Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation has recognized Sheri Dahman as the recipient of the Debbie Marshburn Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award, honoring her commitment to patient-centered care, teamwork and nursing excellence.

The award was established by the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation following Marshburn’s retirement as chief nursing executive in 2024 after 42 years of service. It was created as a way to promote and celebrate excellence in nursing leadership across Cape Fear Valley Health.

The award is presented annually to one nursing leader within the health system who exemplifies and leads the HEART of nursing care each day through:

Holistic care

Exemplary service to patients and team members

Alignment with patients and the community

Research and evidence-based care

Team commitment to patient-centeredness

The award also includes a $500 stipend to support continuing education or a patient-centered initiative led by the annual recipient. 

As chief nursing officer at Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital, Dahman has helped foster a culture focused on compassionate care, accountability and teamwork while supporting both patients and staff across the hospital.

She was selected for her dedication to creating a safe, compassionate and supportive environment for patients, families and staff.

“Sheri’s commitment to our mission of providing exceptional care for all our patients is evident in her approach to her work,” said Sonja McLendon, president of Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital, in a press release. “We lovingly call her ‘Eagle Eyes’ because she can spot a stained ceiling tile, missing name badge or lost patient at 50 paces. She has no tolerance for failing to meet the needs of our patients, family members or staff members. She will move heaven and earth to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors is safe, well cared for and treated with respect, and that we all work as a team to fulfill this mission.”

Dahman said receiving the award is especially meaningful because of the legacy Debbie Marshburn has within the organization.

“I am humbled and honored to have been chosen to receive this award, as I consider Debbie Marshburn to be an exceptional nurse leader that I have admired for many years,” Dahman said in a press release. “She is and always will be a legend in our health system.”

The Debbie Marshburn Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award recognizes nursing leaders who demonstrate compassion, accountability, clinical excellence and a strong commitment to improving the patient experience across Cape Fear Valley Health.

“Nursing is hard, but it is compassion in action and what a privilege it is to care for people when they are most vulnerable,” Dahman added in a press release. “We get to make a difference in our patients’ lives every day. I share this recognition with my amazing team and family, whose support and trust inspire me to keep going every day.”