2023 Awards

Texas NP of the Year Award is given annually to a dedicated TNP who demonstrates excellence and serves as a role model for the nurse practitioner profession.

CINDY WESTON

DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CHSE, FAANP

The Rising Star Award was developed to recognize an individual who has been in practice for less than three years and demonstrates clinical excellence and innovation in at least one of the following: overall patient care, patients’ access to care, health policy, and/or leadership in the field.

MILI VAKHARIA

APRN, FNP-C, CDCES

TNP’s Educator of the Year Award is given annually to a dedicated TNP member who serves as a role model for creating and sustaining a culture in nursing education that integrates theory and practice and demonstrates significant creativity in teaching approaches to promote learner outcomes.

SHEBA LUKE

DNP, RN, FNP-C, NEA-BC

One of TNP’s highest honors in years following each legislative session is our Legislator of the Year Award. This award recognizes one or more legislators who have championed the expansion of access to care and the removal of barriers for nurse practitioners and their patients.

SENATOR CÉSAR J. BLANCO

TNP’s Above and Beyond Award is awarded to a member or members who have gone above and beyond for the organization and the profession.

KEN STACKHOUSE

MBA, MSN, FNP-C, ENP-BC

The President’s Award is awarded annually and presented to an individual for their faithful and diligent service to TNP.

MONEE’ CARTER-GRIFFIN

DNP, MAOL, APRN, ACNP-BC

EMILY BRIZZOLARA DOVE

POLICY ADVISOR WITH TEXAS 2036

The Visionary Award is presented to an individual or entity to recognize programs, projects, or research that envisions and/or utilize nurse practitioners as leaders and valuable partners in the healthcare system.

CHERYL THAXTON

DNP, APRN, CPNP, FNP-BC, CHPPN, ACHPN, FPCN, FAANP

The TNP Community Impact Award is given to NP leaders who have made outstanding contributions to improve the health and wellbeing if their community through volunteerism and innovative healthcare approaches.

DR. DAVID HACKTHORN

MD

The TNP Community Impact Award is given to NP leaders who have made outstanding contributions to improve the health and wellbeing if their community through volunteerism and innovative healthcare approaches.

JESSICA PECK

DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, FAANP, FAAN

ASHLEY GARLING

EMILY MCALLISTER

MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

BRIDGETT DEAN

FNP-C

COASTAL BEND ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES

FORT WORTH REGION NURSE PRACTITIONERS