Applications are now open! Submit your application by August 19.
The Distinguished Nutrition Support Nurse Service Award recognizes an ASPEN nurse member who has been in the profession for a minimum of ten years and has made substantial, exceptional leadership and service contributions to ASPEN and the nutrition support field over a sustained period of time, including activity within the last five years. These activities, regional or national, have significantly supported and enhanced the vision and mission of the Society.
- Must be a nurse for a minimum of 10 years and a current member of ASPEN.
- Must demonstrate the applicant’s activities over a sustained period of time, including activity in the past 5 years
- Leadership activities in ASPEN at the national and/or chapter levels, including committees, sections, task forces, and other activities
- Contributions to ASPEN programming (speaking, providing hands-on workshops, planning committees, etc.)
- ASPEN publications, or publications resulting from ASPEN-sponsored activities (national or chapter levels)
- Nutrition support-related volunteer activities similar to those listed above at organizations and institutions outside of ASPEN are encouraged
- Leadership and innovation in the nutrition support field is encouraged
- Past award recipients, current section leaders, current chairs of committees with section oversight, current members of the Membership & Engagement Committee, and current ASPEN Board of Directors members are ineligible.
2026 Distinguished Nutrition Support Nurse Service Award Winner
Merin M. Kinikini, DNP, APRN, RD, CNSC, IFMCP, is a nurse practitioner, registered dietitian, and nutrition support specialist at Intermountain Medical Center, where she has provided expert care for patients requiring enteral and parenteral nutrition for nearly two decades. A dedicated ASPEN volunteer, she has served on the ASPEN Abstract Review Committee and Professional Planning Committee and has contributed to the field through national presentations, publications, and educational programs. Merin is recognized for her commitment to advancing nutrition support practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional education.
| Merin Kinikini, DNP, RDN, CNSC | 2026 |
| Mary S. McCarthy, PhD, RN, CNSC, FASPEN, FAAN | 2025 |
| Ann-Marie Brown, PhD, CPNP-AC/PC, CCRN, CNE, FCCM, FAANP, FASPEN | 2024 |
| Neil Ead, MSN, CPNP, CNSC | 2023 |
| Kimberly Gorsuch Pollard, BSN, RN, CNSC, FASPEN | 2022 |
| Phila Breeding, RN | 2021 |
| Lorraine Linford, RN, BSN, BS, CNSC | 2020 |
| Sharon Y Irving, PhD, CRNP, FCCM, FAAN | 2019 |
| Marianne Opilla, RN, CNSC | 2018 |
| Debra Kovacevich, RN, MPH | 2017 |
| Deborah Johnson, RN, MSN | 2016 |
| Linda M. Lord, NP, MSN, CNSC | 2015 |
| Carol McGinnis, DNP, RN, CNS, CNSC | 2014 |
| Karen Gilbert, RN, MSN, CNSC, CRNP | 2013 |
| Laurie Reyen, RN, MSN | 2012 |
| Amy Fisher, MSN, RN-BC | 2011 |
| Deborah A. Andris, MSN, APNP | 2010 |
| Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalil, CNSN, RN, PhD | 2009 |
| Elizabeth Lyman, MSN, RN | 2008 |
| Patricia Worthington, MSN, CNSN | 2007 |
| Norma Metheny, PhD, RN | 2005 |
| Robin Rago Bankhead, RN, CNSN | 2004 |
| Beth A. Wagner, MSN, RN, CNSN | 2002 |
| Margaret M. Heitkemper, RN, PhD | 2001 |
| Lynne Murphy, MSN, RN, CNSN | 1992 |