ASHRM Rising Star Award
This award celebrates emerging leaders who are making a powerful impact early in their risk management careers.
Congratulations to the 2026 Rising Stars!

Sheri Gibson, MHA, BSN, RN, CPHRM, CPPS
Senior Loss Control Manager
AdventHealth

Dr. Jennifer Kozaily, PharmD, LLM, CPHRM, CPPS
CEO & Founder
HealthGuard Consultancy

Crystal Wilkins, JD, CPHRM
Healthcare System Director – Risk Management
UNC Health
Eligibility
- Track record should reflect leadership, potential for advancement, and solid commitment to RM profession.
- Accomplishments reflect meaningful & noteworthy contributions to the profession and/or their organization.
- Candidates must be an early-to-mid-stage risk management professional.
- Early-to-mid-stage can mean anywhere from 3-10 years in the profession.
- A current ASHRM member in good standing.
- Self-nominations are allowed.
Criteria
- Accomplishments reflect meaningful contributions to the field of RM.
- Track record of leadership, potential for advancement and commitment to the field.
- Striving for excellence in your career
What Do the Recipients Get?
- Crystal Award.
- One complimentary registration to ASHRM's annual conference.
- Member spotlight on the ASHRM website and on ASHRM social media.
Past Recipients
2025
Willbert J. Garcia, MBA
Benjamin Lego, MPH, RN, CPHRM, ARM
Shannon Sears, BSN-RN, LNHA, a-IP, WOC, CDP
2024
S. Linda Habibi, JD, MBA, CPHRM
Matthew Hill, CPHRM
Andrew Smokowicz, MHA, CPHRM