Five CRNAs Recognized for Their Impact on Health and Healthcare

American Academy of Nursing Names 2026 Class of Fellows 

Rosemont, Ill. – Five members of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) have been selected to join the 2026 Class of Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN). These Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), also known as nurse anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists, and their cohort of 275 distinguished nurse leaders are recognized for their substantial and sustained impact on health and healthcare. 

These five CRNAs will be inducted at the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference, October 8-10, 2026, in Washington DC. 

The 2026 Class of Fellows were selected from a competitive pool of applicants and were reviewed by the Academy’s Fellow Selection Committee as part of a rigorous application process. They represent a cross-section of nursing’s most dynamic leaders that make positive changes in their systems and communities to champion health and wellness. Induction into the academy represents the highest honor in nursing—earning the Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) credential is a significant recognition of their accomplishments. 

Meet the 2026 FAAN CRNA Fellows: 

Nelson J. Aquino, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA, of Boston Children’s Hospital 

Nelson Aquino is a nurse anesthesiology leader and scholar advancing perioperative gender-affirming care through clinical innovation, research, and quality improvement. He pioneered a multidisciplinary Gender-Affirming Surgical Perioperative Program, developed the first Enhanced Recovery After Surgery pathway for chest masculinizing surgery, and led a multicenter outcomes registry that has helped improve patient outcomes while informing best practices and policy for transgender and gender-diverse care. 

“Being inducted as a Fellow is the highest honor of my career, and one I do not hold alone,” said Aquino. “Perioperative equity relies on a multidisciplinary approach, where surgeons, CRNAs, and nurses collaborate to provide patient-centered care that is culturally competent. The FAAN credential is not an endpoint but a renewed obligation to lead transformational teams, develop inclusive evidence, and ensure that patients receive perioperative anesthesia care that is safe, scientifically grounded, and affirming of their identity.” 

Adrienne G. Hartgerink, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, Lt Col (ret), USAF of Old Dominion University 

Adrienne Hartgerink is an educator and advocate whose leadership has strengthened nurse anesthesiology education, wellness, and healthcare policy. As the program director of the Old Dominion University Ellmer School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program, she led transformative curriculum innovations, expanded student support through wellness and mentorship initiatives, and guided her program to national recognition. Through state and national advocacy, she has advanced CRNA practice authority, championed provider well-being, and inspired the next generation of nurse anesthesiology leaders through education, mentorship, and policy engagement.  

“Being selected as a FAAN signifies that the work of advocating for patients, empowering nurses, mentoring future leaders, and promoting clinician well-being has made a meaningful difference,” said Hartgerink. “This recognition is both a validation of my work and a responsibility to continue advancing policies and practices that improve health outcomes and strengthen the nursing workforce.” 

Daniel D. King, DNP, CRNA, CPPS, CNE, FNAP of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science 

Daniel King is a nurse anesthesiology educator, researcher, and leader whose work has advanced perioperative safety through innovations in cannabis screening, stigma-informed care, and pre-anesthesia risk assessment. His research contributed to the development of the Cannabis Use and Behaviors Assessment Tool (CUBAT), helping standardize patient assessment and improve disclosure practices. Through his leadership within the AANA, he has also helped shape dozens of evidence-informed practice resources that strengthen patient care and professional practice. 

“Earning the FAAN credential represents one of the pinnacle achievements in nursing, and I am deeply honored to be inducted alongside four respected CRNA colleagues,” said King. “This recognition is both a professional milestone and a tribute to the mentors who have shaped my journey—especially my mother, a nurse who first shaped my understanding of nursing leadership. It strengthens my commitment to continue mentoring students and contributing to nursing and nurse anesthesiology for years to come.” 

Michael A. MacKinnon, DNP, FNP-C, CRNA, FAANA, of National University 

Michael MacKinnon is a leader in nurse anesthesiology whose work has advanced clinical practice, education, advocacy, and healthcare policy. Through leadership with the AANA and national policy initiatives, he has helped shape reimbursement policy and champion access to high-quality anesthesia care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Through his scholarship, national presentations, and the Anesthesia Deconstructed podcast, he has helped educate clinicians and strengthen the future of the nurse anesthesiology profession. 

“Being selected as a Fellow is deeply meaningful because it recognizes nurse anesthesia not only as a clinical discipline, but as a force for leadership, policy, education, and access to care,” said MacKinnon. “This honor reinforces my responsibility to keep using my voice, experience, and platform to advance nursing leadership at the highest levels.” 

Rishelle Zhou, DNAP, LLB, CRNA, FAANA, of VA Portland Health Care System and Oregon Health and Science University 

Rishelle Zhou is a clinician, educator, and national leader dedicated to advancing nurse anesthesia practice, Veteran healthcare, and workforce excellence. Through her leadership with the Association of Veteran’s Affairs Nurse Anesthetists (AVANA), she has championed policy initiatives that strengthened workforce equity, improved recruitment and retention across the VA healthcare system, and expanded opportunities for CRNAs serving rural and underserved communities. As a member of the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) Board of Directors, she also helps shape professional standards and lifelong learning for the nurse anesthesia profession. 

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing,” said Zhou. “This recognition reflects the many mentors, colleagues, and fellow VA CRNAs who have supported me throughout my career. I remain committed to advancing the nursing profession, supporting the next generation of CRNAs, improving patient care, and advocating for those we serve. This recognition is not an endpoint, but a reminder to continue leading, mentoring, and serving with purpose.”