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
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