HONORING EXTRAORDINARY NURSE LEADERS IN OUR COMMUNITY2026 Awards and Scholarships Recipients
Since 1982, ONL has recognized the outstanding contributions of nurse leaders in the region with our Awards and Scholarships. Each year, our committee has the challenging task of selecting recipients from our pool of incredible nominees. We are proud to have so many exemplary nurse leaders within our community and congratulate all our nominees on their accomplishments.
Candidates are nominated by colleagues and evaluated by an awards committee, except for the Sherwood Award, which is selected by the Board of Directors, and the President’s Award, which is selected by ONL’s President. Awards are bestowed at the ONL Annual Meeting during our Networking Reception and Awards Ceremony.
Please join us in congratulating our 2026 ONL Awards and Scholarships Winners!
Mary B. Conceison Award
The Mary B. Conceison Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership recognizes outstanding contributions by a nursing executive.
Marie Borgella, DNP, MSN, RN
Executive Director of Learning and Development
Massachusetts General Hospital
The recipient of the 2026 Mary B. Conceison Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership is Marie Borgella, DNP, MSN, RN, a transformational nursing executive whose leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to professional development have made a profound impact on nursing practice, patient care, and the advancement of future nurse leaders.
Dr. Borgella has dedicated her career to fostering environments where nurses can grow, thrive, and lead with confidence and compassion. As Executive Director of Learning & Development at Massachusetts General Hospital, Marie oversees initiatives that support the development of nurses at every stage of their careers, including the New Graduate Nurse Residency Program, preceptor development, fellowship programs, and continuing education for clinical staff. A passionate advocate for new nurses, she fosters a positive learning environment and invests deeply in helping them build confidence, strengthen clinical expertise, and develop as future leaders. Through her leadership, she has cultivated a culture grounded in continuous learning, equity, innovation, and mentorship across the organization.
Marie is also widely recognized for her influential leadership beyond the walls of her organization and for her commitment to advancing the nursing profession and promoting health equity. She previously served as a Massachusetts Representative and now serves as Treasurer of ONL's Board of Directors. In addition, she is a member of the Eastern Nursing Research Society Program Planning Committee and serves as President of the Foundation for Nursing Advancement in Massachusetts. Deeply engaged in professional and community service, Marie has contributed her leadership and expertise through advisory roles with Rosie’s Place, Believe in Success, and Madison Park High School, and as a Nurse Auditor/Monitor at Cambridge Family and Children’s Services.
Those who work alongside Marie consistently describe her as a supportive, visionary, and authentic leader whose warmth, humor, and integrity foster a positive and collaborative environment. Colleagues celebrate her as an intentional and inspiring mentor who invests deeply in the success of others. Her leadership inspires teams to think boldly and strategically while remaining grounded in compassion, service, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
ONL is honored to recognize Dr. Marie Borgella with our 2026 Mary B. Conceison Award.
Elaine K. Sherwood Award
The Elaine K. Sherwood Award recognizes outstanding commitment and contributions to the mission and work of ONL. The recipient is selected by ONL’s President, Past President and President-Elect.
Moishe Ragieme, MSN-Ed, RN
Nursing Director, LTAC Unit
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
The recipient of the 2026 Elaine K. Sherwood Award for Excellence in Service is Moishe Ragieme, MSN-Ed, RN, a dedicated nurse leader whose unwavering commitment to ONL and its members has strengthened the organization and advanced its mission of supporting nurse leaders across New England.
Moishe is recognized for his generous spirit, collaborative leadership style, and deep commitment to fostering meaningful engagement within the ONL community. As an active member of ONL’s Membership Committee, he has played an important role in welcoming and connecting new members, helping them feel valued while encouraging active participation in the organization. His authentic enthusiasm for ONL and his dedication to supporting fellow nurse leaders have made a lasting impact on colleagues throughout the region.
