The Dorothy Cornelius Leadership Congress
ONA’s most prestigious award, the Cornelius Leadership Congress honors members and colleagues who exemplify the leadership, commitment, and spirit of Dorothy Cornelius through their work with the Ohio Nurses Association.
Dorothy Alice Cornelius
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 world – from 1967 to 1968. She is the only person to have served in all of those positions.
She believed that one nurse could make a difference, proving it through her life’s work. Inductees to the Cornelius Leadership Congress must demonstrate that they, too, have made a difference.
Congratulations to the outstanding nurses and colleagues inducted in 2025!
Kayla Peteya, PSNA
Linzi Lentz, PSNA
Amy Law, PSNA
Holly Mercera, PSNA
Sherri Funk, Alliance
Sunshine Shannon, Coshocton RNs
Sue Smith, Associate Member
Bobbie Kerns, East Liverpool
Melissa Cain, East Liverpool
De Anna Fuchilla, Hillside
Amy Jo Riley, Union
Nicole Delong, Union
Anne Mueller, ONA Staff
Anne Ransone, ONA Staff
Brittany Turner, ONA Staff
A list of past Cornelius Congress members can be found here.