For three decades, the Florence Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing brought the Greater Cincinnati community together to recognize and celebrate outstanding nurses who go above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care. To create opportunities to celebrate and honor other nursing leaders through history and allow for further insight and a richer understanding of the nursing profession, the awards were renamed Torch of Excellence Nursing Awards.
Photo: Malinda Hartong
View photos from the 2024 Torch of Excellence Nursing Awards celebration.
Nominate a Nurse
Nominations for the 2025 awards are now closed. Nominations for the 2026 awards will open in June 2025.
Join Us to Celebrate
Thursday, May 8 | 5:30 p.m.
Westin Cincinnati 21 E. 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Sponsorship & Tickets
For sponsorship opportunities and ticket purchases, please contact DJ Sommers.
Recognize Excellence
Beyond their reputation for compassion and dedication, nurses are highly specialized professionals, constantly evolving with patient and population needs and advancements in education and research. The annual Torch of Excellence Nursing Awards recognize and celebrate outstanding individual and team-leading nurses in the Greater Cincinnati region who combine these traits to raise the bar for patients and the profession.
Provide Opportunities
As the nursing profession faces substantial challenges — an aging U.S. population that requires more complex care, a large contingent of nurses reaching retirement age, unacceptable levels of health inequity exacerbated by the pandemic — attracting, retaining and graduating a diverse nursing workforce is paramount to ensure equitable care for all. Funds raised at the annual Torch of Excellence Nursing Awards celebration support scholarships for students of underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Pass the Torch
As part of the annual Torch of Excellence Nursing Awards celebration, we honor nurse leaders throughout history who who boldly reinvented and reinvigorated the way health professionals provide care, igniting and stoking the flame for the nursing profession. Each Torch of Excellence Nursing Award recipient is a present-day advocate for patients and the nursing profession and symbolically preserves and passes along this flame by improving lives and inspiring others in the local community.
Igniting the Flame
Loretta Ford (1920 – 2025)
The 2025 Torch of Excellence Nursing Awards celebration highlights Loretta Ford, EdD, RN, PNP, FAAN, FAANP, a pioneering figure in the nursing profession who is best known for co-founding the nurse practitioner role, which has revolutionized healthcare delivery.
Throughout her career, Ford worked tirelessly to elevate the nursing profession, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and expand the scope of practice for nurses. Her contributions to the healthcare system are profound, as she played a critical role in shaping modern nursing education, policy, and practice. Ford’s work has had a lasting impact on nursing, helping to create a model of care that emphasizes prevention, health promotion and patient-centered care.
Loretta Ford’s legacy continues to inspire countless nurses, healthcare professionals and policymakers, as her groundbreaking work in nurse practitioner development has reshaped healthcare delivery across the globe.
2025 Awardees
Mindy Allen, MSN-Ed, RN, CPH, CIC
Cincinnati Health Department
In her role as Nursing Supervisor at the Cincinnati Health Department's Communicable Disease Unit (CDU), Mindy Allen is "a shining example of a positive role model, impacting her community, organization, colleagues, patients and their families through her leadership, advocacy, and dedication to public health," says supervisee Tyler Parsons. Allen’s pivotal role in securing the Adaptation of Project Firstline Tools and Resources Project grant—which aims to build the capacity of health departments to deliver tailored infection prevention and control training and resources to healthcare facility partners, including skilled nursing facilities in Cincinnati—showcases her expertise in managing complex public health initiatives and speaks to her ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on leadership. To facilitate project implementation, Allen has already engaged in discussions with partners and collaborators, and taken steps to ensure training resources are both culturally sensitive and widely accessible. Her proactive efforts, innovative approach, and unwavering focus on improving community health outcomes make her an exceptional leader in this project and a testament to excellence in care. Allen’s ability to navigate complex challenges with grace and professionalism inspires confidence among her peers, colleagues and community partners. "Mindy's leadership ensures high quality outcomes that reflect her commitment to public health and the community she serves."
