Nominations for TxANA’s annual awards are currently closed. Award criteria and descriptions are provided below for reference, and the nomination period will reopen later in the year. When nominations are open, all submissions must be completed by July 1, and nominees should meet the guidelines outlined for each award.
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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.

​2025 CRNA Mentor Award Recipient

​Dr. Kristen Starnes-Ott

For nearly 20 years, Dr. Kristen Starnes-Ott, BS, CRNA, FAANA, FNAP, has shaped the nurse anesthesia profession through her unwavering 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 also mentoring countless students, faculty, and colleagues across Texas. Those she has mentored consistently point to her high standards and steady guidance, crediting her vast knowledge of anesthesia, project development, academic leadership, accreditation, and faculty development as instrumental to their growth and success. 

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2025 Professional Advocacy Recipient

​Dr. Steve Leach

For nearly three decades, Dr. Leach has been a steadfast champion for CRNAs—advocating for the profession in politics, in healthcare, and within the communities he serves. His leadership extends well beyond the operating room. As Mayor of Bayou Vista and a Galveston County Health District board member, Dr. Leach has used his platform to elevate nursing voices and influence community health policy in meaningful ways. A mentor to countless students and colleagues, he exemplifies the dedication, diplomacy, and courage that define true professional advocacy. His career highlights the power of long-term leadership, the connection between professional service and community impact, and TxANA’s mission to support and advance CRNAs statewide. ​

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2025 President's Award Recipient

Dr. James R. Walker

Dr. James R. Walker has shaped the future of nurse anesthesia in Texas and beyond—one student, one leader, and one advocate at a time. From serving as TxANA President from 2003 to 2004 to leading the profession nationally as AANA President from 2009 to 2010, Dr. Walker has dedicated his career to elevating CRNAs and advancing patient care. His influence is felt through the countless CRNAs and SRNAs he has mentored, including several current TxANA board members, as well as through his leadership as Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at Baylor College of Medicine. His enduring impact is further reflected in the James R. Walker Award for Clinical Excellence, established in his honor, and in his testimony before Congress advocating for CRNAs and patients nationwide. Throughout his career, Dr. Walker has made his message clear: excellence in clinical care, commitment to education, and tireless advocacy define the profession. 

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