Excellence in Nursing Awards
CAHEC supports and recognizes outstanding health professionals through our work with The Excellence in Nursing Awards presented by The Colorado Nurses Foundation
The Excellence in Nursing Award was established in1985 to acknowledge the outstanding nurses in our region, whose hard work and dedication improves other's health.
These prestigious awards recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Colorado nurses. From bedside heroes to community leaders, we honor those
who make a difference in the lives of patients and our healthcare system.
Congratulations to the NE Colorado
2026 Excellence in Nursing Luminaries
Maria Angelizza Armamento
Acute Care Clinical Practice RN
Holly Kock
Community Nursing RN
Luanne Kappel
Nursing Administration Leader/Manager
Lori Tortorella
Nursing Education Professional Development
UCHealth North Region Wound & Ostomy Team
Nurse Led Teams
Gayle Osterberg
Nursing Quality Improvement
Lola Fehr
Excellence in Nursing Eminence
Tammy Piccone
Nursing Administration Executive/CNO
Congratulations to the NE Colorado 2026 Nominees
Maria Angelizza Armamento
Koby Cox
Kristen Cox
Maria Cross
Lola Fehr
Ali Harris
Carli Heckman
Maggie Hinz
Northeast Colorado Regional Excellence in Nursing Award Selection Committee
Katrina Einhellig, Aims Community College
Jennifer Thistle, Morgan Community College
Jill Zamzow, UCHealth
Julia Reinink, Banner Health
Casey Newth, MSN, RN
Tammy Piccone
Shelby Reimann
Mary Sligh
Lori Tortorella
Michele Willhite
Katherine Wimmer
UCHealth North Region Wound & Ostomy Team
Michelle Ing
Luanne Kappel
Holly Kock
Marcia Litteral
Hilary May
Amanda Miller
Gayle Osterberg
Ashley Padilla