I am honored to recognize Mary Feist for the extraordinary impact she has had on patients throughout United Hospital through her leadership and stewardship of the DAISY Award program.

While the DAISY Award typically celebrates the direct nursing care provided to patients and families, Mary’s work ensures that the very spirit of the DAISY mission—celebrating compassionate, extraordinary nursing—thrives throughout our organization. Her contributions elevate not only our nurses, but ultimately the exceptional patient care delivered every day at United.

Mary dedicates countless hours each month to implementing, refining, and sustaining the DAISY program with the highest level of respect, integrity, and heartfelt commitment. She thoughtfully reviews every nomination, coordinate celebrations, and ensure that each honoree feels truly seen and appreciated.

Her work goes far beyond administrative coordination—through her leadership, recognition at United is meaningful, intentional, and deeply connected to the compassionate care patients and families experience.

Her commitment directly strengthens the patient experience at United. By lifting up stories of extraordinary nursing, Mary helps reinforce the behaviors, values, and standards that define excellent care at United Hospital.

Nurses who are recognized feel valued and inspired, and teams feel more connected, appreciated, and motivated to continue delivering care rooted in empathy, compassion, and clinical excellence.

The ripple effect of their work is immense: a culture that honors compassion creates more compassionate care.