AANA Honors Excellence in Nurse Anesthesiology: Shannon Allen Receives Ira P. Gunn Award for Outstanding Professional Advocacy

Rosemont, Ill.  – The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) will present Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Shannon Allen, DNAP, CRNA, FAANA, with the Ira P. Gunn Award for Outstanding Professional Advocacy during its 2025 Annual Congress, August 9-13, in Nashville. 

In its 25th year, the Ira P. Gunn Award recognizes the accomplishments of individuals involved in overcoming legislative, legal, and regulatory challenges to nurse anesthesiology practice rights. The recipient of the award is an individual recognized by their peers as a person who has made an important contribution to the advancement of nurse anesthesiology practice rights. 

Beyond her work as a CRNA and educator, Allen has been a guiding force for nurse anesthesiology advocacy in New Mexico for nearly a decade. A longstanding member of the New Mexico Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (NMANA), she has served multiple terms as president and continues to lead her colleagues through ambitious efforts to secure independent practice rights for CRNAs in the state. Her colleagues at NMANA refer to her as a “tireless advocate” and note that her work as been “instrumental in protecting the constituents of New Mexico’s access to care.” 

Known for her persistence and poise, Allen has spearheaded legislative campaigns, testified before policymakers, and personally engaged with lawmakers to shape CRNA-focused policies in New Mexico. Since 2017, Allen has faced opposition with “composure and well-reasoned rebuttals” and has worked tirelessly to ensure NMANA supporters have passionate talking points. Despite many years of setbacks and difficulties, her colleague states that Allen’s “courage and determination to codify independent CRNA practice in New Mexico have never wavered.” Her steadfast commitment to advocacy has culminated in New Mexico CRNAs gaining independent practice, which goes into effect July 2025. 

“Dr. Allen has been very influential in leading legislative initiatives, testifying before policymakers, working with stakeholders to remove barriers, and advocating for independent practice,” says one of her colleagues. “Her ability to build coalitions, navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes, and remain steadfast in the face of challenges exemplifies the values and legacy of Ira P. Gunn.” 

Another colleague notes that Allen is “not only a leader for CRNAs, but a champion for the entire nursing community… Her story—and her ability to tell it—has moved legislators, students, and colleagues alike.” 

Allen has also been instrumental in mentoring and uplifting the next generation of CRNAs. Her advocacy was central to the development and launch of the state’s first nurse anesthesiology program at New Mexico State University (NMSU), a milestone years in the making. She is known as a “champion of the students,” fostering and supporting their journey into becoming advocates for the nurse anesthesiology profession. As part of her outreach, she has taken students to the New Mexico State Capitol during CRNA Week and encouraged their participation in Santa Fe to support the independent practice bill as it was being reviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

“I am honored to have worked alongside New Mexico CRNAs and our lobbyist, Cris Balzano, as we ensured access to anesthesia care across the state—care that would not be available without CRNAs practicing to the full extent of our education and training,” said Allen. “Without CRNAs, patients in rural areas would have to travel hours to the nearest large city for care. We appreciate the trust our patients have in us, and we are honored to care for them.” 

In addition to her advocacy work, Allen is a practicing CRNA at North Star Anesthesia. NMANA previously honored her with a “Distinguished New Mexico CRNA of the Year” award in 2020 and a “Distinguished New Mexico Nurse of the Year” award in 2019 for her political advocacy for nurses and patients in New Mexico. Additionally, she was also recognized by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and former U.S. Surgeon General Murthy as a “COVID Health Care Hero” for her leadership and guidance during the pandemic. 

Allen received her Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree from Midwestern University in Glendale, Ariz. She received her Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia degree from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. 

To learn more about AANA Member Recognition awards, visit https://www.aana.com/membership/recognition/aana-awards/.