Angela Still, MSN, executive director of Women’s Services at ECU Health Medical Center, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Award of Excellence in Leadership from the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN).
Presented at AWHONN’s national convention in May, the award recognizes nurses who demonstrate exceptional leadership in advancing care for women, infants and families. Still was nominated by a colleague, and the award selection committee unanimously chose her for the honor.
“I was completely surprised and humbled,” Still said. “It’s such an incredible honor, and it really reflects the work of our teams and what they accomplish every day.”
Advancing care across eastern North Carolina
The AWHONN Award of Excellence in Leadership recognizes nurses who have made significant contributions to clinical practice, patient outcomes and the nursing profession.
As executive director of Women’s Services, Still has led efforts to standardize care, expand interdisciplinary education and strengthen access to high-quality care across ECU Health’s 29-county region. A key part of that work is the perinatal outreach program, which provides education, simulation training and clinical support to hospitals throughout eastern North Carolina.
“Our goal was never to make every hospital look like the Medical Center,” Still said. “It was to learn from each other and ensure a consistent level of care across the region.”
At the Medical Center, Still also oversees teams caring for increasingly high-risk maternal patients while helping meet growing demand for obstetric services.
Building teams and strengthening the workforce
In addition to advancing clinical practice, Still is passionate about supporting and developing the nursing workforce, both at the Medical Center and at the community hospitals where recruitment and retention can be challenging.
One example is the regional OB nurse cohort, which brings together new nurses from community hospitals for shared education, mentorship and peer support. The program helps reduce isolation, strengthen clinical skills and reinforce a systemwide approach to care.
“Health care is a team effort,” Still said. “When we support our nurses, remove barriers and invest in their growth, it makes a real difference in how teams function and the care they deliver.”
A career rooted in purpose
Still celebrated 40 years with ECU Health in June.
While attending college, she joined then Pitt County Memorial Hospital, now ECU Health Medical Center, as an extern on the gynecology unit and went on to serve in clinical, education and leadership roles. She has also contributed to statewide initiatives and served on numerous advisory and academic boards, including the ECU College of Nursing Hall of Fame Board.
“This is home,” Still said. “I chose to come back to eastern North Carolina because I’m passionate about improving the health and well-being of mothers and newborns here.”
Leading with purpose and compassion
Still credits much of her success to the teams and mentors who have shaped her career. Today, she focuses on mentoring future nurse leaders and creating an environment where team members feel supported and empowered.
“We have an opportunity every day to care for people during some of the most important moments of their lives,” she said. “It’s an honor and a privilege, and we should never take that for granted.”