Congratulations to Kim Heckmann, APRN, FNP-C, the Minnesota honoree for the AANP State Award for Outstanding Contribution. This award honors individuals who have made significant strides in advancing health care through practice, education, advocacy, research and leadership (PEARL), and have demonstrated efforts to advance the image, profile and visibility of nurse practitioners (NPs).

Among many other contributions to NP practice in MN, Kim served on the MNNP Board as the Education Liaison from 2023-2025. Under her leadership, our annual conferences and our transition to practice conferences improved and grew to the incredible offerings that they are today. We are grateful for you and proud to call you our colleague in nursing. Congratulations, Kim!