The President’s Distinguished Service Award (in honor of Pat Lynch) recognizes the outstanding contributions of an APIC volunteer in service to the profession through their work for the Association. The award honors the work of Patricia Lynch, RN, MBA, CIC, and her extraordinary volunteerism as one of APIC’s pioneering members and its 1st National President.

The President’s Distinguished Service Award honors an individual whose service within APIC has been judged by peers as exceptional and who has made major contributions to the profession. The contributions made by this individual have made APIC a better organization and elevated the appreciation of the value of the infection preventionist within the healthcare profession.

Recipients of this award will be selected based on the impact their volunteerism has had on furthering the goals of APIC and the ability of the individual to inspire commitment from others. The recipient is recognized as a volunteer who goes above and beyond the call of duty to help. Nominees will be evaluated utilizing the following characteristics: Leadership, Professional Stewardship, and Research. 

The 2024 submission period is closed.

Check back in mid-2024 for information on APIC’s 2025 Awards program.

Questions? Contact us

Barbara A. Smith, MPA, BSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC

Barbara A. Smith, MPA, BSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, is the recipient of the 2023 President’s Distinguished Service Award. The award, which honors the work of Patricia Lynch as one of APIC’s pioneering members and its first national president, is given to an individual who has made major contributions to the infection prevention and control (IPC) profession through service within APIC. 

Throughout her career, Smith has given generously of her time, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field and helping her IP colleagues. She began her service to APIC at the chapter level through active participation in APIC Greater NY Chapter 13, where she held a number of positions including board president. At the national level, she served on the APIC Board of Directors, the Communications Committee, and assisted on special projects including the APIC MegaSurvey. Her service and leadership have been especially visible during significant infectious disease outbreaks. 

During the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak, Smith worked with the CDC to deliver a webinar on proper donning and doffing of PPE, which made the cover of APIC’s Prevention Strategist magazine. During COVID-19, she served on APIC’s COVID-19 Task Force, was co-author of the “Between a Rock and a Hard Place” lessons learned whitepaper, and co-wrote several articles on the effect of the pandemic on HAI rates. She continues to serve on APIC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases task force, where she delivered webinars on mpox with the American Nurses Association and is currently developing concise IPC “playbooks” for use during future infectious disease outbreaks. Smith is also a member of the APIC Text Editorial Panel. 

Smith has made significant contributions to the scientific literature and is an outstanding IP, mentor, educator, colleague, and leader. Smith is the recipient of numerous awards including the Mount Sinai Morningside President’s Award in 2019, the APIC Greater New York’s Infection Prevention Champion of 2017, the APIC Chapter Leader Award in 2009, and the St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital’s Nursing Leadership Award in 2003.

The President’s Distinguished Service Award recipient receives a commemorative plaque.  The recipient also receives complimentary registration, up to four hotel nights, and a travel stipend for airfare and ground transportation (up to $1,000) to APIC’s Annual Conference (in their award year).

The recipient is recognized during APIC’s Annual Conference. (Recognition details are subject to change.)

  • Qualifying individuals who meet the Award Criteria are eligible to receive the award once in a lifetime.
  • Members of APIC’s Award Committee are not eligible for nomination during their term of service.
  • Members of APIC’s Board of Directors are not eligible for nomination during their term of service.
  • Members of APIC’s Board of Directors can provide a reference letter for a nominee.

The award is presented annually and may not be presented every year.

    • Member of APIC for least 5 years preceding nomination and must be an active or lifetime member for the nomination year.
    • Certified in Infection Prevention by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).
    • Evidence of service to APIC on multiple levels as evidenced by national participation as an author (in peer-reviewed publications), speaker, committee participation, Board participation, political activism, etc. within the past 15 years.

The nomination for this award includes:

  • Online application
  • Nominee’s current curriculum vitae
  • Nomination letter*
  • Three reference letters*

*Nominees are evaluated based on the following characteristics: Leadership, Professional Stewardship, and Research.  Provide examples of the impact the nominee’s volunteerism has had on furthering the goals of APIC and the ability of the individual to inspire commitment from others.  Your letter should include evidence of service to APIC on multiple levels via national participation as an author (in peer-reviewed publications), speaker, committee participation, Board participation, political activism, etc. within the past 15 years.

You are encouraged to provide a thorough response that fully addresses the award criteria. In total, four letters are required.

Year Name
2022 Sharon Williamson, MBA, MT(ASCP)SM, CIC, FAPIC
2021 Terri Rebmann, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC
2020 Patricia J. Gray, RN, BA, CIC, FAPIC
2019 Marc-Oliver Wright, MT(ASCP), MS, CIC, FAPIC
2018 Connie Steed, RN, CIC, MSN, FAPIC
2017 Linda Dickey, RN, MPH, CIC
2015 Susan Barnes, RN, CIC
2014 Susan Sebazco, RN, MBA, CIC
2013 Indiana Chapter
2012 Susan Dolan, RN, MS, CIC
2010 Barbara Russell, MPH, RN, CIC
2009 Barbara Soule, RN, MPA, CIC, FSHEA