Epstein Becker Green's David E. Matyas Receives 2025 IDEA Champion Award from American Health Law Association

Washington, DC (January 27, 2026) — Epstein Becker Green is pleased to announce that David E. Matyas, a Member of the Firm who serves on Epstein Becker Green's Board of Directors, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 IDEA Champion Award by the American Health Law Association (AHLA). The award recognizes his transformative leadership and sustained commitment to advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) throughout the health law community.

The IDEA Champion Award is presented to individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to promoting inclusive professional environments where all qualified individuals can participate fully, contribute their expertise, and advance based on their skills and qualifications. Recipients of this distinguished honor have shown remarkable leadership in implementing innovative approaches and best practices that ensure IDEA principles are embedded in organizational structures.

"We are incredibly proud of David's recognition with this prestigious award," said Jim Flynn, Managing Director of Epstein Becker Green. "His vision,  leadership, and unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion align perfectly with our firm's values.” Epstein Becker Green’s Chairman of the Board, Mark Lutes, added that “David's work has reached beyond our firm, and has created meaningful, lasting change not only within AHLA but throughout the health law profession."

Matyas has been instrumental in shaping AHLA's comprehensive approach to IDEA. As Membership Committee Chair when AHLA's Advisory Council on Racial and Ethnic Diversity was established in 2006, he recognized the critical importance of creating institutional structures to support diversity within the Association. His leadership during this pivotal period laid the foundation for what would become AHLA's holistic IDEA framework.

Under his guidance, small networking gatherings evolved into the signature "Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion" receptions that are now integral to every AHLA conference. His advocacy during the 2008 expansion of the Council's charter to encompass broader underrepresented groups demonstrated remarkable foresight that continues to influence the Association's operations today.

Matyas served on AHLA's Board of Directors from 2002 to 2008, including positions on the Executive Committee and Finance Committee. He co-chaired AHLA's Diversity Council and chaired multiple committees, including the Membership Committee, Practice Groups Committee, and the Fundamentals of Health Law Planning Committee. His influence extends to AHLA's current initiatives, including training for leadership, intentional conversations on IDEA topics, and the creation of online affinity groups.

In his practice at Epstein Becker Green, Matyas focuses on defending health care providers in government investigations, audits, and fraud-related claims. He advises hospitals, health systems, physician groups, and other health care entities on regulatory compliance, internal investigations, and strategic responses to government enforcement actions. He also counsels emerging health care companies and private equity investors on complex regulatory matters in the rapidly evolving health care landscape.

A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Matyas is a respected speaker and author on health care fraud, compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and other complex legal issues. He has presented at numerous AHLA conferences, including the Annual Meeting, Fraud and Compliance Forum, and Institute on Medicare and Medicaid Payment Issues.

Epstein Becker Green shares and amplifies Matyas' commitment to diversity and inclusion through its comprehensive programs, including (i) a 1L Diversity Pipeline Program that expands opportunities for law students who have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion, life experiences demonstrating their ability to overcome or help others overcome challenges to pursuing a legal career, or the potential for positive impact on the legal community’s ability to address such issues, (ii) mentoring and shadowing initiatives, (iii) business and professional development training, and (iv) support for inclusive professional conferences and networking events.

The award will be presented during AHLA's 2026 Annual Meeting, where the health law community will gather to celebrate Matyas' achievements and ongoing commitment to advancing IDEA principles in the profession.

About Epstein Becker Green

Epstein Becker & Green, P.C., is a national law firm with a primary focus on health care and life sciences; employment, labor, and workforce management; and litigation and business disputes. Founded in 1973 as an industry-focused firm, Epstein Becker Green has decades of experience serving clients in health care, financial services, retail, hospitality, and technology, among other industries, representing entities from startups to Fortune 100 companies. Operating in locations throughout the United States and supporting domestic and multinational clients, the firm’s attorneys are committed to uncompromising client service and legal excellence. For more information, visit www.ebglaw.com.