The Dorothy Cornelius Leadership Congress

ONA’s most prestigious honor, the Cornelius Leadership Congress recognizes members and colleagues of ONA who demonstrate the leadership characteristics of Dorothy Cornelius in their work and with the Ohio Nurses Association.

Dorothy Alice Cornelius was executive director of the Ohio Nurses Association from 1957 to 1983, president of the International Council of Nurses from 1973 to 1977, president of the American Nurses Association from 1968 to 1970, and president of the American Journal of Nursing Company – the largest publisher of nursing periodicals in the word – from 1967 to 1968.  She is the only person to have functioned in all of those positions.

She believed that one nurse could make a difference, proving it through her own life’s work. Inductees into the Cornelius Leadership Congress must demonstrate that they, too, have made a difference.

Congratulations to the following outstanding nurses and colleagues inducted in 2023!

Marie Cinalli
Janet Corbin
Kathy Julia Franklin
Catharyne Henderson
Naomi House
Kelly Lee
Deborah Baker-Lloyd
Rick Lucas
Hannah Myers
Amy Pompeii
Michelle Thoman
Alex Watts

A list of current Cornelius Congress members can be found here.