Excellence Award Winners 2025

James Sims embodies the very essence of clinical excellence in geriatric care. With a career spanning over 35 years — from certified nursing assistant to Primary Care Division Chief—he has demonstrated unwavering commitment to improving the lives of older adults through compassionate, evidence-based practice. As a nurse practitioner, James currently manages care for over 1,100 geriatric patients, consistently providing high-quality, patient-centered care grounded in deep clinical expertise and empathy. Beyond his clinical role, James leads with humility and vision. He has driven improvements in chronic disease management, reduced polypharmacy, and implemented early frailty detection across his organization. A mentor to emerging clinicians and a strong advocate for culturally responsive care, he partners with interdisciplinary teams and community agencies to improve care transitions and outcomes. James’s dedication continues to elevate the standard of geriatric care and exemplifies the spirit of the Excellence in Clinical Practice Award. Congratulations, James, on this well-deserved recognition!

Kimberly Posey is honored with GAPNA’s 2025 Excellence in Community Service Award for her exceptional commitment to improving care for underserved and unhoused individuals, especially older adults. In 2018, she founded a Foot Care Clinic at a day shelter in Fort Worth, Texas, providing low-barrier, trauma-informed foot and nail care to more than 700 individuals. For many, this basic yet essential care restores mobility, reduces pain, and promotes dignity. One older adult, recently discharged from the hospital and struggling to walk, was finally able to wear shoes comfortably again thanks to Kimberly’s care—an act that exemplifies her compassionate, person-centered approach. Kimberly’s impact extends beyond direct care. She has mentored over 50 APRN students at the clinic, providing invaluable hands-on experience with vulnerable populations. She has also presented the clinic model at conferences, published nationally, and advised peers across the country on replicating this high-impact, community-based care. Her work truly reflects GAPNA’s mission to advance community health through service, education, and advocacy. Congratulations, Kimberly, on this well-deserved recognition and for making a lasting difference in the lives of older adults in your community!

GAPNA proudly honors Shantha Franks with the 2025 Excellence in Education Award for her exceptional dedication to advancing gerontological nurse practitioner education. With over 20 years of experience, Shantha has evolved from a novice NP into a respected educator and leader. Since joining the graduate nursing faculty in 2017, she has developed and led geriatric-focused coursework for FNP and AGNP programs, integrating key competencies across advanced practice curricula. Her creative teaching strategies—including simulation programs, role-playing for advance care planning, and community-based partnerships—prepare students to deliver high-quality, person-centered care to older adults. Shantha extends her impact through scholarly publications, national presentations, and her work on GAPNA’s Education Committee. Her commitment to shaping the next generation of nurse practitioners reflects the very heart of GAPNA’s mission. Congratulations, Shantha, on this well-earned recognition!

GAPNA proudly presents the 2025 Excellence in Leadership Award to Natalie Baker for her outstanding and sustained leadership in gerontological nursing. A GNP for over 30 years, Natalie has served as GAPNA President and Director of the Leadership Institute, where she led national efforts to remove practice barriers for APRNs in long-term care and co-authored key position statements on nursing home safety and APRN role advancement. Her advocacy has shaped national policy, from improving access to COVID-19 care in nursing homes to advising on aging legislation as a Health and Aging Policy Fellow with Senator Bob Casey. She has been a driving force in advancing gerontological education through her work with LACE, AACN, and the National Hartford Center. Natalie’s leadership has inspired countless colleagues, strengthened APRN visibility, and led to meaningful improvements in the care of older adults nationwide. Congratulations, Natalie, on this well-deserved honor!

GAPNA proudly honors Connie Cole with the 2025 Excellence in Research Award for her exceptional contributions to advancing gerontological nursing science. A GAPNA member since 2011, Connie leads a nationally recognized, practice-informed research program focused on improving access to high-quality palliative care for nursing home residents with serious illness. Her work bridges evidence and practice to address persistent gaps in care, particularly around pain management and unmet palliative needs. With a DNP and PhD in Nursing Science, Connie completed a prestigious NIA-funded postdoctoral fellowship in aging and palliative care and has served as PI or Co-I on multiple externally funded studies, including grants from AHRQ, the VA, and the GAPNA Foundation. Her research has led to the development of a palliative care screening tool tailored for nursing home settings—founded on robust qualitative and Delphi studies. Connie has published 15 peer-reviewed articles, presented nationally, and is actively shaping the field through her role on GAPNA’s Research Committee. Her work exemplifies scientific excellence, translational relevance, and deep commitment to improving care for older adults. Congratulations, Connie, on this well-deserved honor!

GAPNA is proud to award the 2025 Health Affairs Scholarship to Elizabeth Terhune, recognizing her dedication to health policy, advocacy, and advancing care for older adults. A member of GAPNA and the New England Chapter for over four years, Elizabeth has contributed as a PhD student, educator, clinician, and student board representative. With clinical expertise in palliative and long-term care, academic leadership, and health policy involvement, she has actively engaged in local advocacy and co-authored work on the economics of advocacy. Her doctoral research on medical aid in dying and care-dependent adults, along with her role as a teaching assistant in policy courses, highlights her commitment to policy-driven change. Attending the AANP Health Policy Conference will further support her mission to amplify vulnerable older adults' voices. Congratulations, Elizabeth!

The Northern California Chapter exemplifies leadership, innovation, and dedication in every facet of their work. As GAPNA’s oldest chapter, they continue to set the standard through impactful programming like their annual CEU conference, student scholarships, and community education events. Their influence spans national initiatives – from helping develop the GS-C credential to leading pre-conference workshops, their commitment to mentoring and welcoming new members ensures a thriving, inclusive community. The chapter’s community engagement is equally impressive, with members leading dementia education for first responders, mobile clinics for unhoused older adults, and health outreach to underserved Latino communities. They actively support legislative efforts to expand APRN practice authority in California and contribute to research on elder care, hospice access, and wound care. Congratulations to GAPNA’s Northern California Chapter!