The Managed Care Nurse Leader of the Year Award

This award is dedicated each year to one member who demonstrates outstanding nursing leadership qualities. The award is given out at the AAMCN Nurses Pre-Conference in Las Vegas prior to the Fall Managed Care Forum.

Award winners demonstrate each of the following criteria:

  • Leadership impact on managed care

  • Mentoring achievements

  • Leadership and managed care nursing achievements

  • Contributions made to strengthen managed care nursing and the nursing profession

  • The following leadership characteristics: trust, individual consideration, intellectual stimulation, courage, dependability, flexibility, integrity, judgment, and respect for others

The 2025 AAMCN Nurse of the Year

Smiling woman with short curly hair wearing a white collared shirt in a well-lit office corridor.

Koby Mitchell, MSN, RN, CMCN

Nominated by her colleagues at Company Associated Care Ventures/Simpra Advantage, Koby Mitchell, RN, UM Director, earned her CMCN in 2021 and has been an AAMCN member for over five years. At her current workplace, she is recognized for building the entire UM department, system, policies and procedures from the ground up. Called "a huge asset to the plan" by one of her nominators, they went on to acknowledge Mitchell as "one of the most respected and most knowledgeable leaders in our company."

Mitchell is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others through in-house courses, speaking at the AAMCN annual conference, and mentoring. Known for "leading with her heart," her significant impact to the field is felt through her hard work, dedication, and leadership all focused on improving the lives of her plan's members.

Past Award Winners

2024: Dorothy Cook, DNP, APRN, CMCN

2023:
Eileen Scott, BSN, RN, CMCN

2022: Nancy Skinner, RN, CMCN, CCM, CMGT-BC, ACM-RN, FCM

2021: Scott S. Mastran, MSN, MBA, RN, CMCN

2020: Monika Yadrnak, BSN, RN, CMCN

2019: Vineta Mitchell, RN, BSN, CCM, MBA/HCM, CMCN

2018: Dalrona Harrison, RN, CMCN

2017: Michelle Greene Rhodes, MHS, RN, CCM, CMCN

2016: Clare Jarrard, RN, PhD, CMCN

2015: Stefany Almaden, PhD, RN, MSN, CCM, CPUM, CMCN

2014: Ruth Machain, RN, CPHM, CMCN, CCM

2013: Sheryl Riley, RN, OCN, CMCN

2012: LaNita Knoke, RN, BS, CMCN

2011: Jacquelyn Smith, RN, BSN, MA, CMCN

2010: Colleen Morley-Wines, RN, MSN, CMCN

2009: Cheryl Slagle, RN, CMCN, CCM, CCP

2008: Janet Gilbert, RN, MSN, CMCN, CCM

2007: Shelly Martin, BSN, MHSA, CPHQ, CMCN, CCM