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Honoring Excellence in Emergency Nursing: The ENA Foundation's Emerald Awards

On a momentous occasion, the ENA Foundation announced the recipients of its inaugural Emerald Awards, recognizing 35 exceptional individuals and partners who have significantly impacted the emergency nursing field over the last 35 years. The announcement was made on July 21, 2026, in Schaumburg, Illinois. The Emerald Awards serve to honor not only individual achievements but also the collaborative efforts that have shaped the Foundation's history since its establishment in 1991.

The distinguished awardees comprise 16 individuals, 12 Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) councils, and an impressive cohort of seven strategic and corporate partners. Kim Russo, the ENA Foundation Chairperson, expressed that this initial class represents a core group of dedicated donors, leaders, and advocates essential to the Foundation's journey and success. Since its inception, the ENA Foundation has generously contributed over $7 million in grants and scholarships to emergency nurses, thereby facilitating their professional development.

Russo highlighted the importance of recognizing those who have played a pivotal role in the Foundation's growth: "Their generosity, leadership, and unwavering support have made a lasting difference not only for the Foundation but for the emergency nursing community as a whole. We are proud to honor the impact they have had over the past 35 years and recognize the strong foundation they have helped build for the future."

Among the notable recipients is Christine Gisness, a long-time supporter of the Foundation. Having been involved since its establishment, Gisness has previously held the position of Foundation chair and, along with her husband, created the Gisness Advanced Practice Scholarship, aimed at further supporting emergency nursing professionals. Russo praised Gisness for her exceptional dedication, stating, "She truly represents what it means to lead through service and give back in a meaningful way."

The Emerald Awards will also honor Sigma Theta Tau, one of the Foundation's earliest partners, with whom they joined forces in 1993 to establish a joint research grant—the Foundation's first. This partnership has proved vital, with the $6,000 grant becoming a cornerstone for advancing emergency nursing research and empowering nurses to enact meaningful change in the field.

The ceremony recognizing both the Emerald Award recipients and the Foundation's 35th anniversary will take place at Emergency Nursing 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. Russo emphasized that the awards transcend mere celebration; they acknowledge the unwavering investment made by individuals, organizations, and corporations in the ENA Foundation throughout its history. This recognition reinforces their ongoing mission to enhance the emergency nursing profession.

As a philanthropic organization under section 501(c)(3), the ENA Foundation stands as the charitable partner of the Emergency Nurses Association. It actively supports emergency nurses and fosters the advancement of the specialty through scholarships, research grants, and emergency funding initiatives. Since 1991, the Foundation has awarded scholarships and grants to over 3,000 emergency nursing professionals, assisting them in acquiring their degrees, expanding skills through continuing education, and pursuing important research projects directly related to emergency care.

The full roster of Emerald Award recipients is as follows:

• - Vicky Bradley
• - Mickey Forness
• - Gordon Lee Gillespie
• - Michigan ENA Council
• - Chris Gisness
• - Minnesota ENA Council
• - James Hoelz
• - New Jersey ENA Council
• - Patricia Kunz Howard
• - New York ENA Council
• - Thelma Kuska
• - Ohio ENA Council
• - Nancy Mannion
• - Pennsylvania ENA Council
• - Peggy McCall
• - Texas ENA Council
• - The Oglesby Family
• - Virginia ENA Council
• - Stephen O'Neil
• - Washington ENA Council
• - Lynne Smith
• - Academy and Brooks Running
• - Sally K. Snow
• - Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing
• - Jeff Solheim
• - Hillrom
• - Joan Somes
• - NSO
• - Jackie Taylor-Wynkoop
• - Sigma Theta Tau
• - California ENA Council
• - Stryker
• - Indiana ENA Council
• - Teleflex
• - Kentucky ENA Council

In conclusion, the Emerald Awards stand as a testament to the profound impact of individuals and organizations that have contributed tirelessly to the ENA Foundation's mission. They symbolize not just recognition, but a commitment to the ongoing evolution and support of emergency nursing as a critical component of healthcare.

For more information about the ENA and its initiatives, visit www.ena.org.