I would like to nominate Tracey Blalock, MSN, MBA, NEA-BC, for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Tracey began her nursing career in 1989 when she graduated with her associate’s degree in nursing. Since that time, she has completed her BSN, MSN, and MBA. Originally starting as a candy striper, she worked her way up as a clinical nurse, Department-Based Educator, Assistant Director, Director, AVP of Nursing, and now our System Chief Nurse Executive. In this role, Tracey oversees all entities that provide nursing care, including AHN Baldwin, AHN Peach, and AHN Rehab. She holds the same role for Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center, with responsibilities extending to all nursing departments, Home Health, Pine Pointe Hospice, among others. Indirectly, she oversees Care Navigators, and the employed practices include urgent care centers and the infusion center. Tracey is involved with nursing practice and salary decisions and provides oversight for individuals in leadership roles of APRN and Specialty Roles. She has previously served on the Georgia Board of Nursing and as the GONL Central District President-elect. Tracey is also very involved with our local college nursing boards and the recruitment of top nursing talent. There are not enough hours in the day to list all of Tracey’s accomplishments, but I would like to highlight her gift to mentor other leaders, her servant leadership, and her resilience. Tracey has led this hospital and nursing team through the best and worst of times. I remember her being right by our sides, leading us to our 2014, 2020, and now our 2025 ANCC Magnet Designation. During COVID-19, she worked tirelessly to make sure we had the supplies and the nursing support we needed. There were many times she was seen delivering supplies herself and rounding on both day and night shifts around the clock to check on the staff. I have seen Tracey head to the ER when they were overwhelmed and do whatever was needed to lend a hand. Just a few weeks ago, she was spotted in our kitchen making sandwiches for teammates who were working through a rare winter snowstorm. She would never ask her leaders to do anything she was not willing to do herself. She challenges all her leaders to think outside of the box, often asking us what “we think” we should do instead of telling us what to do. When AHNP and AHNB were seeking our Pathway to Excellence designations, she was one of our biggest cheerleaders and made sure we had the resources we needed to be successful. It was her support that led AHNP to become the first Advocate Health ANCC Pathway to Excellence Designated hospital, with AHNB following soon after. Without her encouragement, I would not be where I am today. It was Tracey who encouraged me to go back for my BSN and MSN. There is no telling how many other leaders she has done the same for. She promotes a positive practice environment, research, professional governance, and professional development to all nurses. She strongly advocates that nurses have a say in their practice. Tracey encourages professional development by supporting higher learning, professional education, and nursing certification to make sure our nurses are prepared for what they encounter and ensuring excellent outcomes. Tracey believes that each nurse has leadership abilities within them, and she encourages our growth. It is for these reasons and many others that I nominate our fearless leader, Tracey Blalock, for a DAISY Nurse Leader Award.