Distinguished Members

 2022 – Karen Bauer, DNP, A.P.R.N.-F.N.P., CWS, DAPWCA, FAAWC

Karen has taken on the role of chair of the Education Steering Committee which now also houses the Annual Conference planning committee. She has led the Education Steering Committee and demonstrated excellent organizational and leadership skills. However, she has really moved AAWC forward by her role in facilitating the collaboration of AAWC with the Peripheral Artery Disease National Action Plan or PADNAP. AAWC is the only wound care organization involved with the PADNAP and it is due to Karen's passion and persistence that AAWC and wound care is involved in this work. Karen is the liaison for AAWC with the PADNAP and has promoted the active involvement of AAWC and wound care with other organizations dealing with vascular disease. She has actively collaborated with our communications committee to support messaging targeting PAD. This relationship with PADNAP helps further define the collaborative spirit of AAWC and moves the organization forward by promoting partnerships with new organizations.

2020 – Greg Bohn, MD, UHM/ABPM, MAPWCA, FACHM

Greg has served this association since joining the community in 2006. With only short-term exceptions, from 2010 through present he has been in active leadership on the Board of Directors.  He not only ideated, but also worked alongside other members to develop AAWC programs that include the Pressure Ulcer Summit, Journal Club, ABWH certification conferment, Wine & Wound Care Wednesday and the AAWC Fellow Designation. In 2018, he desired to recognize the contributions of more members and urged the development of  the President's Circle, Emerging Leader, and the staff chosen, You Make the Difference awards. Greg's leadership has helped guide the association through, arguably, the most pivotal transitions in our 25 year history and set a standard for future leaders to emulate.

2018 – Joy Schank, RN, MSN, ANP, CWOCN

Since joining in 1996, Joy has been a long -time supporter of AAWC. In addition to serving two terms on the Board of Directors, she has volunteered on the Membership, Educate the Generalist and Nominating and Board Development committees. Her contribution to the development of the Pressure Ulcer Description Tool has helped to move this highly important AAWC effort forward. "These recent contributions are examples of the consistent and supportive member you have been through the years," says AAWC President Greg Bohn. Joy is a consummate volunteer leader who consistently demonstrates a palatable passion and respect for our patients and members. She has served as a source of support, advice and wise guidance for many AAWC colleagues and staff during her tenure.

2017 – Linda Cowan, PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC, CWS

Linda has made  strong contributions as the Chair of Research Taskforce. The team has grown in numbers and commitment under her direction. The Taskforce took on a project to provide clinical research education on the website. As the presenter of the AAWC Poster Grand Rounds at SAWC Spring and Fall, Linda has personally had the opportunity to share her knowledge about successful posters. Linda is also the Co-Chair of the International Consolidated Pressure Ulcer Guidelines Team (ICPUG) and a volunteer on the Scholarship Committee

 2016 – Janice Berger, RN, BSN, MPH, WOCN

Janice is recognized for her outstanding service that will continue to have a lasting, positive impact on Association programs, services, processes, leadership engagement, reputation and finances. Janice has been a dedicated member since 2009. AAWC appreciates her commitment as Chair of the Nominating and Board Development Committee and member of the Finance Committee, as well as her past service on the Corporate Advisory Panel.

2015 – William J. Ennis, DO, MBA – AAWC Past President

Dr. Ennis’s visionary leadership through the years has resulted in many of the organization’s current successes, such as the AAWC Wounds in Need (WIN) patient advocacy program and the AAWC Corporate Advisory Panel. Dr. Ennis has been instrumental in recruiting leaders to the AAWC Board of Directors and strengthening volunteer and staff infrastructure. His mentorship style has resulted in tremendous growth of our association. As an active and strong supporter of AAWC, the AAWC has reaped many rewards. Therefore, it is only fitting that Dr. Ennis be recognized in the year of our 20th anniversary.

2014 – Cindy Felty, MSN, RN, CNP, CWS, FCCWS

Cindy was recognized for her many years of service to the Association, including 8 years of AAWC Board service (Nurse Board Member, 2003-2007; and 2008-2012). A member since 1997, Cindy is a valuable resource in her work as our PAD Coalition liaison and more recently, she has helped in building our collaboration with DebRA. We appreciate everything Cindy has done for the AAWC, particularly her enormous contribution in the creation of AAWC’s Wound Image CD #5. The CD has been a great success

 2013 – Mary Haddow, RN, CWCN

Mary was bestowed the award for her work as Chair of the Public Awareness Task Force, leading the committee to develop three patient-focused educational brochures, two of which are based on the association’s clinical guidelines. All patient brochures have been translated into Spanish and are very well received. Mary has been a member since 2000, has served on the AAWC Board of Directors, and most recently volunteered as Chair of the AAWC Silent Auction at SAWC Spring, which raised approximately $3,800 for the AAWC Scholarship Fund.

