Greystone.Net names Kristen Dalton 2026 HIHOF Rising Star

Greystone.Net said Kristen Dalton has been selected as the 2026 Healthcare Internet Hall of Fame Rising Star. She will be honored Oct. 26 at the Healthcare Interactive Conference in Orlando.

Why it matters: - The Rising Star award spotlights early-career leaders shaping healthcare digital strategy, patient engagement and online marketing. - Dalton's work spans fundraising, operations, creative, analytics and technical programs for regional health systems. - The honor also signals continued recognition for talent building the healthcare internet industry.

What happened: - Greystone.Net announced that Kristen Dalton is the 2026 recipient of the Healthcare Internet Hall of Fame Rising Star award. - Dalton will be recognized Oct. 26, 2026, at the annual Healthcare Interactive Conference in Orlando, Florida. - Ben Riggs, director of content at AMPED, received the award last year.

The details: - The award recognizes people who have been active in the healthcare internet industry for three to five years. - The honor also looks for significant career growth and attention both inside and outside the recipient's organization. - Dalton is AVP of activations and operations at Digital Health Strategies. - Dalton oversees multi-channel fundraising and patient engagement programs for regional health systems. - Dalton manages teams and resources across creative, analytics and technical workstreams. - Dalton previously worked at Real Chemistry and Spectrum Science. - At those firms, Dalton led integrated launch efforts for commercial-stage pharmaceutical brands. - Dalton guided cross-disciplinary teams through FDA approvals and pandemic-era product rollouts. - Dalton earned a bachelor's degree in health communication and a master's degree in science communication from George Mason University. - The Healthcare Interactive Conference runs Oct. 25-28 in Orlando and focuses on healthcare marketing, internet and web technology. - The conference features case studies, general sessions, an exhibit hall and networking opportunities for healthcare executives, consultants and product and service providers. - More information is available at HCIC. - The Healthcare Internet Hall of Fame says it honors individuals and organizations with long-lasting contributions to the healthcare internet industry. - The organization says its goal is to preserve the industry's history for future generations. - The Healthcare Internet Hall of Fame says an independent board of judges selects annual inductees. - More information is available at the Healthcare Internet Hall of Fame. - Greystone.Net says it is in its 30th year and has worked with hundreds of hospitals and health systems on interactive marketing strategies. - More information is available at Greystone.Net.

Between the lines: - The award points to growing demand for leaders who can connect digital communications, fundraising and patient engagement work. - Dalton's background in both healthcare communications and pharmaceutical launches suggests the industry values cross-functional experience. - Greystone.Net's announcement also reinforces the role of HCIC as a venue for industry recognition and networking.

What's next: - Dalton will be honored during the Oct. 26 ceremony at HCIC in Orlando. - HCIC continues through Oct. 28 with sessions, exhibits and networking across healthcare marketing and digital strategy.