RWJBarnabas Health’s Children’s Specialized Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Receives Inaugural SPN DAISY Award of the Year in Pediatric Nursing

New Brunswick, NJ (June 2, 2026) - Children's Specialized Hospital (CSH), part of the Children's Health network at RWJBarnabas Health, is proud to announce that Kelly Keefe Marcoux, PhD, CPNP-AC, PPCNP-BC, CCRN, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN) DAISY Award of the Year in Pediatric Nursing. The award was presented at the SPN 36th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.

The SPN DAISY Award of the Year in Pediatric Nursing recognizes one exceptional pediatric nurse annually whose work reflects the DAISY Award's mission of honoring extraordinary nurses for compassionate care and clinical excellence. Dr. Marcoux was recognized for her leadership, commitment to advancing pediatric nursing, and dedication to improving the lives of children and families with complex healthcare needs.

"Kelly's leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to children and families exemplify the very best of pediatric nursing," said Dr. Matthew B. McDonald III, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Children's Specialized Hospital. "This recognition reflects the extraordinary impact she has had on our patients, families, nursing teams, and the profession as a whole."

As Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Marcoux leads more than 700 staff members across 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Under her leadership, Children's Specialized Hospital has strengthened its family-centered model of care, expanded professional development opportunities for nurses, advanced innovative fellowship programs, and enhanced patient safety and quality initiatives for medically fragile children.

"Receiving this recognition from the Society of Pediatric Nurses and The DAISY Foundation is an incredible honor," said Dr. Marcoux. "I am grateful to work alongside such compassionate and dedicated healthcare professionals every day, all of whom are committed to providing exceptional care to children and families."

The Society of Pediatric Nurses advances pediatric nursing through education, research, and practice excellence, while The DAISY Foundation recognizes nurses worldwide for their extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care.

About Children's Specialized Hospital

Children's Specialized Hospital, a part of the Children's Health network at RWJBarnabas Health, is the nation's leading provider of inpatient and outpatient care for children from birth to 21 years of age facing special health challenges - from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to a full scope of developmental, behavioral, and mental health concerns. At 14 different New Jersey locations, our pediatric specialist's partner with families to make our many innovative therapies and medical treatments more personalized and effective so each child can reach their full potential. To learn more, visit rwjbh.org/csh.

About RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes, 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.

RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state's largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.

RWJBarnabas Health's commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute - the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey's largest private employers, with more than 44,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit https://www.RWJBH.org

About the Society of Pediatric Nurses

The Society of Pediatric Nurses advances pediatric nursing through education, research, and practice excellence.

About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation recognizes nurses worldwide for their extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care.

Contact: Megan Granozio
732-258-7042
[email protected]