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.
Applications for the 2025 awards are closed.
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.
2025 Recipient:
Kathleen Cohen, RN BSN CCRN
I received my nursing diploma in 1983 and began my 42-year nursing career at Hackensack University Medical Center. I worked for 4 years on a medical – surgical unit before transferring to the NICU where I found my passion for the tiniest humans and have been here ever since. I have been a permanent charge nurse in our unit since 1999. In 2003, I received my Critical Care – Neonatal CCRN Certification. In 2013, I became a Board-Certified Holistic Nurse, and I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2021.
I strive to be a strong and effective leader who leads by example. I love bedside nursing, and I am an advocate for family-centered care. I believe it takes a strong multidisciplinary team of dedicated, like-minded individuals to provide exceptional care, and I am proud to say I lead such a team. I am an active member of numerous committees both unit-based, and hospital-wide, all of which are focused on improving the care and outcomes of our most vulnerable patients.
Past Recipients:
2023 – Desi M Newberry, DNP NNP-BC CHSE
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
