Foundation Friend of the Year Award
Celebrating Leaders Who Help to Advance the AONL Foundation Mission
The AONL Foundation Friend of Year Award annually recognizes one individual and one organization who have had a profound impact on helping the Foundation to advance its mission.
Such candidates will have helped to advance significantly the mission of the AONL Foundation in one or more of the following ways:
- Contributed personal or organization financial support, in cash or in- kind
- Solicited or influenced financial support from other individuals or organizations
- Assisted with implementing special projects or programs
The Foundation’s Board Chair recognizes the winner at the Foundation’s event during the AONL Annual Conference. Recognition includes a commemorative plaque and a profile published in Voice of Nursing Leadership and on the Foundation’s website.
See past Friend of the Year Award Recipients
David R. Marshall, DNP, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing executive at Cedars-Sinai Health System in Los Angeles, has demonstrated sustained generosity and commitment to the AONL Foundation, highlighted by seven consecutive years of philanthropic giving at the prestigious Nightingale Guild level. Beyond his financial support, Marchall has been volunteer leader, serving as an at-large board member and member of the development committee. He has helped secure significant sponsorships for AONL’s Annual Conference. Previously serving as a member of the AONL Board of Directors and as treasurer, Marshall’s continuous leadership and generosity that have strengthened the AONL Foundation’s reach and impact. David received the award from Tina Mammone, PhD, RN, CENP, NEA-BC, executive director, AONL Foundation, at the 2026 AONL Inspiring Leaders Conference.
UKG provides workforce management systems used by more than 3,500 hospitals and 10,000 post-acute care facilities, including nearly 90% of the largest U.S. health systems. The company has contributed significant expertise, time and resources to the AONL Foundation to help advance the nursing profession. Notably, through the leadership of former Chief Nurse Executive Nanne Finis, UKG co-developed the AONL Foundation’s first think tank. This initiative has since grown into a national series addressing critical topics such as artificial intelligence. Additionally, UKG helped establish the Leadership Symposium webinar series, which engages nurse leaders nationwide on critical and emerging issues. Through these collaborative efforts, UKG has played a pivotal role in expanding the AONL Foundation’s national programming and advancing thought leadership on the complex workforce challenges facing nurse leaders. Jackie Blanchard, DNP, RN, LSSGB, chief nursing executive, UKG, and Samantha Glennon, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, nurse executive - strategy & solutions, UKG, accepted the Friend of the Year award from Tina Mammone, PhD, RN, CENP, NEA-BC, executive director, AONL Foundation, at the 2026 AONL Inspiring Leaders Conference.