Leadership Award
The recipient of the Leadership Award has an outstanding teaching ability, is able to mobilize and unify others for the improvement of neonatal care, and has a vision for the future practice of neonatal nursing.
The nomination period for the 2025 Awards is January 20—March 31, 2025.
Candidates will be able to meet the following criteria:
• Promote a learning environment through teaching, training, and coaching.
• Mobilize and unify others in causes for the improvement of neonatal care.
• Create a vision and inspire others by that vision.
• Proactively drive improvements.
• Facilitate and promote team building, staff growth, and development.
• Work collaboratively and empowers others.
Nomination Selection Process:
NANN members can nominate a peer or self-nominate themselves for the Leadership Award. Nominations must include one letter of recommendation and a CV. Submitted applications are shared with the Awards Committee. Committee members review and score the applicants based on their ability to meet the award's criteria.
Recognition and Reimbursement:
The awardee will receive complimentary conference registration, airfare/ground transportation stipend of $500, housing stipend of $500, and a trophy at NANN's Annual Conference.
2024 Recipient:
Julia M Guyan, MSN RNC-NIC
Click below to read more about Julia.
Julia Guyan is a remarkable leader whose dedication and vision have significantly impacted the NICU. Over the past two years, Julia has excelled in promoting a positive learning environment, advocating for clinical growth, and engaging nurses in professional development.
Julia’s exceptional leadership is evident through her collaboration with nursing educators to provide clinical opportunities for newer nurses. She has been instrumental in ensuring these nurses receive proper orientation and opportunities to care for the highest acuity patients. Her commitment over the last 18 months to follow up with these nurses post-orientation has been crucial in evaluating their confidence and ensuring clinical competency.
As an Associate Clinical Manager, Julia has faced challenging situations with employees exhibiting behaviors that affect team dynamics and patient care. She has approached these challenges with patience, understanding, and a focus on coaching and mentorship. Julia provides constructive feedback, recognizes strengths and areas for development, and empowers team members to thrive in their nursing roles.
Julia’s compassion, resiliency, and ability to empower others exemplify the qualities of an excellent nursing leader. She has created a vision for educating and leading new graduate nurses, providing them with a space to grow clinically and professionally. Her dedication to nurturing new talent ensures a strong and competent future for neonatal nursing. Congratulations to our 2024 Leadership Award Winner, Julia Guyan!
Past Recipients:
2022 - Francesca M. Leo, BSN RNC-NIC IBCLC
2021 - Katherine Newnam, PhD RN NNP-BC CPNP
2020 - Anna I. Lyaifer, PhD RN CCRN CLNC
2019 - Jennifer Hart, MSN RNC-NIC CBC NEA-BC
2018 - Erin L. Keels, DNP APRN-CNP NNP-BC
2017 - Jill Bauer, MA RNC
2015 - Judy Vitali, BSN RNC-NIC CIME CPFI CHBE
2014 - Kirtley Ceballos, MSN RNC PCNS-BC CLC
2013 - Carla Rider, MBA BSN RNC-LRN
2012 - Catherine Witt, PhDc NNP-BC
2011 - Suzanne McCoy, MS RN NNP-BC NE-BC
2010 - Shakira Henderson, MS BSN RN MPH CLC
2009 - Mary Ellen Honeyfield, MS RNC NNP
2008 - Melissa White, MS RN APN/NNP-BC
2007 - Christine Retta, RNC MSN CNS NNP
2006 - Terry S. Johnson, MN RNC ARNP
2005 - Linda Juretschke, MSN RNC APN/NNP
2004 - Phyllis Lawlor-Klean, MS RNC APN CNS
2002 - Nancy Burke, MSN RNC ARNP
2001 - Susan Furdon, MS RNC NNP
2000 - Denise Kirsten, ND RNC NNP
1999 - Karin Gracey, MSN RNC NNP
1998 - Martina Mayrand Leclerc, MHA RN
1997 - Donna Buchanan, MS APRN NNP
1996 - Mary Mason Wyckoff, MSN APRN
1995 - Cathy Theorell, MSN RNC NNP
1994 - Cheryl Liljeblad, MSN RNC NNP
1993 - Linda Grossglauser, BSN RNC NNP
1992 - Kimberly Horns, MSN RN NNP
1991 - Carol Turnage, MSN RN