Nominations for TxANA’s annual awards are now closed. Award criteria and descriptions are provided below for reference, and the nomination period will reopen in 2027. 
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CRNA MENTOR AWARD:
The CRNA Mentor Award recognizes an outstanding Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) who has demonstrated exceptional mentorship qualities, providing guidance, support, and inspiration to colleagues or students within the field of anesthesia.

PROFESSIONAL ADVOCACY AWARD:
The Professional Advocacy Award honors an individual who has demonstrated exemplary commitment and leadership in advocating for the advancement of the nurse anesthesia profession and the interests of CRNAs.

PRESIDENT'S AWARD:
The President's Award is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the field of anesthesia or to the organization presenting the award. This award is selected by the TxANA President and is not available for nomination or vote. 

2026 TxANA Award Recipients 

Congratulations to this year’s recipients! TxANA is proud to recognize their mentorship, advocacy, and service to the nurse anesthesia profession.

Daniel Strom

CRNA Mentor Award

Daniel’s colleagues describe him as an accessible, generous mentor who helps students and new CRNAs build confidence and independence. He shares his expertise through clinical teaching, regional skills training, and a monthly anesthesia journal club. Seven nomination letters spoke to the lasting influence he has had on the people he teaches.

Dr. Eddie R. Dunlap

Professional Advocacy Award

Dr. Dunlap has served the nurse anesthesia profession for more than 40 years. His TxANA leadership includes two terms as President, service as Federal Political Director, and chairing the Government Relations Committee. He has been a steadfast advocate for CRNA practice in Texas, including through his leadership surrounding Senate Bill 673.

Kevin Stewart

President’s Award

Kevin serves as TxANA General Counsel. Immediate Past President Abby Caswell selected him for the 2026 President’s Award in recognition of his service, counsel, and commitment to the association.

2025 TxANA Award Recipients

Dr. Kristen Starnes-Ott

CRNA Mentor Award

For nearly 20 years, Dr. Kristen Starnes-Ott, BS, CRNA, FAANA, FNAP, has shaped the nurse anesthesia profession through her dedication to education, leadership, and mentorship. She has served as Program Director for the Nurse Anesthesia program at UTHealth and as Vice Dean at The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing, while mentoring students, faculty, and colleagues across Texas. Those she has mentored credit her high standards and steady guidance as instrumental to their growth and success.

Dr. Steve Leach

Professional Advocacy Award

For nearly three decades, Dr. Leach has championed CRNAs in politics, healthcare, and the communities he serves. As Mayor of Bayou Vista and a Galveston County Health District board member, he has used his platform to elevate nursing voices and influence community health policy. A mentor to students and colleagues, he demonstrates the lasting impact of professional advocacy and service.

Dr. James R. Walker

President’s Award

Dr. Walker has helped shape nurse anesthesia in Texas and nationally through education, leadership, and advocacy. He served as TxANA President from 2003 to 2004 and AANA President from 2009 to 2010. An Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at Baylor College of Medicine, he has mentored generations of CRNAs and SRNAs. The James R. Walker Award for Clinical Excellence was established in his honor.