Dalton, Ga. (May 13, 2026) – Mike Allen, Emergency Department director for Hamilton Medical Center, recently received the DAISY Leader Award for Extraordinary Nurse Leaders. The DAISY Leader Award recognizes exemplary nursing leadership excellence.

The nominations for Allen commended him for his compassion, leadership, focus on teamwork, support, dedication, organizational focus, problem solving, integrity, professionalism, commitment to excellence and for leading by example.

Twenty-six other nurse leaders were also nominated for the award. They include: Lisa Leamon, Becky Jackson, Tara Skiffen, Tina Robinson, Nubia Garbutt, Meghan Collins, Arilla Newman, Kim Abernathy, Rebecca Hurst, Matt Henson, Ashley Cloer, Jessica Truelove, Tori Mast, Theresa Gordon, Tracy Taylor, Sarah Bond, Amanda Pierce, Kayla Dale, Kim Cole, Jessica Smith, Alicia Sanborn, Nancy Runkle, Alyssa Sheperd, Juanita Champion, Michelle Reagan and Nikki Pasley.

The qualifications for the award include:

• Role modeling compassion and exemplary practice 

• Role modeling behavior perceived as extraordinary

• Creating an environment that fosters care and compassion

• Creating an environment where attributes of trust, compassion, mutual respect, continued professional development and ethical behavior are modeled and supported

• Motivating staff with a shared vision and enthusiasm to achieve better outcomes for themselves and for their patients

• Mentoring staff members

• Being accessible, available and responsive to the needs of others, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving for individuals and within the context of the team

• Promoting and enhancing the image of nursing within the organization, the community and the profession.