Announcing the Winners of the 2026 AAPACN Awards for Post-Acute Care Excellence
On March 18, 2026, at the AAPACN 2026 Conference held in Orlando, Florida, the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN®) celebrated the achievements of notable figures in the realm of post-acute care by announcing the recipients of its annual AAPACN Awards. These prestigious awards recognize professionals and organizations that have made significant contributions toward elevating standards of care and improving health outcomes for residents nationwide.
1. Clinical Assessment Professional of the Year: Salem Johnson, MSN, RN-BC, RAC-CT, Houston Methodist Hospital, TX
Salem Johnson’s expertise in the RAI and MDS processes has been instrumental in enhancing both patient care and adherence to regulatory standards. As the SNF Program Manager and MDS Coordinator, she has successfully improved interdisciplinary collaboration and documentation accuracy, all while keeping residents' quality of life at the forefront of her initiatives. Johnson is not just a leader; she is a mentor who equips her colleagues with the necessary tools to confidently navigate complex regulations.
2. Clinical Leader of the Year: Erin Overla, BSN, RN, RAC-CT, RAC-CTA, Carespring Healthcare, OH
Erin Overla's role as Vice President of Nursing sees her managing multiple skilled nursing facilities, wherein her leadership has led to transformative changes. Her innovative methods have resulted in lowered hospital readmissions and enhanced nursing staff retention, all while advancing value-based care models. Overla promotes a work culture emphasizing both clinical excellence and compassionate care, ensuring that every aspect of the patient's experience is regarded with the utmost importance.
3. LTPAC Shining Star Award: Jennifer Cambron, RN, LNHA, ALA, ICP, RMC, Cherokee County Health and Rehab, AL
With an impressive career spanning 25 years, Jennifer Cambron exemplifies dedication to residents and her community. Her tenure has seen significant expansions in memory care and post-acute services within Cherokee County Health and Rehab. Cambron has pioneered mentorship programs for new staff and created unique resident engagement initiatives like the "Rehab Rockstar" celebrations, showcasing her belief that effective leadership stems from teamwork and shared goals.
4. Impact Award: Angela Huffman, RN, Ascension Living, PA
Angela Huffman stands out for her extensive nearly 40-year career in post-acute care, where she has made remarkable strides in improving practice standards. Her initiatives have substantially decreased acquired pressure injuries and hospitalization rates across various facilities. As a mentor to upcoming nurse leaders, Huffman is also a staunch advocate for regulatory excellence and maintaining data integrity, exemplifying how clinical and professional advancements can go hand in hand.
5. Organizational Excellence Award: Ignite Medical Resorts, Overland Park, KS
Ignite Medical Resorts has been recognized for embedding leadership development within their care framework. Their innovative training initiatives have fostered exceptional operational and clinical leaders, demonstrating that strategic investments in staff training lead directly to improved clinical outcomes and elevated patient satisfaction.
Tracey Moorhead, CEO of AAPACN, emphasized the vital role these recognized leaders play in strengthening post-acute care, remarking that their dedication continues to enhance the lives of residents and their families. The AAPACN Awards not only celebrate individual and organizational achievements but also aim to inspire others within the healthcare community.
Looking towards the future, nominations for the 2027 AAPACN Awards will open in the coming fall, promising to spotlight even more outstanding leaders in the field. For more details on AAPACN’s certification programs and professional development opportunities, please visit AAPACN's website.
With over 18,000 nurses and leaders in post-acute care under its umbrella, AAPACN remains committed to advancing care standards and providing essential resources across its 6,100 member facilities in the U.S. The significance of such recognitions cannot be overstated as we look forward to celebrating the future achievements of professionals dedicated to enhancing post-acute care.
2026 Award Winners
1. Clinical Assessment Professional of the Year: Salem Johnson, MSN, RN-BC, RAC-CT, Houston Methodist Hospital, TX
Salem Johnson’s expertise in the RAI and MDS processes has been instrumental in enhancing both patient care and adherence to regulatory standards. As the SNF Program Manager and MDS Coordinator, she has successfully improved interdisciplinary collaboration and documentation accuracy, all while keeping residents' quality of life at the forefront of her initiatives. Johnson is not just a leader; she is a mentor who equips her colleagues with the necessary tools to confidently navigate complex regulations.
2. Clinical Leader of the Year: Erin Overla, BSN, RN, RAC-CT, RAC-CTA, Carespring Healthcare, OH
Erin Overla's role as Vice President of Nursing sees her managing multiple skilled nursing facilities, wherein her leadership has led to transformative changes. Her innovative methods have resulted in lowered hospital readmissions and enhanced nursing staff retention, all while advancing value-based care models. Overla promotes a work culture emphasizing both clinical excellence and compassionate care, ensuring that every aspect of the patient's experience is regarded with the utmost importance.
3. LTPAC Shining Star Award: Jennifer Cambron, RN, LNHA, ALA, ICP, RMC, Cherokee County Health and Rehab, AL
With an impressive career spanning 25 years, Jennifer Cambron exemplifies dedication to residents and her community. Her tenure has seen significant expansions in memory care and post-acute services within Cherokee County Health and Rehab. Cambron has pioneered mentorship programs for new staff and created unique resident engagement initiatives like the "Rehab Rockstar" celebrations, showcasing her belief that effective leadership stems from teamwork and shared goals.
4. Impact Award: Angela Huffman, RN, Ascension Living, PA
Angela Huffman stands out for her extensive nearly 40-year career in post-acute care, where she has made remarkable strides in improving practice standards. Her initiatives have substantially decreased acquired pressure injuries and hospitalization rates across various facilities. As a mentor to upcoming nurse leaders, Huffman is also a staunch advocate for regulatory excellence and maintaining data integrity, exemplifying how clinical and professional advancements can go hand in hand.
5. Organizational Excellence Award: Ignite Medical Resorts, Overland Park, KS
Ignite Medical Resorts has been recognized for embedding leadership development within their care framework. Their innovative training initiatives have fostered exceptional operational and clinical leaders, demonstrating that strategic investments in staff training lead directly to improved clinical outcomes and elevated patient satisfaction.
Tracey Moorhead, CEO of AAPACN, emphasized the vital role these recognized leaders play in strengthening post-acute care, remarking that their dedication continues to enhance the lives of residents and their families. The AAPACN Awards not only celebrate individual and organizational achievements but also aim to inspire others within the healthcare community.
Looking towards the future, nominations for the 2027 AAPACN Awards will open in the coming fall, promising to spotlight even more outstanding leaders in the field. For more details on AAPACN’s certification programs and professional development opportunities, please visit AAPACN's website.
With over 18,000 nurses and leaders in post-acute care under its umbrella, AAPACN remains committed to advancing care standards and providing essential resources across its 6,100 member facilities in the U.S. The significance of such recognitions cannot be overstated as we look forward to celebrating the future achievements of professionals dedicated to enhancing post-acute care.
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