Known for his thoughtful contributions and willingness to volunteer his time and energy, Moishe consistently brings fresh ideas, practical insight, and a collaborative approach to committee discussions and membership initiatives. He is also known for generously sharing his personal talents and interests in service of ONL, approaching every opportunity to contribute with enthusiasm, creativity, and heart.
Colleagues describe him as approachable, compassionate, and deeply invested in helping others grow and succeed. Through his leadership, professionalism, and commitment to service, he inspires others to become more engaged in both ONL and the nursing profession.
Beyond his contributions to ONL, Moishe is widely respected as a nurse leader who leads with integrity, purpose, and a strong commitment to professional excellence and leadership development. His steadfast dedication to supporting nurse leaders and strengthening the ONL community embodies the very spirit of the Elaine K. Sherwood Award.
ONL is honored to recognize Moishe Ragieme with our 2026 Elaine K. Sherwood Award.
Janet Madigan Award
The Janet Madigan Advocacy Award recognizes excellence as a community advocate or political leader committed to supporting and advocating for the nursing profession and patient care.
Mary Antonelli, PhD, RN, MPH
Director, Master of Science in Nursing and Interprofessional Leadership Program
UMass Chan Medical School Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing
The recipient of the 2026 Janet Madigan Award for Excellence in Advocacy is Mary Antonelli, PhD, RN, MPH, an accomplished nurse leader, educator, and passionate advocate for advancing the nursing profession and improving patient care.
Dr. Antonelli serves as Director of the Master of Science in Nursing and Interprofessional Leadership Program at the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing at UMass Chan Medical School, where she is widely recognized for cultivating the next generation of nurse leaders and advocates. Through her teaching, mentorship, and leadership, she consistently equips and empowers nurses to influence policy, advance professional practice, and champion issues that impact patients, families, and the nursing workforce.
Mary is recognized as an innovative educator whose curricular strategies prepare nurse leaders to think critically, solve complex healthcare problems, lead transformative change, and advocate effectively. She has worked in collaboration with ONL on multiple occasions to pilot partnerships designed to expose her students to the ONL leadership community, government affairs committee, and leadership development opportunities.
Mary actively mentors students in the art and importance of advocacy. She regularly leads graduate nursing students in participating in ANA Massachusetts Advocacy Day, where they gain practice effectively communicating policy priorities to legislators and advocating for solutions to critical healthcare challenges, including workplace violence prevention and safety initiatives. Through these experiences, she models the courage, diplomacy, and persistence necessary to engage policymakers as partners and work toward meaningful change.
Mary brings an important academic nursing perspective to policy discussions through her service on the ONL Government Affairs Committee. She advances committee dialogue by consistently demonstrating curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, and providing informed comments. Additionally, Mary has attended AONL Advocacy Day and shared insights from that experience with the committee, so all members can benefit.
Those who work alongside Mary describe her as energetic, charismatic, and deeply committed to advancing nursing’s voice in healthcare. Whether mentoring faculty, speaking with legislators, engaging nursing leaders, or inspiring students to speak up and speak out, she consistently elevates the profession.
ONL is honored to recognize Dr. Mary Antonelli with our 2026 Janet Madigan Award.
Pamela Leigh Vecchiarino Award
The Janet Madigan Advocacy Award recognizes excellence as a community advocate or political leader committed to supporting and advocating for the nursing profession and patient care.
The recipient of the 2026 Pamela Leigh Vecchiarino Award for Compassion in Nursing Leadership is Leanne Keegan, a dedicated nurse leader whose compassion, positivity, and commitment to supporting both patients and colleagues have made a meaningful impact on the nursing profession and the culture of care at Mass General Waltham.
As Operating Room Nurse Manager, Leanne is recognized as a collaborative and supportive leader who consistently strives to improve workflows, strengthen team culture, and enhance the care experience for both patients and staff. Colleagues describe her as a thoughtful change agent who approaches challenges with optimism, empathy, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Through her leadership, she has fostered an environment grounded in teamwork, professionalism, and mutual respect.
