Purpose: The AAOHN Leadership Legacy Award recognizes occupational and environmental health nurses whose sustained leadership has created lasting improvements in occupational health nursing practice, worker health and safety, professional development, and organizational or industry outcomes.

This award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership at the local, state, regional, and/or national level and whose contributions extend beyond their own workplace to influence the occupational health profession. Recipients leave a meaningful legacy through mentorship, innovation, program development, policy advancement, professional service, and measurable improvements that continue to benefit workers, organizations, and the profession. 

Eligibility

Applicants must be active members of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN). 

Award Selection: Members of the AAOHN Awards/Recognition Review Panel will judge entries. The recipient will receive national recognition and a crystal award. 

Procedure

Candidate must be nominated by an active member of AAOHN.   

• All materials, nomination forms and statements as well as candidate forms and statements, must be submitted by December 31 at 11:59 pm CT.  
• You should receive an automated response if your application was submitted successfully, but you can email info@aaohn.org with questions. 
• AAOHN will notify all candidates and sponsors of results via email prior to the AAOHN National Conference.

Submission Criteria

1. Candidates must demonstrate a sustained history of leadership and impact within occupational and environmental health nursing at the local, state, regional, and/or national level. 
2. Candidates must show evidence of outstanding contributions to OEHN, including but not limited to the following:  

• Sustained Leadership and Professional Service (20 points) 
  • Leadership roles in AAOHN, state associations, committees, boards, task forces, or professional organizations  
  • Influence at local, state, regional, national, or international levels  
  • Demonstrated commitment over an extended period 
• Measurable Impact on Occupational and Environmental Health Practice and Outcomes (25 points) 
  • Improved worker health, safety, or wellness outcomes  
  • Enhanced quality or efficiency of services and/or occupational health programs 
  • Reduced injuries, illnesses, costs, or risks 
  • Improved organizational performance or workflow processes 
• Professional Influence Beyond the Workplace (15 Points) 
  • Development of standards, best practices, or guidelines  
  • Presentations, publications, education, or advocacy  
  • Influence on professional practice across organizations or industries 
  • Advancement of occupational and environmental health and safety as a field 
• Mentorship and Development of Future Leaders (20 Points) 
  • Mentoring nurses, students, and emerging leaders  
  • Coaching and professional development activities  
  • Supporting certification, leadership advancement, or career growth  
  • Building high-performing teams 
• Innovation, Organizational Change, and Legacy (20 Points) 
  • Creation of innovative programs or services  
  • Implementation of creative solutions to complex challenges  
  • Successful organizational transformation  
  • Development of systems, standards, processes, or cultures that continue beyond the nominee's tenure 

3. Candidates must provide evidence of commitment to continue leadership efforts and contributions to OEHN and AAOHN. 
4. Nominating Sponsor must complete sponsor form and provide a narrative statement explaining how the candidate meets the judging criteria. 

Judging Criteria 

Submissions will be judged based on a 100-point system. Each section indicates the maximum number of points that the candidate can earn based upon the content submitted. 

Nominating Sponsor Instructions and Forms 

Applications for the Leadership Legacy Award require one (1) nominating sponsor. The nominating sponsor must be an active member of AAOHN and can only nominate one (1) candidate per year.  

Sponsor statements should not exceed two (2) 8 ½ x 11”, typewritten, double-spaced, single-sided pages with 1” margins using 12-point font. 

Nominating sponsors must complete this form and provide a separate narrative based on the selection criteria provided above. Complete sponsor forms should be submitted with the application and emailed to info@aaohn.org no later than December 31 at 11:59 pm CT.

Leadership Legacy Award Criteria

Sponsor Nomination Form and Narrative Criteria

Incomplete applications without a sponsor form will not be considered.