AONL Foundation Names Farag Nurse Researcher and Marshall and UKG Friend of the Year

The American Organization for Nursing Leadership Foundation for Nursing Research and Education announced Amany Farag, PhD, RN, as the 2026 recipient of the AONL Foundation Nurse Researcher Award. The award honors an outstanding nurse researcher recognized by the broader nursing community for their significant contributions to nursing research. The AONL Foundation will honor Farang March 29 during the AONL Annual Conference in Chicago.

Farag is an associate professor at the University of Iowa College of Nursing, Iowa City, and co-director of the VA Quality Scholars Program at Iowa City Veterans Affairs. Her work includes collaboration with the University of Iowa College of Engineering to develop AI-driven predictive models for nurse scheduling, as well as the use of computer vision and wearable technologies to assess fatigue and improve patient safety. Farag’s research has shaped nursing leadership practice through initiatives such as the AONL/ALSN Research Advisory Group and contributions to AONL’s Workforce Committee, including the white papers The Role of the Nurse Manager in High-Turnover Environments and Implementing Team-Based Models of Care. Her work on burnout in patient aligned care teams and interprofessional discharge teams within the VA, along with her leadership in the VA Quality Scholars Program, continues to advance workforce well-being, team-based care and health system performance.

The AONL Foundation also will recognize David Marshall, DNP, RN, and UKG as its 2026 Friend of the Year Award honorees. This award recognizes an individual or organization that has made a profound impact in helping the Foundation advance its mission through their support, volunteerism and other activities.

Marshall, senior vice president and chief nursing executive at Cedars-Sinai Health System in Los Angeles, has demonstrated sustained generosity and commitment to the AONL Foundation, highlighted by seven consecutive years of philanthropic giving at the prestigious Nightingale Guild level. Beyond his financial support, Marchall has been volunteer leader, serving as an at-large board member and member of the development committee. He has helped secure significant sponsorships for AONL’s Annual Conference. Previously serving as a member of the AONL Board of Directors and as treasurer, Marshall’s continuous leadership and generosity that have strengthened the AONL Foundation’s reach and impact.

UKG provides workforce management systems used by more than 3,500 hospitals and 10,000 post-acute care facilities, including nearly 90% of the largest U.S. health systems. The company has contributed significant expertise, time and resources to the AONL Foundation to help advance the nursing profession. Notably, through the leadership of former Chief Nurse Executive Nanne Finis, UKG co-developed the AONL Foundation’s first think tank. This initiative has since grown into a national series addressing critical topics such as artificial intelligence. Additionally, UKG helped establish the Leadership Symposium webinar series, which engages nurse leaders nationwide on critical and emerging issues. Through these collaborative efforts, UKG has played a pivotal role in expanding the AONL Foundation’s national programming and advancing thought leadership on the complex workforce challenges facing nurse leaders.
 

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About the AONL Foundation
The AONL Foundation for Nursing Leadership Research and Education, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity, established in 2010, bridges science and education to shape the future of nursing leadership. Supporting its vision of a healthier tomorrow advanced through nursing leadership, the foundation funds research exploring nursing leadership’s impact on health care and offers financial aid to support nurse leaders. For additional information about the AONL Foundation, visit aonl.org/foundation.

 

About the American Organization for Nursing Leadership

As the national professional organization of more than 12,500 nurse leaders, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership is the voice of nursing leadership. Our membership encompasses nurse leaders working in hospitals, health systems, academia and other care settings across the care continuum. Since 1967, the organization has led the field of nursing leadership through professional development, advocacy and research that advances nursing leadership practice and patient care. AONL is a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association. For more information, visit AONL.org/AONL.