The Flame Award for Unit Excellence recognizes GI/Endoscopy Units who have shown a commitment to infection prevention, a supportive and educational work environment and positive patient outcomes. This award provides a roadmap for what is considered an exceptional work environment in a GI/Endoscopy nursing unit. Recipients of the Flame Award will be sent a framed document for display, recognition in SGNA's email newsletter, and mention at the SGNA Annual Course.
Outstanding Regional Society Award
For full criteria and an application, click here.
2021 Outstanding Regional Society Recipient: Region #9 -- Connecticut Region
This year’s winner is Region 9 – Connecticut – for their many contributions to their local members, national SGNA and their local communities. Congratulations to Barbara Comstock and her enthusiastic group of regional leaders. This year, they secured a proclamation for March Colorectal Cancer Awareness month in the state, offered continuing education hours and scholarships to members, are active at the national level with SGNA and ABCGN in leadership roles, and maintain regular member communications – in spite of the challenges presented by the pandemic. We thank you all for your commitment to the safe and effective practice of GI and endoscopy nursing.
Sponsored by: Erbe USA, Inc.

2022 Regional Society Member Recipient: Sheri King

Sheri King BSN RN CGRN has been working in GI 30 years. She started as a staff nurse in GI after working one year in ICU, and then became departmental preceptor. She has been in many different roles in my department including being on the planning committee for construction of a new Sterile Processing Department. After receiving her BSN, I became manager and by the end of 2017 she became the Nurse Manager of the Sterile Processing Department.
She has held many roles on our MSGNA, Michigan Region 29 Board of Directors from Membership Director to President Elect, President & Past President twice to current position as website/newsletter editor over the past 19 years. I have served on the ABCGN audit committee & item writers committee. Henry Ford Health executive leadership chose me to represent my colleagues on the AAMI Standards Committee WG 84 for ANSI/AAMI ST:91 Reprocessing Flexible & Semi Rigid Endoscopes.
Congratulations, Sheri, and thank you! We appreciate your dedicated service to and passion for SGNA and the GI specialty.
2023 applications now closed.
For full criteria and a nomination form, click here.
Our 2022 Distinguished Service Award Winner is Jean Stoa BSN, RN
The 2022 SGNA Annual Course Distinguished Service Award acknowledges an SGNA member who has demonstrated service and leadership to the organization.
Jeannie has been a member of SGNA organization since 1992. Jeannie joined the Arizona Regional Board as Education chair in 2014 and went on to serve two terms as President and two terms as President elect. Jeannie was instrumental in advancing the board and has mentored many of the current board members. Jeannie has demonstrated her passion and commitment to SGNA and GI Nursing, not only at the regional level but also the national level.
Jeannie consistently exhibits the highest professional standards in caring for her patients and interacting with her colleagues. Thank you Jean for your dedication to GI!
Sponsored by Diversatek Healthcare

View Past Distinguished Service Award Winners
2020 – Cathleen Shellnutt, DNP APRN AGCNS-BC CGRN
2019 – Conrad C. Worrell, RN CGRN CSN
2018 – Christine (Chris) Sarisley, MS APRN ACNS-BC CGRN
2017 – James (Jim) Collins, BS RN CNOR
2016 – Lisa Heard, MSN RN CGRN
2015 – Leslie E. Stewart, BA RN CGRN
2014 – Peggy Gauthier, MS BSN RN CGRN
2013 – Marilyn Schaffner, PhD RN NEA-BC CGRN
2012 – Theresa Vos, MS BSN RN CGRN
2011 – Susan Nuccio, RN MSN APRN BC CGRN
2010 – Norah Connelly, RN CGRN
2009 – MaryAnne Malone, RN CGRN
2008 –Nancy R. DeNiro, RN CGRN
2007 – Kathy A. Baker, PhD RN ACNS-BC CGRN
2006 – Jeanine Penberthy, MSN RN CGRN
2005 –Karen Laing, MA RN CGRN
2004 – Ann Hayes, BSN RN CGRN
2003 – Nancy Schlossberg, BA BSN RN CGRN
2002 –Nancy Shoop, BSN RN CGRN
2001 –Marcia Gruber, MSN RN CGRN
1999 – Helen P. Rosenthal, RN
1998 –Agnes Gaber, MSN RN ANP
1997 – Patricia Holland, BSN RN CGRN
1996 –Doris Barnie, MSN RN CGRN
1995 – Jean Ann Kidwell, MSN CGRN
1994 –Lorna Andrews, RN CGRN
1993 – Nancy Evans, BSN RN
1992 – Patricia Pethigal, BSN CGRN
2023 applications now closed
Gabriele Schindler Award: This award recognizes the individual who demonstrates excellence in gastroenterology clinical practice and who exemplifies the skill, knowledge and compassion of Gabriele Schindler, an early pioneer of GI patient care. SGNA presents this prestigious award annually to the member who best represents Schindler’s spirit of compassion, commitment, professionalism and caring.
Our 2022 Gabriele Schindler Clinical Excellence Award Winner is Conrad Worrell RN, CGRN, CNS
SGNA presents the Gabriele Schindler award annually to the member who best represents Gabriele Schindler’s spirit of compassion, commitment, professionalism and caring.
Conrad has been a nurse for the past 40 years, with the last 21 years being a GI Nurse. He has been involved with SGNA since 2001 and has been involved in the Local as well as National levels ever since. He tries every day to give his patients and colleagues 100%.
" It is with pride that I help that patient that is scared to death only to say at the end of the procedure” it was exactly as you said it would be! Thank-you”. I truly love what I do and try to encourage others to be the same. Find your superpower and use it to help educate and care for the patient that is in front of you, that is a true blessing of being a GI Nurse."
Congratualtion Conrad!
View Past Gabriele Schindler Award Winners