Little Rock, AR (June 2004) — CMSA's 14th Annual Conference & Expo in Nashville, June 15-19, 2004, was the site where the Case Management Society of America's National Case Manager of the Year (CMOY) award was presented to civilian consultant, educator, and military subject-matter expert, Major Melanie Prince, MSN, CCM, CMC, CNA, CPUR, PAHM , of Upper Marlboro, MD. CMSA was also honored to recognize Laura Deming, MS, RN, APRN-BC, CCM, CLCP, of Victoria, TX, as the recipient of its 2004 Award of Service Excellence .
 
Each year, CMSA recognizes members whose case management careers elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and exemplify merit and distinction. Prince and Deming were nominated by their case manager colleagues as representatives possessing these characteristics.
 
A CMSA member since 2000, Major Melanie Prince is a project manager for the U.S. Air Force 1st Medical Group at Langley Air Force Base, Langley, VA, as well as a consultant for Maryland's Anne Arundel County Department of Aging for case and diabetes disease management. An active member of the National Capital Area Chapter, Prince served as Vice President in 2003.
 
Handpicked to lead Department of Defense efforts to revamp military case management, Major Prince is an influential military thought leader deeply committed to bringing case management to the forefront of military leadership.  An enthusiastic and intellectually challenging teaching style has made her a sought-after instructor in various venues, including workshops, seminars, and structured courses at the state and national level. Major Prince's legacy is her remarkable gift of visionary communication that has resulted in a fusion of civilian and military case management practice for a world-class military healthcare delivery system in all 50 states. Also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and multiple awards and certificates, the respect of her colleagues is unsurpassed as she lives her professional life with one foot in both worlds - civilian consultant and educator and military subject matter expert.
 
Innovation, creativity, and resourcefulness serve as the cornerstone of CMSA's Award of Service Excellence , and Laura Deming is known to exemplify each of these. As a Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist at Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital in Houston, TX, Deming commits herself to the advancement and enhancement of case management, pediatrics, neonates, life-care planning and legal nurse consulting. An active member of CMSA's Houston Gulf Coaster Chapter since 1993, Deming served as Chapter President in 1998.
 
Strongly dedicated to research and education, Deming has contributed numerous articles for publication in national journals as well as presented at educational seminars on topics including, case management, life care planning, and caring for the pediatric and neonate client. Deming's tireless commitment and dedication to clients and families as they face these initial challenges is a testimony to her going above and beyond the call of duty. She is known as a dedicated professional who throws her heart and soul into everything she does.
 
In addition, Deming volunteers with "Paws for Caring," an animal-assisted dog therapy program, and serves as "Topper," the seven-foot giraffe mascot for Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital  - prime examples of her love and caring for others.
 
Nominations for the 2005 awards will be accepted via mail and fax beginning August 31, and nominations forms and award benefit information will be available at www.cmsa.org/professional/awards  or by contacting Spring Houk at 501/225-2229 ext. 47 or via email at shouk@acminet.com . Postmark deadline for 2005 award submissions is February 14, 2005.
 
For more information, please contact Tena Bolin at tbolin@acminet.com or at 501/225-2229 ext. 43 or visit CMSA's website at www.cmsa.org.
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