With nearly four decades of unwavering service, Cherise Giddens has dedicated her life and career to advancing nursing excellence, compassionate care, and transformational leadership at SGMC Health. Beginning as a Registered Nurse in the Nursery and Pediatrics units, Cherise's journey is a powerful testimony of professional growth, resilience, and the heart of a true servant leader. Her career path, from bedside caregiver to Chief Nursing Officer, is not only a remarkable trajectory, it’s an inspiration to all who have had the privilege to work beside her.

Cherise’s leadership has carried SGMC Health through some of its most pivotal moments, including multiple natural disasters, a fire, and the COVID-19 pandemic. During these events, she was present around the clock, often going days with little to no sleep, driven by her steadfast commitment to staff, patients, and our mission. Her presence brought calm in chaos, hope in hardship, and strength when it was needed most.

Through more than a dozen changes in executive and clinical leadership, including serving as Interim CNO under six different CEOs, Cherise has been the unwavering constant. Her calm demeanor, clinical expertise, and ability to stabilize and unify teams during transitions have made her the bedrock of SGMC Health’s nursing culture. She brings both heart and accountability to every decision, and her legacy of leading with integrity, transparency, and compassion continues to impact every corner of the health system. Beyond her clinical leadership, Cherise is a passionate advocate for innovation and change.

From launching new service lines and urgent care clinics to introducing virtual nursing and evidence-based practices, she has consistently elevated patient care and empowered nursing teams to grow and lead with confidence. She is visible, approachable, and present attending every celebration, recognizing every milestone, and making each nurse feel seen and valued. Cherise also has a heart for the community, giving generously of her time and resources to organizations like Babies Can’t Wait, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Whether she’s mentoring future nurses or quietly meeting emergency needs for patients and staff, she leads by example, with humility and grace. Cherise Giddens embodies every quality the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award represents. She is a visionary nurse leader, a fierce advocate for her team, and a compassionate caregiver to thousands. Her career is a testament to what it means to lead with purpose, to serve with heart, and to inspire excellence at every level. SGMC Health is profoundly better because of her. It is with immense respect, admiration, and gratitude that we nominate Cherise Giddens for this well-deserved honor.