CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 AAOHN AWARDEES

Angela is a distinguished occupational and environmental health nurse whose 35-year career has been defined by leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to our profession. Her impact within the South Carolina Association of Occupational Health Nurses has been remarkable, including eight years of service as President and President-Elect, where she strengthened the organization and supported the next generation of leaders. She is widely respected as a mentor, known for her integrity, compassion, and ability to inspire confidence and growth in others. Through her advocacy, education, and service, Angela has played a vital role in advancing recognition of occupational health nursing as a specialty.

Dr. Sungwon Park is an Assistant Professor at UCLA and a leader in occupational and environmental health nursing research, with a focus on improving the health of the aging workforce. Her work addresses critical issues such as metabolic health, sedentary behavior, and physical activity, with research supported by national funding organizations. In addition to her academic contributions, she brings valuable clinical experience and actively serves AAOHN through the Education Committee.

Dr. Mazen El Ghaziri is a tenured Associate Professor and nationally recognized leader in occupational health research, education, and practice.
For more than a decade, I have had the opportunity to work alongside Mazen and witness his dedication to improving the health, safety, and well-being of workers, particularly in high-risk environments. His research, supported by federal funding, has made a meaningful impact in areas such as workplace violence, organizational stress, and Total Worker Health® approaches. He is also an active contributor to national policy and professional organizations, helping translate research into real-world practice.

Susan is a dedicated leader known for her collaborative spirit, strong communication skills, and commitment to both professional excellence and community service. She currently serves as the lead occupational health nurse for Savannah River Mission Completion, where she supports a highly specialized workforce while balancing operational leadership with employee-centered care. Susan also serves on the Board of Directors for the American Board of Occupational Health Nurses, where she contributes to advancing certification and developing future leaders in our field. She is someone who builds meaningful partnerships and creates environments where people feel valued, engaged, and inspired.

Gladys is an accomplished nurse practitioner, administrator, and policy advocate with nearly three decades of experience in occupational and environmental health nursing. Her leadership has been especially impactful during critical moments, including her work supporting public health and workplace safety efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. “In her current role with The Walt Disney Company, she oversees global medical operations and continues to advance best practices, standardization, and professional certification. She is also an active advocate at both the state and national levels, working to strengthen the profession and support a diverse workforce.

Derek is the CEO of C.M.D. Health Partners and brings more than 30 years of medical experience to his work as a board-certified family nurse practitioner.
His leadership in occupational medicine, along with his commitment to advancing care and supporting workforce health, reflects the very spirit of this award.

Kansas City National Security Campus, managed by Honeywell FM&T has shown exceptional dedication to protecting workers’ health and fostering a culture of safety and innovation.

The North Carolina Association of Occupational Health Nurses has demonstrated outstanding commitment to delivering high-quality programming and meaningful engagement within their community.

The South Carolina Association of Occupational Health Nurses continues to set a high standard through impactful, multi-day programming that supports education, collaboration, and professional growth.