Heather J Coleman
June 2024
Heather J
Coleman
,
MSN, RN, NEA-BC
The Center for Clinical Practice and Professional Development
MultiCare Health System
Tacoma
,
WA
United States

 

 

 

Her leadership style, rooted in empathy and compassion, has fostered a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the organizations she has served.  Heather's genuine concern for the well-being of her teams, the patients and nurses her teams support, and the broader community is a clear reflection of her lifelong devotion to the nursing profession. 
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the nursing profession, the Center for Clinical Practice and Professional Development is proud to nominate Heather Coleman, a distinguished nurse leader, for the prestigious DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. Heather's dedication to compassionate care, her embodiment of servant leadership, and her transformative impact on the nursing profession make her an ideal candidate for this distinguished honor. 

Throughout her career spanning over three decades, Heather has consistently demonstrated a commitment to patient-centered care, innovative leadership, and the promotion of education and professional development.  Starting as a critical care nurse, Heather's honed ability to see both minute details and the holistic picture of patient care translated seamlessly into her leadership style. This unique perspective fueled her rise through the ranks – from CNA to staff nurse to charge nurse, manager, director, CNO, AVP, and finally VP – each step marked by a dedication to excellence and a strategic approach to team building and succession planning. Heather's clinical background instilled in her a deep understanding of the importance of both individual contributions and cohesive teamwork, shaping her into a visionary leader who consistently selected and nurtured talent to ensure continued success at every level. 

Her leadership style, rooted in empathy and compassion, has fostered a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the organizations she has served.  Heather's genuine concern for the well-being of her teams, the patients and nurses her teams support, and the broader community is a clear reflection of her lifelong devotion to the nursing profession. 

Heather's leadership at the Center for Clinical Practice and Professional Development is an example of her commitment to excellence. As Max DePree so aptly put it, "The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant." Heather embodies this philosophy, navigating the Center through a challenging transition by defining a clear vision, empowering her team, and fostering a culture of mentorship and optimism. Her ability to inspire and empower others is evident in the remarkable growth and transformation of the Center under her guidance. Heather's dedication to cultivating a high-functioning team that thrives in an atmosphere of support and collaboration has resulted in improved patient outcomes, enhanced staff morale, and increased organizational effectiveness. 

Beyond her exceptional leadership within the Center, Heather's impact extends across the entire health system. She is a visionary leader who actively shapes the future of nursing through her involvement in various strategic initiatives, committees, and coalitions. Her passion for advancing the nursing profession is evident in her dedication to mentorship, advocacy, and education. Heather's commitment to mentoring the next generation of nurse leaders has resulted in a lasting legacy of excellence and innovation. 

Heather's numerous accomplishments exemplify her dedication to the nursing profession. Her exceptional leadership, compassionate care, and transformative impact have earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and peers. Heather's journey as a nurse leader is a testament to the power of servant and transformational leadership, a philosophy she embodies in every aspect of her life and work. We are confident that Heather Coleman's exemplary career makes her an ideal recipient of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. Her dedication to the nursing profession and her impact on the lives of countless patients, colleagues, teams, and the MultiCare System make her a true inspiration to us all.