Marla Atkinson
June 2025
Marla
Atkinson
,
MSN, RN
Chief Nursing Officer
Bronson Methodist Hospital
Kalamazoo
,
MI
United States
Marla Atkinson’s legacy is one of mentorship, advocacy, excellence, and humanity.
It is with heartfelt admiration, deep respect, and immense gratitude that we nominate Marla Atkinson, Chief Nursing Officer, for the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.
Marla’s career is a masterclass in compassionate care, servant leadership, and unwavering advocacy for nurses and patients alike. From her early days as an outstanding MICU RN and charge nurse, Marla was known for her compassion, dedication, and clinical excellence. Even then, she was a natural leader—someone who could be counted on in the most critical moments. Her journey from bedside nurse to executive leader has been marked by one constant: her deep commitment to people.
Marla embodies the true spirit of a servant leader—she leads with quiet strength, deep compassion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. No matter the need, she is present, engaged, and ready to support. She shows up not just in meetings or during major initiatives, but in the everyday moments that matter most. She is known for her handwritten notes of gratitude, her genuine interest in the well-being of every team member, and for mentoring new leaders with both care and candor. Her door—and her heart—are always open. She is also known for her warmth, sense of humor, and ability to bring people together—whether through her culinary talents or her willingness to step in wherever needed.
From supporting colleagues during high-stakes decisions to helping solve unexpected day-to-day challenges, Marla’s presence is felt in both the smallest moments and the most significant milestones. As CNO, Marla has been the driving force behind initiatives that have raised the standard of care, transformed our organizational culture, and advanced the nursing profession. She is a fierce advocate for our frontline teams, ensuring their voices are heard and their well-being prioritized. She champions shared governance, fosters innovation, and creates a culture where every team member feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow.
Her ability to balance strategic foresight with heartfelt compassion was instrumental in achieving our fourth Magnet designation—a milestone that reflects her relentless advocacy for nursing excellence. Marla’s mentorship has shaped the careers of many. One leader shared, “My decision to become a leader was largely based on the mentoring I received from Marla. She empowered, encouraged, and challenged me with ever-increasing responsibility.”
Another said, “As a leader, I hope as I continue to grow, I can be a ‘Marla.’” Her influence is not just professional—it’s deeply personal. Perhaps one of the most touching stories comes from a colleague who experienced profound personal loss: “During the most difficult period of my life—the passing of my son—Marla consistently went above and beyond to ensure I felt cared for, seen, and supported. Her compassion left a lasting impression on my heart.”
Another colleague reflected, “When I think of Marla, I think of her as the nurse’s nurse leader.” She has always been available and present to staff, not just in title, but in action—rounding on units, offering a listening ear, and stepping in to help whenever needed. As one team member summed it up: “Thank you for always being so willing to give of your time and energy. You are one of a kind. I promise to always strive to be the greatest I can be, because of all I have learned from you.”
Words used to describe Marla include real, compassionate, genuine, visionary, resilient, and kind. She is open, transparent, honest, and real—hard when necessary, but gentle and caring through and through. She holds us all to a standard of excellence—not through pressure, but through inspiration. As one colleague noted, “She gives the ‘why’ behind decisions, even when they’re hard, and always ties it back to what’s best for staff and patients.”
Marla Atkinson’s legacy is one of mentorship, advocacy, excellence, and humanity. It is reflected not only in the systems she has strengthened or the outcomes she has improved, but most importantly, in the lives she has touched, the careers she has nurtured, and the compassion she models every single day. For her extraordinary dedication to the profession, her tireless advocacy for nurses and caregivers, and her decades of servant leadership, we can think of no one more deserving of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.
Marla’s career is a masterclass in compassionate care, servant leadership, and unwavering advocacy for nurses and patients alike. From her early days as an outstanding MICU RN and charge nurse, Marla was known for her compassion, dedication, and clinical excellence. Even then, she was a natural leader—someone who could be counted on in the most critical moments. Her journey from bedside nurse to executive leader has been marked by one constant: her deep commitment to people.
Marla embodies the true spirit of a servant leader—she leads with quiet strength, deep compassion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. No matter the need, she is present, engaged, and ready to support. She shows up not just in meetings or during major initiatives, but in the everyday moments that matter most. She is known for her handwritten notes of gratitude, her genuine interest in the well-being of every team member, and for mentoring new leaders with both care and candor. Her door—and her heart—are always open. She is also known for her warmth, sense of humor, and ability to bring people together—whether through her culinary talents or her willingness to step in wherever needed.
From supporting colleagues during high-stakes decisions to helping solve unexpected day-to-day challenges, Marla’s presence is felt in both the smallest moments and the most significant milestones. As CNO, Marla has been the driving force behind initiatives that have raised the standard of care, transformed our organizational culture, and advanced the nursing profession. She is a fierce advocate for our frontline teams, ensuring their voices are heard and their well-being prioritized. She champions shared governance, fosters innovation, and creates a culture where every team member feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow.
Her ability to balance strategic foresight with heartfelt compassion was instrumental in achieving our fourth Magnet designation—a milestone that reflects her relentless advocacy for nursing excellence. Marla’s mentorship has shaped the careers of many. One leader shared, “My decision to become a leader was largely based on the mentoring I received from Marla. She empowered, encouraged, and challenged me with ever-increasing responsibility.”
Another said, “As a leader, I hope as I continue to grow, I can be a ‘Marla.’” Her influence is not just professional—it’s deeply personal. Perhaps one of the most touching stories comes from a colleague who experienced profound personal loss: “During the most difficult period of my life—the passing of my son—Marla consistently went above and beyond to ensure I felt cared for, seen, and supported. Her compassion left a lasting impression on my heart.”
Another colleague reflected, “When I think of Marla, I think of her as the nurse’s nurse leader.” She has always been available and present to staff, not just in title, but in action—rounding on units, offering a listening ear, and stepping in to help whenever needed. As one team member summed it up: “Thank you for always being so willing to give of your time and energy. You are one of a kind. I promise to always strive to be the greatest I can be, because of all I have learned from you.”
Words used to describe Marla include real, compassionate, genuine, visionary, resilient, and kind. She is open, transparent, honest, and real—hard when necessary, but gentle and caring through and through. She holds us all to a standard of excellence—not through pressure, but through inspiration. As one colleague noted, “She gives the ‘why’ behind decisions, even when they’re hard, and always ties it back to what’s best for staff and patients.”
Marla Atkinson’s legacy is one of mentorship, advocacy, excellence, and humanity. It is reflected not only in the systems she has strengthened or the outcomes she has improved, but most importantly, in the lives she has touched, the careers she has nurtured, and the compassion she models every single day. For her extraordinary dedication to the profession, her tireless advocacy for nurses and caregivers, and her decades of servant leadership, we can think of no one more deserving of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.