Karen Kirby Award

Elizabeth Beaudin, RN, PhD

In 2020, ONL created the Karen Kirby Award to honor nurses who lead outside traditional roles, demonstrate an entrepreneurial approach, are recognized for innovation, have outcomes at the national and / or international levels, strategically support nursing leadership organizations, and generously provide support to colleagues. 

This year’s recipient is Elizabeth Beaudin, RN, PhD, who has been an incredible force within nursing for more than 45 years and has made a remarkable impact on nursing leadership, nursing workforce, healthcare access, social determinants of health, and government affairs.

Mary B. Conceison Award

Joanne Fucile, DNP, RN, CRRN, NEA-BC

The Mary B. Concesion Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership recognizes outstanding contributions made by a nursing service administrator.

This year's recipient of the Conceison Award is Joanne Fucile, DNP, RN, CRRN, NEA-BC, Director of Nursing and Vice President of Operations at Spaulding Hospital Cambridge. She is a true champion to the nursing profession and a transformational leader who attracts and engages young and novice nurses to succeed in their practice.

Elaine K. Sherwood Award

Tammy B. Retalic, MS, RN

In 1993, the Elaine K. Sherwood Service Award was established in memory of Elaine, one of the first recipients to be recognized for outstanding commitment and contribution to the work of the organization. Each year the President, Past President and President-Elect select the recipient.

This year’s recipient of the Elaine K. Sherwood Award is Tammy B. Retalic, MS, RN. Tammy has demonstrated steadfast and passionate commitment and dedication to ONL and to her many ONL colleagues during her tenure as a member of the organization.

Pamela Leigh Vecchiarino Award

Kristin Waterman, MSN, RN, PCCN, CNE

The Pamela Leigh Vecchiarino Nursing Leadership Award was created to honor the memory of Pam Vecchiarino, RN, MSN, and to recognize nurse leaders who are patient-focused, change agents committed to improving outcomes. Honorees advance the profession, are compassionate, and serve as a role model to others.

This year’s recipient of the Pamela Leigh Vecchiarino Nursing Leadership Award is Kristin Waterman MSN, RN, PCCN, CNE from Bristol Health.

Marilyn Rinker Award

Caitlin Tilley, BSN, RN, SANE

The Marilyn Rinker Memorial Scholarship Award was established by the Vermont Organization of Nurse Leaders in 2009 to honor Marilyn’s lifelong commitment and dedication to professional nursing practice, nursing education and leadership. This award provides scholarship support for nurses pursuing an advanced degree with an emphasis on nursing leadership.

This year’s recipient of the Marilyn Rinker Nursing Scholarship Award is Caitlin Tilley, BSN, RN, SANE from Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.

Joan Meunier-Sham, MS, RN
Program Director, Massachusetts SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners)

Sasha DuBois, MSN, RN
President, New England Regional Black Nurses Association (NERBNA) and Nurse Director of the I.V. therapy team and PCA float pool, Brigham and Women's Hospital

The Outstanding Nurse Manager / Director award was established in partnership between Laudio and ONL to recognize nurse leaders that demonstrate strong leadership skills, support a continuous journey towards excellence, and exhibit promise for greater contribution and levels of responsibility in the organization.

Four recipients will receive scholarship funds to be used exclusively for one of ONL’s Leadership Programs held during the Spring and Fall.

Crystal Derosier, RN, MSN, OCN-BC
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Janet Carey Guarino, MSN, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB, C-EFM
Assistant Nursing Director, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Brandon Kulak, MSN, RN-BC, NE-BC
Nurse Manager, Middlesex Health

Deborah Moore, BSN, RN
Nursing Director Newton Wellesley Hospital

The Sharon A. Smith Scholarship Award was created in 2004 shortly after the passing of one of our distinguished nursing leaders. Sharon Smith valued education almost more than anything else, which is why her brother established this Scholarship in her name. Sharon started her career in critical care and concluded it as a chief nursing officer 36 years later. She was president of MONE (ONL) and was active in MHA and AONL. She often said that the single, most important thing that had an impact on her career was the strength of nursing in the region. To quote her: “The staff nurse’s care, advocacy, inquiry, honesty, directness, pursuit of what is right, creativity and concern for patients and families are never to be underestimated.”

Towards the end of her life, she reflected that she was particularly proud of her ability to develop people. And, that is the goal of this Scholarship award.

Cynthia Dutton, BSN, RN
South Shore Hospital, Master’s Student

Cory Gallant, BSN, RN
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Master’s Student

Bryanne Harrington, MSN, RN
Newton Wellesley Hospital, Doctoral Student

Blaze Hirsch, MSN, RN, CMS-RN, CNML
Tufts Medical Center, Doctoral Student

Elza Malkasian, BSN, RN
The Miriam Hospital, Master’s Student

Paulette Vieira, MSN, RN
Boston Children’s Hospital, Doctoral Student