman
Dr. Paul Bellman received this honor for his decade-long fight to expose a kickback scheme perpetrated by Gilead Sciences. A devoted HIV/AIDS physician, Dr. Bellman dedicated hundreds of hours to reviewing documents and providing expert insights that led to a $202 million settlement. His unwavering commitment prioritized patient safety over profits and exposed conduct that corrupted medical judgment and imperiled vulnerable patients.
Lawyers of the Year: Edward Scarvalone, Jonathan Willens, and Heidi Wendel
This legal team was honored for their extraordinary work representing Dr. Bellman in United States ex rel. Bellman v. Gilead Sciences, Inc. Over nearly a decade, they analyzed thousands of sham speaker events and kickbacks, navigated three presidential administrations, and helped secure the $202 million recovery. Their efforts exemplify the public-private partnership that is core to False Claims Act enforcement.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Claire Sylvia
Claire Sylvia, partner at Phillips & Cohen LLP, was recognized as a pioneer in False Claims Act advocacy. Author of the leading text on the False Claims Act and an instructor at Berkeley Law, Sylvia has successfully litigated against major corporations, resulting in recoveries in the tens of millions of dollars. Her dual legacy as a fierce litigator and pioneering educator has fundamentally shaped the whistleblower landscape.
John R. Phillips Leadership Award: Erika A. Kelton
Erika A. Kelton, former Chairperson of The Anti-Fraud Coalition Board of Directors, was honored for twelve years of distinguished voluntary service. Her leadership strengthened the organization’s operations, guided it through significant periods of evolution, and fostered an inclusive community united in supporting whistleblower advocacy. Kelton’s professional achievements include representing whistleblowers in two of the largest healthcare fraud settlements in history.
About The Anti-Fraud Coalition
The Anti-Fraud Coalition empowers whistleblowers who expose fraud on the government and financial markets. Through education, advocacy, and community building, the organization supports the courageous individuals and legal professionals who hold wrongdoers accountable under the False Claims Act and related whistleblower protection laws.
For more information about The Anti-Fraud Coalition and the 2025 award recipients, visit www.taf.org.
