Meet Our 2026 Well-Being Award Recipients

Our 2026 Well-being Hero and Warrior Awards recipients were announced at our Well-being Summit. The Well-being Hero Awards program was established to complement recognition of clinical excellence by honoring those who champion well-being for others. The Well-being Warrior category recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their own well-being journey. 

Individual Well-being Hero Award Recipients 

These awards are given to individuals who champion the well-being of others through exceptional leadership, creativity, and dedication. 

Gold: Carla Williams, MD, Emergency Medicine – CRMH

• Carla has been a driving force in fostering resilience, connection, and support within the Emergency Department. Whether organizing wellness events, coordinating support during challenging times, or strengthening collaboration between providers and nursing staff, she consistently puts people first. Her leadership has had a lasting impact on departmental culture and colleague well-being. 

Silver: Kari Decker, Corporate Wellness

• Over the past year, Kari has played a vital role in helping internationally educated nurses transition to both Carilion and the Roanoke Valley. By connecting team members with community events, organizing relationship-building opportunities, and encouraging exploration and movement through local activities, Kari has helped create a sense of home and belonging for nurses representing more than 20 countries. 

Bronze: Megan Miller, RN, 4 South PACU – CRMH 

• As leader of her unit's Retention and Recognition Committee, Megan has created countless opportunities for team members to feel appreciated and connected. From celebrating life milestones and professional achievements to organizing unit-wide well-being activities, she has helped cultivate a culture of belonging and support within 4 South PACU. Her efforts remind colleagues that even small moments of recognition can make a meaningful difference. 

Team Well-being Hero Award Recipients 

These awards are given to departments or units that have implemented outstanding wellness initiatives that positively impacted their teams. 

Gold: Family and Community Medicine 

• This team demonstrated the powerful relationship between caregiver well-being and patient care by addressing weekend call responsibilities, a major source of clinician stress. Through an innovative coverage model utilizing APPs and RNs, they improved physician well-being while supporting more than 1,000 patients in the program's first 21 weekends. Their initiative serves as a model for how thoughtful innovation can positively impact both caregivers and patients. 

Silver: Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine – Crystal Spring

•  Recognizing the importance of meaningful workplace relationships, this team intentionally created opportunities for connection through engagement activities, recognition programs, team-building events, peer shout-outs, and encouragement boards. Their efforts have strengthened relationships, brought joy to the workplace, and reinforced a strong sense of community. 

Well-being Warrior Award Recipients 

These awards are given to individuals who have made significant strides in their personal well-being journey. Self-nominations were encouraged for this category.

Gold: Katie Gilbert, RN, Infusion Center

• While balancing a full-time role and pursuit of a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, Katie intentionally prioritized her own health and resilience. Beyond her personal well-being practices, she volunteers at community wellness events and creates opportunities for connection within her team through regular gatherings and relationship-building activities. Her leadership and example inspire others to prioritize their own well-being. 

Silver: Jerry Fu, Family and Community Medicine – Blacksburg 

• Despite lifelong challenges with asthma and cardiovascular conditioning, Jerry set a goal of completing the Blue Ridge Marathon. After 9 months of training and more than 1,200 miles of running, he crossed the finish line, demonstrating the power of perseverance, courage, and personal growth. 

Bronze: Suzy White, Women's Services – CRMH

• Following hip surgery and months of rehabilitation, Suzy demonstrated remarkable determination in her recovery journey. Her commitment to rebuilding strength led her to complete a 10K race during the Blue Ridge Marathon. She continues to inspire colleagues by encouraging physical activity and healthy habits. 

We applaud all nominees and winners for their commitment to fostering a healthier, more supportive workplace. Your efforts inspire us all to prioritize well-being—for ourselves and for each other!