Galen College of Nursing Board of Directors member Robyn Begley, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, was recognized this week by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) as the 2026 recipient of its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor recognizes an AONL member who is widely regarded by the nursing community as a significant leader in the profession and who has served the organization in an influential leadership capacity. AONL present the award March 30 at its annual conference in Chicago.

Dr. Begley previously served as AONL’s chief executive officer and as chief nursing officer and senior vice president of workforce for the American Hospital Association until her retirement in December 2024. She recently joined the Galen College of Nursing Board of Directors alongside Rebecca Lover, MSN, RN, FIEL, and Erica Rossitto, MBA/HCM, BSN, RN, NEA-BC.

Over a distinguished career spanning four decades, Dr. Begley held senior leadership roles in hospitals and schools of nursing and made extensive contributions through volunteer leadership. Before leading AONL, she served as vice president of nursing and chief nursing officer at AtlantiCare, where she led AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center to achieve Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center four times.

Dr. Begley has received numerous professional honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Organization of Nurse Leaders of New Jersey. AONL has named her chief executive officer emerita, and Modern Healthcare recognized her as one of its 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and is board certified as an advanced nurse executive by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, a master’s degree from Widener University and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University.