It is with great admiration and deep appreciation that Dave is recognized with the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. As he approaches retirement, we celebrate a legacy of servant leadership, unwavering advocacy, and compassionate guidance that has left a permanent mark on nursing at our organization.

Dave has consistently fostered an environment rooted in trust, compassion, and mutual respect. His leadership is guided by ethical principles and an authentic commitment to both professional development and staff well-being. If we look at Dave’s Clifton Strengths, his #3 is Relator, which perfectly embodies his natural ability to build strong, trusting relationships. He is truly the glue that holds teams together — creating a collective spirit that is always greater than the sum of its parts.

One of Dave’s most significant contributions has been his dedication to accessibility. He has remained present and engaged with staff at all levels—routinely visiting inpatient units and outpatient clinics, hosting “Dave’s Corner” and “Ask Dave” on the Nurses Station platform, and always concluding Town Halls with an open invitation for questions and dialogue are just some examples of this dedication. This open-door leadership style has not only enhanced communication but has also built trust across the entire nursing service.

Dave’s strengths in the Influencing domain—Self-Assurance, Maximizer, Command, Significance, and Activator—have driven him to be a passionate advocate for nurses and the highest standards of care. He sets high expectations for the integration of evidence-based practices and for the work to be shared, celebrated, and spread throughout the organization. Dave is the embodiment of HRO principles. This is evident in the way he pushes the envelope – never settling for good enough and consistently reinforcing zero-harm goals, such as a goal of zero falls.

Whether advancing Shared Governance, supporting Safe Patient Handling and Mobility initiatives, holding a high expectation of evidence-based practices, or uplifting nurse-led innovation, Dave empowers others to lead and excel. His approach to leadership has never been top-down. Instead, he plants the seed of an idea, provides guidance, and then encourages nurses to grow it into something meaningful. As a mentor, he has guided countless nurses and leaders with wisdom, humility, and encouragement, always pushing others to find their voice and step into their full potential. He believes deeply in the creativity and capability of his team and has built systems that allow that potential to flourish.

He has also modeled ethical leadership by advocating for Stop the Silence and courageously addressing issues of moral distress and psychological safety within our organization. Dave doesn’t just speak about values—he lives them. His commitment to creating a safe and respectful workplace has been a source of strength for so many. Through his leadership, advocacy, and vision, Dave’s impact has reached hundreds of thousands of Veterans, improving not only how care is delivered but also how nurses feel empowered to deliver it.

As a forward-thinking leader, Dave has taken thoughtful steps to ensure the sustainability of nursing excellence beyond his tenure. With strategic plans in place, he leaves behind a roadmap built with vision and clarity—a true gift to the future of our profession.

Above all, Dave is a compassionate leader. He sees the human behind the role, always validating his staff's experiences and advocating for their needs. He understands that when nurses feel heard, valued, and supported, they deliver the best care possible.

For many of us, working alongside Dave has been one of the greatest honors of our careers. Dave’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable era—but his influence will continue to shape nursing leadership for years to come. It is only fitting that he be recognized with the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, honoring a career that exemplifies everything this award stands for.