August 2026 Honoree
Brent Lomako, MSN, RN
This recognition is long overdue—though knowing Brent, he'd probably prefer we skip the spotlight and get back to solving the next operational challenge.
As the Executive Director for the Progressive Care Units, serving in varying capacities and overseeing an ever-expanding scope, one thing has remained constant: Brent's unwavering commitment to our patients, our people, and our organization. Despite some truly unrelenting challenges (and a few days that probably deserved their own survival badge), Brent continues to inspire, develop, and empower his team.
It is through his leadership, dedication, and relentless effort that initiatives such as Peak Performance are driving better patient outcomes. One of the promises Brent made was that he would not saddle nursing with "just one more audit." True to his word, he has successfully reduced the number of required audits while implementing tools that provide real-time compliance, ultimately improving both patient care and outcomes. In healthcare, that's about as close to magic as it gets.
Brent has also been a fierce advocate for creative and innovative hiring strategies. He and his team have led the organization in rapid hiring through Project Evergreen and expanded those efforts through a successful partnership with Aya. The Progressive Care Units continue to lead the organization in turnaround time from application to offer, resulting in unprecedented hiring volumes and strengthening our workforce when we needed it most.
Whenever the Health Care Authority makes an unexpected visit, Brent never hesitates to step into what can only be described as his unofficial role as the maître d' of UNMH. He ensures our guests have what they need, our staff feels supported, and somehow manages to make even a regulatory visit feel organized and under control.
Over the years, Brent has earned a collection of nicknames—"Buddy," "Bubs," and "The Gov." Each captures a different part of who he is. He is a steadfast advocate for his team and colleagues, always willing to go above and beyond to support someone in need. He is a trusted partner who welcomes feedback, reflects thoughtfully on challenges, and is continuously looking for ways to improve himself. At the same time, he never loses sight of the bigger picture: the work must get done, and our patients deserve nothing less than our very best.
Brent consistently fosters a culture of excellence, accountability, innovation, and compassion. His leadership has made a lasting impact on countless staff members and the patients we serve. He is exceptionally deserving of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, and I can think of no one more worthy of this long-overdue recognition.
As the Executive Director for the Progressive Care Units, serving in varying capacities and overseeing an ever-expanding scope, one thing has remained constant: Brent's unwavering commitment to our patients, our people, and our organization. Despite some truly unrelenting challenges (and a few days that probably deserved their own survival badge), Brent continues to inspire, develop, and empower his team.
It is through his leadership, dedication, and relentless effort that initiatives such as Peak Performance are driving better patient outcomes. One of the promises Brent made was that he would not saddle nursing with "just one more audit." True to his word, he has successfully reduced the number of required audits while implementing tools that provide real-time compliance, ultimately improving both patient care and outcomes. In healthcare, that's about as close to magic as it gets.
Brent has also been a fierce advocate for creative and innovative hiring strategies. He and his team have led the organization in rapid hiring through Project Evergreen and expanded those efforts through a successful partnership with Aya. The Progressive Care Units continue to lead the organization in turnaround time from application to offer, resulting in unprecedented hiring volumes and strengthening our workforce when we needed it most.
Whenever the Health Care Authority makes an unexpected visit, Brent never hesitates to step into what can only be described as his unofficial role as the maître d' of UNMH. He ensures our guests have what they need, our staff feels supported, and somehow manages to make even a regulatory visit feel organized and under control.
Over the years, Brent has earned a collection of nicknames—"Buddy," "Bubs," and "The Gov." Each captures a different part of who he is. He is a steadfast advocate for his team and colleagues, always willing to go above and beyond to support someone in need. He is a trusted partner who welcomes feedback, reflects thoughtfully on challenges, and is continuously looking for ways to improve himself. At the same time, he never loses sight of the bigger picture: the work must get done, and our patients deserve nothing less than our very best.
Brent consistently fosters a culture of excellence, accountability, innovation, and compassion. His leadership has made a lasting impact on countless staff members and the patients we serve. He is exceptionally deserving of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, and I can think of no one more worthy of this long-overdue recognition.
Thank you, Brent, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
View More Honorees