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Kristy Gottschalk, MSN, RN, CNOR, PHN
Nominating Committee Member
Kristy Gottschalk is an educator at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, Crosby, Minnesota.
Stephanie Ayala, MSN, RN, CNOR
Nominating Committee Member
Stephanie Ayala is a Perioperative Nurse at the Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Lake Nona, Florida. She also serves as a Medical Officer Recruiter for the US Navy Reserves.
Ray-an Talatala, DNP, RN, CNOR, NPD-BC, FNAP, FAORN
Nominating Committee Member
Ray-an B. Talatala is a Perioperative Nursing Professional Development Specialist at New York City Health and Hospitals/Bellevue, New York, New York.
Stephanie Battiste, BSN, RN, CNOR
Board Member
Stephanie Battiste is a nursing professional development practitioner and education team manager at Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, California.
Richard Dorritie, PhD, RN, CNE, CNOR
Board Member
Richard Dorritie is a clinical assistant professor, New York University, New York City.
Madelaine Catcho, BSN, RN
Edith D. Hall Rising Star Award
Emerging perioperative nurse and trauma center preceptor. Led a Sharps Injury Reduction Project and is known for compassionate care, collaboration, and supporting peers through active council leadership.
Carole "Gert" Mayes, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, CNOR
Outstanding Achievement in Perioperative Nursing Research Practice
Educator and researcher on perioperative nurse turnover. Published foundational grounded theory in AORN Journal, presents internationally, and applies findings to guide leadership principles and team resilience.
Beverly A. Kirchner, MSN, RN, CNOR, CNAMB
Barba Edwards Innovation Award
ASC pioneer with 40+ years building 55+ centers in 14 states. TriasMD VP of Compliance and SurgeryDirect founder. Influential author, educator, and mentor advancing safety, quality, and nurse leadership.
Nathalie Walker, MBA, BS, RN, CNOR
Outstanding Volunteer Leadership
Longtime AORN leader and past AORN National President who funded scholarships and advanced chapter and Foundation initiatives. Advocate for smoke elimination and equity; state appointee and dedicated community volunteer.
Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CMLSO, CNOR, FAORN, FAAN
Award for Excellence
Consultant with 45+ years advancing laser safety, smoke reduction, and OR best practices. Past AORN National President and national board leader; educator and advocate for safer patient and staff environments.
Darin M. Prescott, DNP, MBA, RN, CNOR
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives of the Year Award
IHS diabetes program deputy director and perioperative/ED RN. Lower Sioux Indian Community member and researcher honored by AORN and statewide groups for leadership, service, and advancing clinical practice.
Susan Garruto, MSHA, MSN, BSN, APRN, RNFA, CNOR
Outstanding Achievement in Perioperative Nursing Clinical Practice
Neurosurgical NP and first assistant who advances clinical excellence. Educates teams on equipment, procedures, and patient care; mentors future surgeons in technique and communication. Collaborates across disciplines to ensure safe, optimized outcomes.
Rachel Meyer, MSN, RN, CNOR-CARD, NE-BC
Outstanding Achievement in Perioperative Nursing Management
Director overseeing cardiovascular perioperative and procedural services. Leads teams across CVOR, cath and EP labs, and recovery. AORN chapter president committed to education, mentorship, and improved outcomes.
Ray-an Talatala, DNP, RN, CNOR, NPD-BC, FNAP, FAORN
Outstanding Achievement in Perioperative Nursing Evidence - Based Practice
NPD specialist and research leader driving initiatives on retained items, specimen safety, burns, and pressure injuries. Chairs EBP councils, publishes widely, & helped earn Center of Excellence designation; recognized as an emerging leader & AORN Fellow.
Imelda Wright, PhD, RN, CNOR(E), FAORN
Outstanding Achievement in Perioperative Education: Academic
Researcher focused on perioperative practice and OR safety. Develops risk‑reduction frameworks and informs policy on safety culture, engagement, and healthy workplaces to strengthen clinical environments.
William "Bill" J. Duffy, RN, MJ, CNOR, FAAN
Outstanding Achievement in Mentorship - AORN Leadership
Independent consultant and past AORN National President who led Time Out Day. Widely published speaker honored for leadership and service; continues advocacy through education and media engagement to strengthen nursing mentorship.
Constance Yeager, MSN, RN, RN-BC, NE-BC, CNOR
Outstanding Achievement in Mentorship - Perioperative
Level V perioperative nurse and chapter president who built an OR Mentorship Program fostering belonging, confidence, and retention. Champions psychological safety and is pursuing a DNP in leadership.
Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR
Outstanding Achievement in Perioperative Education: Clinical
Perioperative educator and supervisor with 25 years of experience. Periop 101 instructor, AORN leader, and founder of Periop Anew. Built standardized orientation and residency programs that elevate competency, safety, and teamwork.
JohnRich Levine, DNP, DPA, DBA(c), MSN, MHA, MPA, BSN, BSChE, AB, APRN, CNE, CNOR, CSSM, CCRN, NEA-BC, NPDA-BC, ACHE
Nurse Executive Award
CNO guiding perioperative and hospital‑wide services across rural and academic settings. Leads safety, team development, and governance initiatives; frequent speaker and contributor recognized for training, innovation, and workforce impact.
Imelda Wright
PhD, RN, CNOR(E), FAORN
Wright developed the Wright Normalization of Deviance Scale and has further contributed to perioperative excellence by way of presentations and publications. Wright is awarded for writing and academic excellence in perioperative care.