Leanne is especially admired for the compassion and encouragement she brings to her interactions with staff. Team members consistently speak to her warmth, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to support others during difficult moments. Whether navigating workplace challenges or providing guidance to team members in need, Leanne is known for ensuring those around her feel heard, valued, and supported. Her ability to lead with kindness while maintaining high standards has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues throughout the organization.
Committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, Leanne recently returned to school to earn her MBA, demonstrating her dedication to continued development as a nurse leader. She actively encourages nurses and surgical technologists to pursue educational and professional advancement, serving as a role model for others seeking to grow in their careers and leadership journeys.
Those who work alongside Leanne describe her as passionate, energetic, and deeply invested in creating a positive and supportive work environment. Her leadership reflects the qualities embodied by the Pamela Leigh Vecchiarino Award through her compassion, commitment to excellence, and unwavering support of both patients and the healthcare team.
ONL is honored to recognize Leanne Keegan with our 2026 Pamela Leigh Vecchiarino Award.
Leanne Keegan, RN
Clinical Nurse Manager
Massachusetts General Hospital
Kathleen Bower Legacy Award
The Kathleen Bower Legacy Award recognizes nurse leaders who embody generativity and excellence in mentoring. Recipients are known for impact that far exceeds personal accomplishments and is evident in the success of colleagues.
The inaugural recipient of the Kathleen Bower Legacy Award for Excellence in Mentoring is Kathleen Bower, DNSc, RN, FAONL, FAAN, whose extraordinary commitment to mentoring, developing, and championing nurse leaders has left an enduring mark on the nursing profession and inspired generations of nurse leaders across the United States and internationally.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Bower has exemplified the very essence of generative leadership through her unwavering investment in the growth and success of others. Her professional contributions span board service, business development, care transformation, community engagement, and executive leadership, yet it is her extraordinary dedication to mentorship that has become her defining legacy. Kathy is endlessly generous with her time, talents, wisdom, and mentorship "superpower"—identifying potential in nurse leaders, guiding them with intention, championing their growth, opening doors to new opportunities, and helping to position them for recognition, advancement, and success.
Kathy has mentored countless nurse leaders throughout their professional journeys, supporting colleagues as they pursued advanced degrees, assumed new leadership roles, and achieved distinction as Fellows in both the American Academy of Nursing and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. She is known for her generosity, encouragement, wisdom, and steadfast belief in the potential of others. Through her guidance, countless nurses have developed the confidence, skills, and vision necessary to lead transformative change within healthcare organizations and the nursing profession.
A longtime ONL member, ambassador, Program Committee Chair, and trusted colleague, Kathy has profoundly shaped the ONL community. Her influence is reflected not only in her own accomplishments, but in the extraordinary achievements of all those she has mentored, sponsored, and supported throughout her career. Her impact continues to ripple across ONL and the nursing profession through those she has inspired and empowered.
Future recipients of this award will carry forward Kathy's example of generativity, mentorship, and deep investment in the development of colleagues and future nurse leaders within ONL and beyond.
ONL is honored to establish the Kathleen Bower Legacy Award for Excellence in Mentoring and to recognize Dr. Kathleen Bower as its inaugural recipient.
Kathleen Bower, DNSc, RN, FAONL, FAAN
Sharon A. Smith Scholarship Award
The Sharon A. Smith Scholarship Award honors Sharon's legacy by developing nurse leaders and supporting their continued educational journey in nursing programs or advanced degree programs, providing scholarship support in the amount of $2,000 to be used toward a nursing degree.
Jennifer Boutelle, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Nursing Director, Middlesex Health
Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Jennifer is pursuing her DNP degree at the University of Hartford, driven by a passion for healthcare advocacy and advancing the voice of nursing in public policy. As Nursing Director at Middlesex Health, she co-founded the Healthcare Policy Awareness & Advocacy Coalition, which empowers healthcare professionals to engage in advocacy impacting nursing and public health. By advancing her education, Jennifer hopes to strengthen her ability to influence healthcare policy and empower others to do the same.
