The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is thrilled to name Craig J. Luzinski, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE as the new director of its internationally recognized Magnet Recognition Program®.

Luzinski currently serves as the chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care at the award winning Poudre Valley Hospital (PVH) in Fort Collins, Colorado. He is widely respected for creating a culture of nursing excellence. His impressive record of state, regional, and national recognitions for PVH's clinical quality and patient safety outcomes include:

• Magnet re-designations in 2004 and 2009. (The hospital achieved its initial ANCC Magnet Recognition ® in 2000.)
• Magnet Prize™ award winner in 2009 for PVH's Community Case Management Program, a pioneer program in the area of community outreach for its track record of reducing costs and improving outcomes in managing patients with complex or chronic conditions.
• Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award 2008 (for the entire Poudre Valley Health System), the nation's highest presidential honor for organizational innovation and performance excellence.
• First facility to receive the American Nurses Association's (ANA) Outstanding Nursing Quality Award in 2007. Recognized again by ANA in 2008 and 2009.

In addition to being recognized for his leadership, Luzinski has a solid background in research, clinical services, and community service. He serves as the leader of the Poudre Valley Health System Chronic Disease Management Network, coordinating the numerous PVHS services, community services, and area healthcare providers in an effort to reduce hospital readmissions and improve the health and well-being of those with chronic illnesses.

"Craig is a true Magnet exemplar. We are very excited that he has agreed to share his many talents with the entire Magnet community," said ANCC Executive Director Karen Drenkard, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN.

Luzinski graduated with honors from Regis University in Denver with a master of science in nursing administration. He earned his bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Minnesota School of Nursing in Minneapolis. He also earned an associate of applied science in respiratory therapy from St. Mary's Junior College in Minneapolis. He is pursuing his doctorate in strategic leadership at Regent University in Virginia Beach.

Luzinski was a 2007 Johnson & Johnson/Wharton Nurse Executive Fellow. He is ANCC board certified as a Nurse Executive, Advanced (NEA-BC) and is a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives (FACHE).

Mr. Luzinski will be joining the Magnet Recognition Program in April 2011. The ANCC search was led by Donna Herrin-Griffith, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, FACHE in affiliation with Wheless Partners.