The 2026 Ted Lewis Award Recipient
Anne Skamarock
a bit of Anne’s story
Anne’s connection to Locally Haiti spans more than two decades, rooted in a deep belief in partnership, community, and long-term commitment. First becoming involved in the early 2000s, Anne served as the organization’s first Executive Director, helping strengthen relationships between communities in Colorado and Petit Trou while supporting early investments in education and health. On her first visit to Haiti in 2005, she recalls witnessing both immense challenges and extraordinary potential - including students studying in modest classrooms that would later grow into thriving schools and, eventually, a hospital serving the region today.
Over the years, Anne has remained a steady presence in Locally Haiti’s evolution, serving as a board member, volunteer leader, and champion of Evening for Haiti. She has helped guide the organization’s transition from short-term mission work toward a locally led partnership model that empowers Haitian leaders to shape their own future. Watching generations of students gain access to education and opportunity has been one of the accomplishments she holds most closely - a reflection, she says, of what becomes possible when relationships endure and communities lead the way.
“The fact that [Locally Haiti] empowers the locals to have control over their own destiny is, I believe, the right way to be a partner and supporter of the community and of Haiti.”
Anne’s commitment reflects the very spirit of the Ted Lewis Award. With the perspective of many years, she reminds us that the people of Petit Trou share the same hopes held everywhere: to educate their children, support their families, and build better futures at home. Her dedication to showing up - again and again - has helped sustain a 37-year partnership grounded not in charity, but in friendship, dignity, and shared progress.
About dr. ted lewis
Dr. Ted Lewis was not only deeply committed to his medical practice in Colorado Springs - he was a transformational force behind the early efforts to expand access to healthcare in our partner community of Petit Trou de Nippes, Haiti. His leadership, compassion, and unwavering belief in locally rooted partnership helped lay the foundation for the work that continues today.
Each year, we honor Dr. Ted’s passion, selflessness, and devotion to Petit Trou by presenting the Ted Lewis Award to individuals who carry forward his legacy and embody his spirit of service.
Those fortunate enough to know Ted - and especially those who traveled to Petit Trou as part of the teams he led - were encouraged, inspired, mentored, and shown what true human care looks like. His legacy lives on in the daily, locally led commitment between our communities - a commitment grounded in dignity, relationship, and shared purpose.