Each year, Community recognizes nurses who demonstrate excellence in research, innovation, clinical practice and leadership. We're proud to recognize our 2025 RNs of the Year: Kerri Krogen, Julie Christopherson, Marilyn Greene, and Erin Merrin.
These outstanding nurses have been honored by the Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL) — San Joaquin Valley Chapter, receiving four of this year’s five awards for excellence in nursing.
Research — Kerri Krogen
Kerri Krogen is a trusted expert and leader across Surgical Services. She has helped lead initiatives like Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), and First Case On-Time Starts. Her work on the antibiotic dashboard and surgical policy development made a wide-reaching impact across our system.
Kerri has presented on national stages such as ERAS USA and the Quality & Innovation Symposium. Known for her data-driven approach and commitment to excellence, she also gives back through public service at her church and the Fresno Philharmonic Board.
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Surgical Services, Community Regional Medical Center
Clinical Practice — Julie Christopherson
For more than 40 years, Julie Christopherson has been a nurse at Community Regional, most of that time spent labor and delivery. Now as a Bereavement Coordinator, she provides vital support to families facing high-risk pregnancies and loss.
Julie helped develop care pathways that led to our Joint Commission certification in Perinatal Care and helped shape initiatives such as OB Triage and Newborn Couplet Care. She is a multi-certified nurse, respected educator, and tireless advocate for compassionate, patient-centered care.
RN Navigator, Perinatal Care & Bereavement, Community Regional Medical Center
Leadership — Marilyn Greene
Marilyn Greene brings a systems-focused, people-first approach to emergency nursing. Under her leadership, RN vacancy rates were cut in half, and quality metrics like VTE-01 compliance (Venus Thromboembolism) prevention and pain reassessments improved significantly.
She established six team-led committees that drive frontline improvements in patient care, mental health support and triage flow. Marilyn is known for her calm, collaborative style and her ability to lead meaningful change — even in high-pressure environments.
Emergency Department Director, Clovis Community Medical Center
Innovation — Erin Merrin
Known for her visionary leadership and commitment to innovation, Erin Merrin has been with Community for nearly a decade. Most recently, she led the development of our new cellular therapy program, bringing CAR-T treatment to Central California and eliminating the need for patients to travel out of the region for life-saving care.
Drawing from her background in performance improvement and informatics coupled with her passion for continuous learning, Erin has built a program that integrates cutting-edge science, patient-centered care and interdisciplinary teamwork. She is also a mentor to peers and a driver of performance improvement across oncology services.
RN Program Coordinator, Oncology, Community Cancer Institute
These honorees represent the best of what it means to be a nurse — advocating for patients, mentoring their peers, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare, and embodying The Cause in action!