Guidelines Workshops

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.

Deborah L. Spratt

MPA, BSN, RN, CNOR(E), CRCST, CHL, FAORN

Spratt’s career centers on perioperative safety. She speaks globally on sharps safety, safe patient handling and civility, Spratt was AORN President 2012-13 and received the 2021 AORN Excellence in Perioperative Management.

Patti Owens

MHA, BSN, RN, CMLSO, CNOR, FAORN

Owens is recognized worldwide for expertise in perioperative nursing and laser safety, with a focus on developing professional laser standards grounded in evidence-based practices. She received numerous awards in clinical, academic, and industrial fields.

Johnson Ogundare

DNP, MPH, CNOR, FAORN

Ogundare has transformed surgical smoke safety globally through research, education, and evidence-based implementation. His algorithm improves compliance and safety standards worldwide, influencing practice across low-, middle-, and high-income countries.

Lillian H. Nicolette

MSN, RN, CNOR, FAORN

Nicolette pioneers’ perioperative education and industry through evidence-based teaching, guideline authorship, and global leadership. Her programs deliver surgical excellence through innovation, collaboration, and transformative learning.

Barbara L. DiTullio

DNP, RN, MA, CNOR, NEA-BC, FAORN

Known for her work in peer support, crisis management, and sharps injuries, DiTullio led AORN’s first virtual nursing research symposium. She exemplifies AORN by advocating for quality care of patients and nurses in the safest environment possible.

Brenda G. Larkin, APRN, MS, ACNS-BC, CNS-CP, CSSM, CNOR, FAORN

Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nikki Washington, MSN, MBA-HCM, RN, CNOR, CSSM

Board Member

Nikki Washington is the Director of Surgical Services and Nursing at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Stockton, California.

Daphny Peneza, DNP, RN, CNOR, CSSM, FAORN

Board Member

Daphny Peneza is the Perioperative Services Manager for Neurosurgery and Neuro Interventional ORs at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Hung-Fu (Charlie) Lin, MSN, APRN, NP-C, CRNFA, CNOR-PEDS, CNAMB, FAORN

Board Member

Charlie Lin is a Nurse Practitioner, RN First Assist at Stanford Children's Hospital in Palo Alto, California.

Leigh Anne Bartlett, MSN, RN, CNOR

Board Member

Leigh Anne Bartlett is the Director of Surgical Services / Nursing at UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield, North Carolina.

Nakeisha McNeill Tolliver, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, CNOR, CSSM

Nominating Committee Advisor

Nakeisha McNeill Tolliver is the Director of Perioperative Services, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.

Melanie Perry, BSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM

Nominating Committee Member

Melanie Perry is founder and Chief Nursing Officer at First Case Media, LLC, and an OR Circulator at Vaughan Regional Medical Center, Selma, Alabama.

Joanne D. Muyco, DNP, RN, NE-BC, CNOR

Nominating Committee Member

Joanne Muyco is a Nurse Scientist at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas.

Erica Basora, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CNOR

Nominating Committee Member

Erica Basora is a Clinical Specialist at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

Gerry Y. Asuncion, MS, BSN, RN, CSSM, CNOR, CNAMB, NPD-BC, CPHQ

Nominating Committee Member

Gerry Y. Asuncion is the Director of Education and Professional Development at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica, California.

Roderick D. McArdle Jr, MSN, BA, RN, CNOR

Nominating Committee Chair

Roderick D. McArdle Jr. is the Clinical Coordinator at Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts.

Deborah Ebert, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CNOR, CPAN, CAPA

Nurse Executive Award

Deborah Marie Ebert is an innovative healthcare executive and mentor with 20+ years of experience in Leadership, Strategic Operations, Surgery, Perianesthesia, and Critical Care.

Zachary Wargolet

Edith Dee Hall Award

Zachary Wargolet, has worked in healthcare since 2015 starting out as a CNA on a med surg unit. He made his way into the OR in 2021 at a small community hospital and knew that OR nursing is where he found his home.

Rachel M. Edens, BSN, RN, CNOR, CPAN

Outstanding Achievement in Perioperative Nursing Management

Rachel Edens served in the Nurse Manager role of the Operating Room at Baton Rouge General Hospital. During her tenure she guided a team of 120 and oversaw the daily clinical operations of 15 OR suites.