Leslie Bishop, BSN, RNC, C-EFM
St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Leslie Bishop has been a nurse for 31 years, primarily in Labor and Delivery. Her clinical expertise and compassionate care make her a trusted and respected figure among colleagues and patients. Coworker Danielle Meyer praises Bishop’s bone-deep dedication to nursing: “You hear stories about nurses wanting to move away from the bedside as they get experienced, but not Leslie. She is in the nitty gritty of the daily hustle and bustle of a very busy Labor and Delivery unit—and is not slowing down.” Known for her ability to manage emergencies ensuring the safety and well-being of both birthing persons and newborns, Bishop's commitment to nursing extends to leadership roles including Chair of the Education Committee, onboarding new staff, and teaching essential programs like Neonatal Resuscitation and the Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) Intermediate Fetal Monitoring course. Most recently, she joined the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) so she can access the most up-to-date and evidence- based practices to help guide her practice and influence policy and procedure changes at St. Elizabeth. Bishop's advocacy for patients, commitment to lifelong learning, and clinical knowledge make her a standout nurse, positively impacting her unit and the broader community. “St. Elizabeth is the only birthing hospital in Northern Kentucky, so Leslie truly benefits the community… She is a gem that shines brightly on our unit,” says Meyer.
Lisa Burns, MSN, MEd, RN IV, CPN
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Lisa Burns has dedicated 23 years to nursing and is an invaluable member of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s Specialty Resource Unit (SRU), where she is trained to work across 17 units, including critical care areas. Her expertise and ability to provide high-quality care in any setting have earned her the trust of both colleagues and patients. As an SRU Radiology Transport RN, she developed a specialty team that supports higher-acuity patients during transport, ensuring their safety and advocating for their needs. Burns’s manager Julie North explains, “[Her] dedication to her patients, their families, our institution…is evident from the moment she walks into our doors.” North calls Burns “a wealth of knowledge” who can deftly transition from one unit to the next, providing heartfelt care with expertise that immediately puts everyone at ease. Beyond her clinical excellence, Burns has made significant contributions to nursing education and professional development. She is also deeply involved in Shared Governance, advocating for best practices and standardization across the organization, and has coached nurses pursuing advanced certifications, reviewed leadership applications, and contributed to safety initiatives. Lisa’s impact extends to community outreach and volunteer work, including helping with COVID-19 vaccination efforts and serving in various leadership roles, such as Chair-Elect for the Acute Care Site of Care Council. Colleague Shadae Howard adds “Her work at clinics in locations such as Washington Park, Findlay Market, and Cincinnati Public Schools highlights her dedication to public health and community service.” But at the end of the day, Howard says it’s Burns’s “unwavering loyalty to her patients, families, and community, along with her ability to adapt and excel in various roles, [that] exemplifies her commitment to excellence in care.”
Bonnie Eilerman, MSN, APRN, NNP-BC
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Bonnie Eilerman has dedicated 23 years to neonatal care, working across multiple hospitals in the region. Always demonstrating exceptional clinical expertise and leadership in the care of critically ill neonates, she is particularly known for her innovative contributions, such as her development of the Pilot CPAP device, designed to improve respiratory support for extremely premature infants. This device aims to reduce the complications caused by traditional CPAP masks, ensuring better patient comfort and safety. Eilerman’s work extends beyond patient care. She led a quality improvement initiative to enhance nasal suctioning techniques and is currently serving as the lead investigator on a study exploring cranial deformations caused by extended CPAP use. She also secured funding for discharge carts to improve the comfort of postpartum mothers, demonstrating her commitment to improving the overall patient experience. A proactive leader, Eilerman advocates for new equipment and improvements, often stepping into roles that bridge the gap between nursing and medicine. Her tireless work ethic, dedication to innovation, and positive attitude have made a lasting impact on her colleagues and the families she serves.
Holly Pfriem, MSN, APRN, CNP
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Holly Pfriem has dedicated nearly 40 years to Cincinnati Children’s, where she currently serves as the Clinical Director of Advanced Practice Providers for the Heart Institute. Throughout her tenure, Pfriem has been a fierce advocate for education, mentorship, and improving patient care. She has served in various leadership roles, leading the Heart Institute’s Advanced Practice Provider team and supporting both clinical care and educational initiatives. Coworker Nanette Bentley applauds Pfreim’s dedication: “Holly is tenacious when it comes to education for her team and her patients, letting no stone go unturned as she ensures that her team and her patients have the information they need.” Her commitment extends beyond direct care, as she has played an instrumental role in the development of community programs, such as Project ADAM, which promotes sudden cardiac arrest preparedness in schools and communities. Pfriem’s ability to get a diverse group of people on the same page for a common goal has allowed her to facilitate training, site assessments, and emergency preparedness drills to ensure schools are equipped to respond to cardiac emergencies. To date, 15 schools in Greater Cincinnati hold the Heart Safe School designation, with another 25 additional schools and organizations on their path towards the designation. Pfriem isn’t just her team’s role model, she’s also a cheering section for their profession. Her dedication to both her patients and the community has earned her admiration and respect from colleagues and peers alike.
