Daniel D. Vigness Federal Political Director Award
Tribute to Political Director Advocacy
In 2013, the Federal Political Director (FPD) of the Year Award was renamed the Daniel D. Vigness Federal Political Director Award in tribute and memory of its first winner, Dan Vigness. Dan was an active member of the South Dakota Association of Nurse Anesthetists (SDANA) and, in his memory, SDANA is funding the crystal award for ten years.
It is presented annually to an FPD who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the national healthcare agenda of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists) through coordinating and participating in federal grassroots and grasstops activities, increasing participation in advocacy within his/her state association, or through special contributions to the federal political process.
Award
The Award is inscribed with the recipient’s name and the year of the presentation. The recipient’s name is also added to a plaque bearing the names of previous recipients, which is displayed in the AANA Federal Government Affairs Office in Washington, DC. The award is presented during the AANA Mid-Year Assembly.
Eligibility
The nominee shall be a CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists who has served as Federal Political Director and has been active in the federal advocacy process through:
- Visible involvement in grassroots advocacy efforts and/or political campaigns.
- Development of a close working relationship with federal officials.
- Leading successful grassroots efforts in response to AANA requests and/or
CRNA-PAC fundraising efforts. - Recruitment of CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists to participate in advocacy efforts or political campaigns.
Nomination Deadline: January 15
Submit a Nomination: Apply now
For more information, contact us.
Recipients
- 2023: Kristin Rohde, CRNA
- 2022: Laura Wiggins, DNP, CRNA
- 2021: Andrea J. Teitel, CRNA, MS
- 2020: Julie Gauderman, MS, APRN, CRNA
- 2019: Stephen D. Smith, MA, CRNA
- 2018: Mary O’Brien, MSN, EJD, CRNA, ARNP
- 2017: Donald Roesler, MS, CRNA
- 2016: G. Dwayne Self, BS, CRNA
- 2015: Amy Pfeil Neimkin, CRNA, DNP, MBA
- 2014: Andrew T. Griffin, CRNA
- 2013: Christine Allen-Sanders, CRNA, BSEd
- 2012: Shirley Sopko, CRNA, MSN
- 2011: Marvin Colyer, CRNA
- 2010: Joseph “Mike” Morel, CRNA, MSNA, APN
- 2009: Werner Beckerhoff, CRNA, MHS, MSBA
- 2008: Nancy Gondringer, CRNA, MA
- 2007: Jackie Fortenberry, CRNA, BA
- 2006: Garalynn Tomas, CRNA, MEd
- 2005: Keith Macksoud, CRNA, MA
- 2004: Yuri Chavez, CRNA, MSN
- 2003: Janice Izlar, CRNA
- 2002: Daniel D. Vigness, CRNA, MS