2012 – Cathy Milne, APRN, MSN, CWOCN; Allen Sawyer, PT; and Valerie Sullivan, PT, MS, CWS

Cathy, Allen and Valerie were awarded this honor for their work on the AAWC Quality of Care Task Force. These individuals define collaboration and interprofessional cooperation. According to Co-chair Tim Paine who won this award in 2006, these members “provide a unique perspective during discussions, with the only intent being to provide the highest quality product. Discussions are focused, respectful and very productive. They are a pleasure and a treasure for those of us fortunate enough to know and work with them.”

 2011 – Barbara Bates Jensen PhD, RN, FAAN

AAWC recognized BBJ’s tireless efforts to create and implement the “AAWC Research Poster Grand Rounds” held at SAWC each year. BBJ’s volunteer efforts to advance wound care were also highly noted, including traveling to Haiti through the University of Miami’s Haiti Relief program. In addition, Barbara created the “OUCH! Race” through the UCLA Bates-Jensen Wound Reach Foundation to improve wound care globally.

2010 – Peggy Dotson, RN, BS

Peggy Dotson, RN, BS  was recognized for her continued service to the AAWC, especially as it relates to her tireless efforts as Co-Chair of the AAWC Regulatory Committee. Peggy continuously monitors and helps AAWC prepare responses to governmental and regulatory issues, as well as ensures that members are alerted to policy changes and other news that affect their practices.

2009 – Mary Jo Geyer, PhD, PT, ECCWS, CLT-LANA, C.Ped

AAWC recognized Mary Jo for her contributions to AAWC as a member of the Board of Directors, as well as her efforts to facilitate the WHO Global Initiative for Wound and Lymphedema Care.

2008 – Christine Eremento, LPN, CWS and Teresa Conner Kerr, PT, PhD

Christine Eremento, LPN, CWS was awarded the Distinguished Member Award for her outstanding service as Treasurer. During her four years of service, Christine completely revised the way the Association handles its finances. Teresa Conner-Kerr, PT, PhD was an equally deserving award winner in 2008. Teresa continues to be a hard working volunteer. Teresa has served as the AAWC Network Newsletter Editor for many years. AAWC thanks Teresa for her continued dedication to this important members-only benefit.

2007 – Renee Cordrey, PT, MSPT, MPH, CWS and Laurie M. Rappl, PT, CWS

Renee Cordrey, PT, MSPT, MPH, CWS was awarded this honor for her work as site editor for the Advancing the Practice (ATP) Campaign’s website, 2004 – 2007. Renee also conducted pilot studies in Cambodia for the Global Volunteers initiative, an AAWC program. Laurie M. Rappl, PT, CWS was given the award for patient advocacy, for work on various committees, and for her Global Volunteers leadership. Laurie joined Renee on the site visit trips to Cambodia, where the two traveled as a pair to assess the educational needs of two hospitals.

2006 – Tim Paine, PT, FCCWS

Under Tim’s steadfast leadership, the AAWC Quality of Care Task Force carefully drafted, thoroughly revised and finalized for publication a board-approved white paper entitled “AAWC Conceptual Framework of Quality Systems for Wound Care.” Tim went on to help the group establish the content-validated AAWC Wound Care Glossary.

2005 – Evonne Fowler, RN, CWN, CWOCN

Who better to receive the AAWC Distinguished Member Award on our 10th Anniversary than Evonne Fowler, RN, CWN, CWOCN, the Founding President of the AAWC? Evonne was honored for her vision of AAWC and for her continued support as an active and enthusiastic Charter Member.

2004 – Harriett Loehne, PT, DPT, CWS

AAWC honored Harriett Loehne, PT, DPT, CWS for her commitment to AAWC and for her dedication as Chair of the AAWC Public Awareness Task Force. Harriett led the task force to complete AAWC’s first educational brochures, the “ABC’s of Skin and Wound Care” – one for the public and one for the professional.

2003 – Laura Bolton, PhD

Dr. Laura Bolton and Lisa Corbett, APRN, BC, CWOCN received this honor for their leadership as Co-Chairs of the Government and Regulatory Affairs Task Force and for their hard work on this Task Force’s first major project, the Venous Ulcer Care Initiate (VUCI).

2003 – Lisa Corbett, APRN, BC, CWOCN

Lisa Corbett, APRN, BC, CWOCN and Dr. Laura Bolton received this honor for their leadership as Co-Chairs of the Government and Regulatory Affairs Task Force and for their hard work on this Task Force’s first major project, the Venous Ulcer Care Initiate (VUCI).

2002 – Nick Przystawski, DPM

Dr. Nick Przystawski was also bestowed with the award for his outstanding work with the AAWC Finances as AAWC Treasurer (2000-2004) and for the development of the AAWC Scholarship Program in 2001.

 1998 – Diane L. Krasner, PhD, RN, CWCN, CWS, FAAN

Dr. Diane L. Krasner was awarded the second AAWC Distinguished Member Award for her efforts to establish the AAWC and for her service as the Association’s first Executive Director.

1997 – John Boswick, MD

The first recipient of the Distinguished Member Award was the late Dr. John Boswick for his contributions to wound care and as a founding Board Member of the AAWC. Dr. Boswick was well known in the wound care community. He was a driving force in all areas that relate to our mission: education, clinical practice, research and public policy.