March of Dimes and Synova Associates Announces Award Winner

MARCH OF DIMES AND SYNOVA ASSOCIATES NURSE LEADERSHIP EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCE AWARD WINNER

Quincy, MA (May 10, 2018) – Synova Associates, LLC, based in Quincy MA in partnership with the March of Dimes, announced this year’s winner of the March of Dimes Excellence in NICU Leadership Award at the annual NICU Leadership Forum, held in Ponte Vedra, Florida at the TPC Sawgrass Marriott.

The award recognizes the significant contributions of NICU leaders. “Past winners of this coveted award have all demonstrated the highest level of inspiration and support to their staff and this year’s winner truly exemplifies those qualities and more,” said Chrissy Burke, partner, Synova Associates, LLC.

Lori Gunther, Senior Director of NICU Innovation and Melissa Gehl, Manager of NICU Innovation at the March of Dimes presented the award to winner Luann Jones, Neonatal Services Nursing Director Arkansas Children’s Hospital. “One of her colleagues who nominated her put it best,” said Gunther. “Luann leads the great teamwork in the NICU that people love. It’s the reason they stay, and why more people want to become a part of our team,” she said.

Criteria for the award included a demonstration of a strong leader; ability to influence staff within and beyond the NICU, and to lead with care and compassion towards patients, families, colleagues, and staff.

“I know it sounds corny, but I was inspired to choose nursing as a profession because of my son Drew's primary nurse in the NICU at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. That NICU nurse went well beyond providing quality care to my premature baby. That entire experience set me on the path to become the best NICU nurse I could be,” said Jones.

The theme for this year’s annual NICU Leadership Forum is “Leadership: Finding Joy in the Journey.” For the 22nd year, Synova Associates has attracted close to 200 nurse leaders from around the country to participate in educational leadership conferences, presentations, round-table discussions and networking opportunities.

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family.

About Synova Associates

Synova Associates was formed in 2010 by Cathy Bush, Chrissy Burke, Sandy Chapman and Barbara Greer who have been organizing the NICU Leadership Forum meeting since its inception in 1996. Synova’s goal is to provide innovative solutions for nurse leaders through education and consulting services.

Photo caption:
left to right: Lori Gunther, March of Dimes; Cathy Bush, Synova partner;Barbara Greer, Synova Partner; Luann Jones, Arkansas Children's Hospital, 2018 Excellence in NICU Leadership Award winner; Micki Arrizola, Lurie Children's Hospital, 2017 Excellence in NICU Leadership Award Winner; Chrissy Burke, Synova Partner; Melissa Gehl. March of Dimes.

For more information about the NICU Nurse Leadership Forum or about Synova Associates, please visit www.synovaassociates.com

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