Veronica Scott-Fulton, DNP, MPH, BSN, NEA-BC
Bon Secours Mercy Health
Much has been said about a “patient-centered” approach to nursing, but for Veronica Scott- Fulton, this philosophy is personal. Scott-Fulton watched her grandmother, a midwife in South Carolina, transform healthcare in her community with a blend of skill and compassion, says coworker Danielle Wessel. This early exposure ignited a lifelong passion for nursing that’s had a profound impact on patients, peers, and administrators. “Whether she’s leading nearly 22,000 nurses across 49 hospitals at Bon Secours Mercy Health [BSMH] or working directly with teams on the front lines, Veronica ensures that care is never just clinical—it’s deeply personal.” At BSMH, Scott-Fulton’s work addressing social determinants of health ensures that care goes beyond treating symptoms to tackling the root causes of inequities. Whether through strategic vision or heartfelt connection, she embodies what it means to lead with excellence in care for patients, families, and communities. With a leadership style that perfectly blends visionary thinking and heartfelt connection, Scott-Fulton’s expertise combines several degrees with decades of experience leading nursing operations level. “But ask anyone who’s worked with her, and they’ll tell you that her real gift is the way she makes people feel—valued, inspired, and capable of achieving greatness,” Wessel adds.
Carrie Washington, BSN, RN
Cincinnati Veteran's Affairs Medical Center
Carrie Washington has had a significant impact on her community and the nursing profession. She is a longtime participant in the WHO (Women Health Organization) for women veterans; served as president of BIG (Blacks In Government); has worked for Outreach, a homeless veteran program, and the Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) program; and serves as the secretary for the Specialty Clinic’s Unit Practice Council. She has received numerous certificates for leadership, preceptorship, and mentorship, and each year, she hosts a Women’s Empowerment Conference. But Washington’s contributions are much deeper than these achievements. Coworker Christina Smith says Washington approaches each patient with “a profound sense of empathy, ensuring that every individual under her care feels heard, respected, and supported. [Washington] inspires others to strive for excellence.” With more than 17 years of nursing experience and a 35-year career in government service, Washington’s “professionalism promotes safety for the mission to serve our veterans, and she is always happy to help,” adds her coworker Karen Boseman-Lampkin. Washington’s leadership, team spirit, expertise, and dedication to veterans and the nursing community makes her a valuable resource in the Cincinnati VA Medical Center.
2025 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
- UC Health
Gold Sponsor
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
- Mercy Health
Silver Sponsor
- St. Elizabeth Healthcare
- The Christ Hospital Health Network
Bronze Sponsors
- Cincinnati Magazine
- Maple Knoll Village
Iron Sponsors
- Cincinnati Health Department
Individual Award Nominees
- Megan Abeling
- Lisa Adamson
- Arminda Allen
- Susan Arnold
- Amy Azbill
- Cory Baldridge
- Chasity Baldwin
