SVSU 15th Carleen K. Moore Nursing Excellence Award Celebration honors standout nurses

June 18, 2026

SVSU 15th Carleen K. Moore Nursing Excellence Award Celebration honors standout nurses

Saginaw Valley State University recognized 10 area nurses for their dedication and leadership during the 15th annual Carleen K. Moore Nursing Excellence Award Luncheon. The event took place on Thursday, June 11, at SVSU.

The nursing awards were established through a gift from Terry and Carleen K. Moore. The program honors nurses across a range of specialties including acute care, education and community nursing. Carleen Moore worked as a nurse for more than two decades. Her husband, Terry, created the award to recognize the commitment and compassion of nurses.

This year's recipients were honored in three categories: acute care nursing, community nursing and education. The recipients in each category follow:

Acute Care Nursing

• Brian Howell, R.N., B.S.N., clinical nurse in the neuro-trauma intensive care unit at MyMichigan Health in Midland. Nominators cited Howell's clinical excellence, clinical advocacy and personal integrity.
• Deborah Maida, R.N., a nurse at the Covenant Cancer Care Center in Saginaw. In nominating Maida, a former patient wrote, "Deb's compassion, patience and genuine humanity changed my experience of treatment."
• Kerri Mellon, R.N., B.S.N., M.S.N., director of the critical care director of nursing at McLaren Bay Region. Mellon was recognized for her commitment to leading with professionalism and grace and for collaborating with colleagues to drive accountability on performance.
• Chadd Richard, B.S.N., manager of patient care services at McLaren Bay Region. A stroke certified registered nurse, Richard was recognized for consistently demonstrating advanced clinical judgment and serving as a trusted resource for both staff and providers.
• Kevin Stokes, R.N., a nurse on the mental health unit at MyMichigan Health in Midland. Stokes was praised for his compassionate care of patients and his willingness to share his knowledge and experience with colleagues.
• Community Nursing
• Kemberly Parham, R.N., M.S.N., assistant nursing director at the Saginaw County Health Department. Parham was honored for her exceptional service, innovation, and commitment to increasing immunization rates and reducing vaccine-preventable disease in Saginaw County.
• Beverly Pyles, R.N., B.S.N., community health services director at the Midland County Department of Public Health. In a career spanning 45 years, Pyles has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that she shares as she mentors colleagues, nursing students, clients and friends.
• Laura Walker, R.N., B.S.N., nurse in trauma education and injury prevention at Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw. Walker was recognized for her work in education, outreach and training that contribute to the health and safety of the community.

Education

• Kelly Bourdow, R.N., M.S.N., trauma program manager at MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw. Bourdow was described as a standout nurse in her approach to education and outreach and her commitment to quality, evidence-based, empathetic care.
• Jill Jarvis, R.N., B.S.N., manager of clinical development and education at Covenant HealthCare. Jarvis was commended for elevating nursing practice and positively shaping the lives of the community, youth and nurses at Covenant.

Guest speaker for the event was Kay Wagner, D.H.A., M.S.N., system vice president and chief quality officer at MyMichigan Health.