FRESNO, Calif. – Three Valley Children’s healthcare leaders were recognized among the region’s best at a Fresno awards ceremony, earning “Nurse of the Year” distinctions from the Association of California Nurse Leaders.
PICU, Access Center and Transport Director Steve Odom, Nurse Practitioner Lauren Perry and retired Clinical Nurse Specialist Kim Sutters each received top honors in their respective categories, reflecting excellence in leadership, innovation and clinical practice.
Odom was named for Excellence in Leadership, Perry for Innovation in Professional Nursing, and Sutters for Excellence in Clinical Practice.
The awards – presented by the Nursing Leadership Coalition of the Central San Joaquin Valley – brought together nominees from Valley Children’s, Community Health System, Kaiser Permanente, Saint Agnes Medical Center, Adventist Health and the Philippine Nurses Association of Central California.
Each participating organization selects its top candidates, with final honorees chosen by a panel of nurses and community members.
“To receive this recognition on behalf of Valley Children’s – and especially to be nominated by my own staff – was incredibly meaningful,” Odom said. “I care deeply about our patients and teams, and I simply try to show up each day and do my best.”
Perry echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the team behind her work.
“This recognition means so much because Valley Children’s has become family,” she said. “It reflects not only my own journey, but the incredible mentors, colleagues and teams I’ve had the privilege to work alongside.”
