Honors a nurse whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, peers and other healthcare providers
SAVANNAH CRIBB
TITLE: Registered nurse
ORGANIZATION: Novant Health NHRMC
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: In 2026, Savannah Cribb “was recognized as one of North Carolina’s Great 100 Nurses, an honor awarded to only 100 nurses statewide. She is one of just two recipients from Novant Health’s Coastal Region and one of only 15 across Novant Health, reflecting the extraordinary impact she has on patients, colleagues and her community.
As a member of the Professional Nursing Resource Team at Novant Health NHRMC, Savannah provides exceptional patient-centered care by addressing not only clinical needs but also the social and environmental factors that influence health outcomes. …
A respected leader, Savannah serves as chair of the NHRMC Shared Governance (council) and president-elect of the Novant Health Nursing Congress. In these capacities, she leads over 2,000 nurses and guides frontline nurses to have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting patient care and improved outcomes. As the volunteer leader representing nurses across the facility, Savannah has strengthened engagement and collaboration among caregivers. By redesigning council processes, improving communication and recruiting new participants, she increased council attendance by more than 300%.”
- Valerie Vrablic, magnet project manager, Novant Health NHRMC
ULRICA STINSON
TITLE: Women’s health nurse lead
ORGANIZATION: MedNorth Health Center
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “Ms. Stinson, a community health nurse in the women’s health department at MedNorth Health Center and lactation educator with whom I have worked for over six years, sets the example for creativity in nursing, advocacy and skill.
Within our diverse and often marginalized patient population of perinatal, gynecologic and primary care patients, Ms. Stinson has created systems that ensure that women are cared for with unrivaled competency and compassion. For example, she has applied for, received and managed grants for essential prenatal vitamins … She created a unique contraceptive counseling tool that has increased understanding of the methods and has helped prevent unplanned pregnancies.
She has created a system for home visits for our most vulnerable mothers and newborns to ensure that the mothers with hypertension or diabetes diagnoses or breastfeeding challenges are assessed in the comfort of their home. Screening our new mothers for prenatal care is not only done with cultural sensitivity but a deep knowledge and discernment of all the factors – medical, environmental and psychological – that can impact their health.”
- Laura Schultz, CNM, MPH, MedNorth Health Center
MICHAEL WAHOFF
TITLE: Registered nurse
ORGANIZATION: Novant Health NHRMC Emergency Department
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “Michael Wahoff and I have had the privilege of working together for the past 14 years. During that time, I have come to know him as a dedicated healthcare professional, a respected leader and a cornerstone of emergency medicine at the Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center 17th Street Emergency Department.
Mr. Wahoff serves as one of our night-shift charge nurses, where his responsibilities extend well beyond direct patient care. He plays a critical role in coordinating and supporting the nursing staff, maintaining efficient department operations and ensuring that patients receive timely, compassionate and high-quality care. He is highly respected by his colleagues and consistently demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism and a patient-centered approach to even the most challenging situations. …
He served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1983 to 1990 as a hospital corpsman attached to the U.S. Marine Corps. His military service took him to several locations … providing him with experiences that have clearly shaped his commitment to service and his dedication to others.”
- Carrie Fales, doctor, Eastern Carolina Emergency Physicians
Read more about all of the 2026 Health Care Heroes finalists
here.
