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Mary K. Wakefield, PhD, RN, FAAN, is one of the nation’s preeminent nurse leaders and an authority on health policy, rural healthcare, patient safety, and workforce development. Building on her career in academic nursing, she has served the nation in high-profile federal appointments, including Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and Counselor to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Wakefield led and initiated program improvements at HRSA to further strengthen the healthcare workforce, build healthier communities, increase health equity, and provide healthcare to geographically isolated and medically vulnerable populations. A member of the National Academy of Medicine, she co-chaired the expert committee that produced the landmark report on The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. Named a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing, she recently served as a Visiting Professor at the University of Texas at Austin and Georgetown University.

This award honors John P. McGovern for his noted clinical practice and research, and distinguished record of scholarship, skill, and service.