2025 John R. Phillips Leadership Award
During its 25th Annual Conference, The Anti-Fraud Coalition’s Board of Directors bestowed its John R. Phillips Leadership Award to Erika A. Kelton, former Chairperson of the Board and longtime Board member.
This award honors an individual whose leadership, vision, and steadfast dedication embody the values and spirit of The Anti-Fraud Coalition’s founder, John R. Phillips. The John R. Phillips Award is presented to those whose service goes above and beyond to strengthen the whistleblower community and advances our mission of empowering whistleblowers who expose fraud on the government and the financial markets.
The TAF Coalition Board proudly presented this award to Erika A. Kelton in recognition of her exceptional tenure as she concluded her distinguished service on the Board of Directors. Since joining the Board in October 2013, Erika has dedicated twelve years of generous, voluntary service, including in vital leadership roles on the Executive Committee and as Chairperson from 2022 to 2024.
Erika’s contributions to the organization have been extraordinary. Her tireless commitment over many years strengthened TAF Coalition’s operations, sharpened its strategic direction, and helped guide the organization through meaningful periods of evolution, including changes in executive leadership, brand identity, administrative priorities, and the whistleblower legal landscape. Erika played key roles in reshaping the Board, launching the Financial Fraud membership, and fostering an inclusive and engaged community united in supporting whistleblower advocacy.
In addition to her Board leadership, Erika is widely regarded as an exceptional lawyer and advocate. As a partner at Phillips & Cohen, she has represented U.S. and international whistleblowers, secured major awards through the SEC and CFTC whistleblower programs, and achieved landmark victories in two of the largest healthcare fraud settlements in history involving GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer Inc. She was also named TAF Coalition’s Whistleblower Lawyer of the Year in 2012.
While her professional accomplishments speak for themselves, it is her generosity of spirit, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to TAF Coalition’s mission that have made her service truly invaluable. Erika’s leadership, wisdom, and passion leave an enduring legacy, and her absence on the Board will be deeply felt.
“We are proud to honor Erika for her exceptional tenure and strategic insight, which have been instrumental in strengthening our mission to empower those who expose fraud,” said Jacklyn DeMar, President and CEO of The Anti-Fraud Coalition. “On a personal level, Erika has been a great mentor to me throughout my career, and I cannot thank her enough for her friendship and guidance,” said DeMar.
Award Nomination Process
The John R. Phillips Award is nominated and voted on by the TAF Coalition Board of Directors.
