Lauren Saunders Receives CFA’s Esther Peterson Consumer Service Award 

June 10, 2025 — Press Release

NCLC Associate Director Receives Consumer Federation of America’s Highest Honor for Consumer Advocacy

WASHINGTON –  Last week, the Consumer Federation of America presented National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) Associate Director Lauren Saunders with the Esther Peterson Consumer Service Award in recognition of her extraordinary advocacy on behalf of consumers.

Will Ogburn, Senior Fellow at the National Consumer Law Center, presented the award at CFA’s 53rd Annual Awards Celebration, noting that Lauren’s federal advocacy has created meaningful protections for consumers, including shielding  active duty servicemembers and their families from predatory lending practices. 

“Lauren is brilliant,” said Ogburn. “She masters the details of every proposal, she knows consumer behavior, and she understands industry practices, fintech innovations, and what it takes to legislate and regulate.”

The award is named for Esther Peterson, a Danish immigrant raised and educated as a Mormon in Utah. She served three U.S. presidents as a union and consumer advocate, headed the National Consumers League, and proposed the creation of the Consumer Federation of America. The Ester Peterson Award is CFA’s highest advocacy award. 

Three others were recognized during the Awards Celebration for their outstanding commitment to consumer rights:

• Rohit Chopra, former Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, received the Philip Hart Public Service Award, presented by Ambassador Katherine Tai
• Ed Mierzwinski, U.S. PIRG, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Senator Dick Durbin
• Liz Coyle, Executive Director of Georgia Watch, received the Consumer Champion Award, presented by Representative Nikema Williams

“We are so honored to recognize this year’s recipients for their extraordinary work on behalf of consumers,” said Susan Weinstock, CEO of the Consumer Federation of America. “Their dedication to research, advocacy, and education reflects the very mission of CFA. Their efforts remind us what’s possible when advocates, civil servants, and champions of transparency and accountability put people first.”

The Awards Celebration is a longstanding tradition of CFA’s Consumer Assembly, convening advocates, policymakers, and leaders to celebrate those working to build a fairer and safer marketplace for all.