Massiel Eversley, MJ, BSN, RN, NE-BC, CPC
Associate Chief Nurse, South Shore Health
Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Massiel is pursuing her DNP degree at the University of New Hampshire, driven by a commitment to advancing human-centered leadership and improving patient care through healthcare transformation. As an Associate Chief Nurse at South Shore Health, she is passionate about fostering cultures of safety, collaboration, and equity while mentoring future nurse leaders. By continuing her education, Massiel hopes to strengthen her ability to lead meaningful system-level change and advance integrated models of care.
Nicole Ouellette, RN
Practice Manager, Boston IVF, Bedford, NH
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
Nicole is pursuing her BSN degree at Aspen University, driven by a passion for supporting patients navigating infertility and expanding access to compassionate reproductive care. As a Practice Manager at Boston IVF, she is committed to advancing nursing leadership within reproductive medicine while supporting patients and care teams through complex healthcare journeys. Through this program, Nicole hopes to strengthen her leadership skills, improve access to infertility care, and mentor nurses entering this specialized field.
Susanne Yeakel, MSN, RN, CNML. NEA-BC, FAONL
Nurse Director, Medicine Services & IV Therapy, Hartford Hospital
Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Susanne is pursuing her DNP degree at the University of Hartford, driven by a commitment to strengthening nursing leadership, advancing evidence-based practice, and mentoring future nurse leaders. As Nurse Director of Medicine Services & IV Therapy at Hartford Hospital, she is dedicated to improving patient outcomes, supporting staff engagement, and guiding teams through change with confidence. Through continued education, Susanne hopes to further influence healthcare delivery, policy, and the profession.
Marilyn Rinker Memorial Scholarship
The Marilyn Rinker Memorial Scholarship honors Marilyn's legacy by supporting pursuit of advanced degrees, providing scholarship support in the amount of $2,000 for a qualified registered nurse to participate in an approved course of study leading to an advanced degree with an emphasis in nursing leadership.
Estier Sayegh, MBA, BSN, RN, CNRN, PCCN, CCRN, NEA-BC
Nursing Director, ICU, Critical Care, Med-Surg RN Float Pool, and Dialysis, Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital
Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
The recipient of this year’s Marilyn Rinker Memorial Scholarship is Estier Sayegh, MBA, BSN, RN, CNRN, PCCN, CCRN, NEA-BC.
Estier is pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in the Executive Track at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, driven by a commitment to advancing nursing leadership, improving patient outcomes, and strengthening healthcare systems through evidence-based practice and quality improvement. As Nursing Director of ICU, Critical Care, Med-Surg RN Float Pool, and Dialysis at Mass General Brigham–Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, she is recognized for building high-performing clinical teams and fostering environments that support collaboration, professional growth, and excellence in patient-centered care.
Through her doctoral studies, Estier seeks to strengthen her expertise in leadership, systems thinking, and implementation science to lead sustainable improvements within complex healthcare systems. Her DNP work focuses on improving communication and psychological safety during the escalation of care from medical-surgical units to the ICU, with the goal of improving outcomes during critical transitions of care. Her commitment to innovation, patient safety, and quality improvement reflects her broader vision of transforming healthcare delivery through compassionate and evidence-based leadership.
Estier is also deeply engaged in professional service and leadership within the nursing profession. She serves on the Board of Trustees of the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing and is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including ONL, AACN, AANN, ANA, and ANCC. Through leadership, scholarship, and advocacy, she remains committed to advancing nursing practice and supporting the future of nurse leadership.
ONL is honored to recognize Estier Sayegh with our 2026 Marilyn Rinker Memorial Scholarship.
Policy, Advocacy, and Influence Accelerator Scholarship
The Policy, Advocacy, and Influence Accelerator Scholarship advances ONL's mission by supporting nurse leaders with resources to bolster their leadership and skills in the policy space. Recipients are awarded up to $2,000 to be used toward a policy and advocacy educational program of their own selection.