- Jennifer Beattie
- Cyndi Bezold
- Kelsey Billman
- Andrea Bishop
- Leslie Bishop
- Barb Bodnarik
- Rose Boehmer
- Caroline Bollman
- Jeremy Bolser
- Bianca Bostick
- Jessica Bryant
- Brian Burkhardt
- Lisa Burns
- Sami Carder
- James Carl
- Chrissy Caylor
- Brooke Chambers
- Cornelia Clopotel
- Anthony Contini
- Miranda Coyle
- Melissa Craig
- Jessica Crowe
- Angela Deaton
- Skylar Deaton
- Jennifer Dever
- Elizabeth Diaz Fernandez
- Sera Dindia
- Deasa Dorsey
- Randy Duggan
- Lisa Dunhoft
- Carley Dunkman
- Trica Earl
- Autumn Eigel
- Bonnie Eilerman
- Meagan Enneking
- Daniel Ewald
- Brandiss Ewing-Jackson
- John Fahey
- Danielle Fannigan
- Ashley Farrar
- Ann Fay
- Jessica Fitzpatrick
- Nicole Gill
- Kristin Goodrow-Wright
- Lauren Hargis
- Brandi Harris
- Leah Helbling
- Gretchen Hennegan
- Shannon Henning
- Margaret Henry
- Carol Hoeper
- Ashley Holbrook
- Susanna Holley
- Jennifer Hongell
- Diane Hoover
- Melissa Hughes
- Sharon Rose Hull
- Jenna Hunt
- Alexis Hunter
- Cora Hurdle
- Brenda Huskey
- Amy Jackson
- Gretchen Jackson
- Cara Johnson
- Kelly Kelley
- Nicole Kemplin
- Christina Kennard
- Nicole Kidd
- Erica Kirk
- Kyla Kirk
- Nikki Kneflin
- Christina Koch
- Kyleigh Kossoudji
- Kelly Krummen
- Krista Lands
- Yvonne Leffingwell
- Julia Long
- Cathie Lower
- Jasmine Lowry
- Kelsey Martin
- Morgan Martin
- Lauren Massie
- Jenna McMahon
- Alyssa Meador
- Amy Meiners
- Natalia Moese
- Rachel Moler
- Bobbie Moore
- Mary Mullins
- Tricia Myers
- Victoria Naseer
- Melissa Netherwood
- Sue Nickoson
- Sharon Noelker
- Clare Norwood
- Allie O'Keefe
- Letisha Oundo
- Laura Parker- Jacobs
- Ashley Paul
- Holly Pfriem
- Elaine Philipp
- Jessica Powell
- Kim Poynter
- Jeannie Puckett
- Erin Rademacher
- Stephanie Ralston
- Jonathan Ramos
- Hayden Ramsey
- Katherine Rich
- Elizabeth Riley
- Jacqueline Roethlisberger
- Jared Rogers
- Jessica Rogers
- Gina Rose
- Nina Rothwell
- Emily Rush
- Adam Sandfoss
- Natasha Saylor
- Lauren Saylor-Warren
- Tanya Schaefer
- Anna Schueler
- Jenna Scott
- Jason Shreve
- Lois Siegle
- Benjamin Skove
- Mackenzie Slack
- Taylor Smith
- Joy Sowders
- Summer Steigerwald
- Brittany Stengel
- Kaylin Stockman
- Lisa Storer
- Lacey Summerly
- Mandy Svarda
- Claire Taylor
- Robert Taylor
- Lisa Teegarden
- Maria Thompson
- Michael Thompson
- Adam Town
- Cally Troyer
- Tonya Vilardo
- Michelle Vujic-Gilbert
- Kym Wall
- Carrie Washington
- Sarah Waterman
- Jamie Weber
- Danielle Wessel
- Lucretia White
- Autumne Williams
- Sarah Williams
- Tiana Williams
- Carolyn "CJ" Wilson
- Rebecca Wilson
- Ashley Woolum
- Kathryn Zint
Team Award Nominees
- Jammie Allen
- Kimberly Bales
- Emily Boone
- Kelsey Casdorph
- Julie Collins
- Teri Corbin
- Christina Craft
- Randy Duggan
- Clarissa Edwards
- Simon Fanek
- Frank Farkash
- Sharon Gaunt
- Gordon Gillespie
- Allie Goins
- Hillary Harris
- Melyssa Hoff-Donnellon
- Amy Hubbard
- Lorraine Hughes
- Jennifer Kolar
- Therese Kroeger
- Gwen Lanyi
- Amanda Lavoie
- Gabrielle Marcheschi
- Sandra Medley
- Elizabeth Messer
- Vicki Minnich
- Sarah Mohn
- Jordyn Ockerman
- Rachel Podvin
- Lisa Roa
- Michelle Rudisell
- Julia Schartung
- Lisa Schowalter
- Veronica Scott-Fulton
- Ben Sillies
- Lindsey Skop
- Destini Thomas
- Carrie Washington
- Ben Weber
- Paige Willenbrink