March of Dimes-2010 Nurse of the Year Awards

The March of Dimes Arizona Chapter announces its 2010 Nurse of the Year Awards winners. Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and University of Phoenix, the prestigious Nurse of the Year Awards Gala honored 14 nurses and named a “Legend in Nursing,” Saturday night, Aug. 28, 2010, an honor given for the first time since 2007.

The annual March of Dimes event pulled in close to $170,000, which will support future funding for nursing scholarships in Arizona as well as benefit the March of Dimes Arizona Chapter in its pursuit to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Winners in their respective categories are as follows:

Chamberlain College of Nursing Academic Education
Susan Stillwell, DNP, RN, CNE
ASU College of Nursing and Health Innovation

Advocacy for Patients
Kathy Manske, RN, MSN, CCRN, CHPN
Scottsdale Healthcare

Clinical Education
Suzan Miller-Hoover, DNP, RN, CCNS, CCRN
Cardon Children’s Medical Center

Community Service
Susan Stelton, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CWOCN
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center

Innovation/Creativity
Helen Dempsey-Tennent, RN, MN, ARNP, FCN
Gila Mountain United Methodist Church

Arizona Nurses Association Leadership
Raymond Kronenbitter, RN, MSN, PCCN
Yuma Regional Medical Center

Mentoring
Sandra Kurtin, RN, MS, AOCN, ANP-C
Arizona Cancer Center

TriWest Healthcare Alliance Military
Meliza Harris, RN, BSN, MA
United States Air Force

Patient Care
Eric Humphrey, RN, CCRN
Mayo Clinic Hospital

Prenatal/Pediatric
Becky Bell, RN, BSN, CCBE, CLC, CLE, NIDCAP Reliable
Maricopa Integrated Health System

Research/Advancing the Profession
Barbara Wilson, PhD, RNC-OB
ASU College of Nursing and Health Innovation

Rising Star
Ashley Kinder, RN, BSN
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center

Brookline College Student Nurse
Kimberly Harshberger, RN
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center

Distinguished Nurse of the Year
Deborah Boyle, RN, MSN, AOCN, FAAN
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center

Nurse Legend
Pauline Komnenich
ASU College of Nursing and Health Innovation

Pauline Komnenich received the coveted “Legend in Nursing” honor, which is chosen based on outstanding contributions, a minimum of 20 years of service, dedication to nursing and community service. The Nurse Legend honor hasn’t been given since 2007, when it was awarded to Peggy MacMacken from Tucson Medical Center.

For the third year, University of Phoenix, in partnership with the March of Dimes Arizona Chapter, offered two full-tuition scholarships to nurses pursuing advanced degrees. Helen Burson was awarded the scholarship to pursue an LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN). The second scholarship recipient was Karen Butterbaugh, who will pursue a Masters of Science in Nursing/Health Care Education (MSN/ED).

Sponsors for the event included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, University of Phoenix, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Channel 5, Jobing.com, Lovin’ Life After 50 and Watermark Video Production.

New Business Manager Joins After the Fact - Final Affairs, LLC

After the Fact - Final Affairs, LLC is pleased to announce that Cathy M. Davis has joined their company as Business Development Manager.

She comes with real-life experience through being a caregiver for both her father-in-law and mother-in-law prior to their death. At that time, she was heavily involved in the settling of their estate.

Cathy moved to Phoenix from Chicago in 1985. She spent 20 years in the auto industry as a finance director and general manager. In 2001, she changed careers and entered into the mortgage business where she remained for eight years.

Most recently, Cathy has been involved with Advanced Funeral Planning which fills a passion of helping people have peace of mind that their things are taken care of.

She loves spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, reading, cooking and, when she can find the time, traveling

After the Fact's goal is to give peace of mind during a difficult time by providing efficient, effective and confidential services so you can concentrate on what's important.

Woman of the Year

WEST VALLEY WOMEN ANNOUNCES WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Candace Hunter Wiest, President and CEO of West Valley National Bank and West Valley Bancorp, Inc. has been named Woman of the Year by the West Valley Women organization. She will be honored for her commitment and dedication to the West Valley community on Oct. 5 at Skye restaurant with an elegant luncheon and award presentation.

Wiest is the founding President of West Valley National Bank. Her community activities include GPEC, West Valley Advisory Board of Phoenix Children’s Hospital, the Catholic Community Foundation and incoming Chair of Westmarc.

"Besides her commitment to growing West Valley National Bank, Candace has shared her considerable energy and talents in promoting West Valley business and social organizations," says Robert Guyette, chairman of the board of West Valley National Bank. "We are proud of the positive impact Candace has made in the West Valley and throughout the greater Phoenix area."


ABOUT WEST VALLEY WOMEN
Founded in 2005 by Linda M. Herold, West Valley Women offers guests and members monthly opportunities to network in a unique and special way. Women, who live, work or conduct business in the West Valley and share a pride in the uniqueness of the community will benefit from membership. Business and professional women, community leaders, women in government, women in education and those who have retired - all are welcome as members.

West Valley Women has been named one of the top 25 networking organizations by the Phoenix Business Journal Book of Lists.

For more information about meetings, membership and sponsorship options, visit www.WestValleywomen.org

Photo: Candace Hunter Wiest

Phoenix Woman magazine

Check out this short video clip of the fun we've had the past two years at Phoenix Woman magazine.
Maybe you'll see yourself or someone you know!!!
Make sure to dial up the sound...the music is rockin'.

Phoenix Woman magazine Video