Amanda Ford, MSN, MBA, RN, ACM, CMGT-BC
Senior Nurse Director, Care Continuum, Brigham & Women’s Hospital
AONL Advocacy Day
Amanda Ford, MSN, MBA, RN, ACM, CMGT-BC, is Senior Nurse Director of Care Continuum at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and a passionate advocate for ensuring nursing voices shape healthcare policy at the state and federal levels. Amanda has demonstrated a strong commitment to advocacy through engagement with legislators, healthcare leaders, and national policy discussions. She has testified before Congress and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the impact of Medicare Advantage practices on patient access and continuity of care. Through her work as ONL’s Government Affairs Committee State Representative, she continues to champion policies that advance nursing practice, workforce sustainability, and patient safety.
ONL is honored to recognize Amanda Ford with our Policy, Advocacy, and Influence Accelerator Scholarship in support of her participation in AONL Advocacy Day in Washington, DC.
Seanna Zimmerman, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE
Chief Nursing Officer, Brown University Health-The Miriam Hospital
Healing Politics Campaign School
Seanna Zimmerman, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, is Chief Nursing Officer at Brown University Health–The Miriam Hospital and a dedicated advocate for strengthening the role of nursing in healthcare policy and legislative decision-making. Dr. Zimmerman's commitment to advocacy began early in her leadership career through legislative testimony on the impact of compact nursing licensure and has continued through ongoing engagement with policymakers on issues affecting patients, nurses, and healthcare systems. In her current role, Seanna established a systemwide Nursing Government Affairs Council to connect frontline nurses and nurse leaders with the legislative process and expand opportunities for policy engagement and advocacy education.
ONL is honored to recognize Dr. Seanna Zimmerman with our Policy, Advocacy, and Influence Accelerator Scholarship in support of her participation in Healing Politics Campaign School for Nurses and Midwives.
Laudio Outstanding Nurse Manager/Nurse Director Scholarship
Generously supported by Laudio, this scholarship recognizes nurse leaders who demonstrate strong leadership skills, support a continuous journey towards excellence, and exhibit promise for greater contribution and levels of responsibility. Recipients receive a scholarship to ONL’s Leadership Catalyst program.
Justine Czaplicki, MSN, RN, CMSRN
Nurse Practice Specialist, Operating Room, Central Sterile Processing, Endoscopy
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Justine M. Czaplicki, RN, MSN, CMSRN, is Nurse Practice Specialist, Operating Room, Central Sterile Processing, Endoscopy at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and a respected nurse leader recognized for her commitment to patient-centered care, professional development, and nursing excellence.
Throughout her leadership career, Justine has demonstrated exceptional skill in leading complex, multidisciplinary teams and expanding innovative models of care. During her leadership within a growing transplant program, she helped expand services across multiple locations while advancing quality outcomes and strengthening the continuum of care for patients and families. Colleagues recognize her thoughtful leadership style, calming presence, and dedication to mentoring and developing staff and future leaders.
ONL is honored to recognize Justine Czaplicki as a recipient of the 2026 Laudio Outstanding Nurse Manager/Nurse Director Scholarship.
Alana Lemoine, BSN, RN
Nurse Manager
Concord Hospital
Alana L. Lemoine is Nurse Manager of a busy medical-oncology unit at Concord Hospital and an emerging nurse leader recognized for her commitment to nursing excellence, workforce development, and quality improvement.
Alana is highly regarded for her ability to balance complex professional, academic, and personal responsibilities while fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and shared learning within her team. She actively seeks opportunities to strengthen her leadership knowledge and skills. Through evidence-based quality improvement initiatives, including her Clinical Nurse Leader project focused on workforce stability and nurse retention, Alana has helped support operational efficiency and strengthen transition-to-practice efforts within her organization.
ONL is honored to recognize Alana Lemoine as a recipient of the 2026 Laudio Outstanding Nurse Manager/Nurse Director Scholarship.
Past Award Recipients
To view award recipients from prior years, please select the corresponding button below.