I am writing to recommend Kerri DeJonge, Clinical Leader of Surgical Services at Clifton Springs Hospital, for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award in recognition of her leadership during a significant operational emergency within our surgical services department.

During a massive flood that rendered the surgical services suite unusable for three days, Kerri demonstrated exceptional composure, presence, and leadership. This event required extensive coordination and complex logistics to safely relocate surgeries and procedures while minimizing disruption to patient care. Throughout this time, Kerri served as a steady and visible leader, coordinating with other departments, problem-solving in real time, and maintaining clear communication.

Kerri also remained focused on supporting her team during a highly stressful situation. She recognized the impact the disruption had on staff and ensured her team felt supported, informed, and guided throughout the response and planning. She personally came in over the weekend to oversee preparations so we could resume surgeries, ensuring all logistics were in place and coordinating terminal cleaning and equipment so we were ready for Monday morning.

Kerri’s actions reflected calm leadership under pressure, a strong commitment to our patients, and genuine advocacy for her team. Through her presence, organization, and follow-through, she helped restore surgical operations safely and effectively, exemplifying the very best of nursing leadership.

Kerri’s leadership embodied our values of Rooted in Community, Serve as One, Care Like Family, and Embrace Tomorrow, Today. I am proud to work alongside Kerri and her team, as we came together across the campus and region to ensure our patients continued to receive the care they needed.