Chesney receives NAPNAP’s Loretta C. Ford Distinguished Fellow Award

Clinical Professor Mary Chesney, PhD, APRN, CPNP, FAANP, FAAN, received the Loretta C. Ford Distinguished Fellow Award from the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP). This lifetime achievement award is given biannually to a NAPNAP member who best exemplifies contributions to the expansion or improvement of pediatric health care and advancement of the profession of pediatric-focused APRNs.

“Those of us who have the honor to work with Dr. Chesney know her to be an open, kind and giving colleague and mentor,” says Rajsharee Koppolu, NAPNAP president. “She is national known and respected for her influential leadership in state policy initiatives. Her work has advanced how nurse practitioners practice now and for generations.”

Chesney is a recognized regulatory expert for state legislators on issues of nurse practitioner and child health policy, testifying on numerous occasions to the Minnesota State Legislature. She served as a lead for the Minnesota APRN Coalition, directing the state’s successful efforts to achieve full practice authority in 2014.

“I am humbled and deeply honored to receive the Loretta C. Ford Distinguished Fellow Award this year from NAPNAP,” says Chesney, adding that Ford, who developed the pediatric nurse practitioner role, is a personal hero. “To receive this award in my shero’s honor is the thrill of a lifetime and one that is well-beyond any of my expectations.”

In addition to her state advocacy service, Chesney has served NAPNAP as executive board president and health policy chair, among numerous committees, chapter and task force leadership roles. She serves on critical regional, state and community boards with significant impact on services to children.

“I have always felt fortunate and privileged to be a pediatric nurse practitioner and to have opportunity to be present with children and their families during some of the happiest times and some of the most difficult moments in their lives,” says Chesney.