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COLUMBUS, OH - A group of diabetes care specialists were recognized at the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists’ (ADCES^®) 2026 Annual Conference for their achievements in diabetes care and their dedication to the association. The following awardees were honored: 

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes outstanding contributions and service to ADCES and honors individuals who exemplify the proud history of diabetes care and education while serving as extraordinary role models.

Anne Daly, MS, RDN, BC-ADM, CDCES, has dedicated a remarkable 47-year career to advancing diabetes care and education as a clinician, educator, author and advocate. In 1989, she co-founded the Springfield (IL) Diabetes & Endocrine Center, a multidisciplinary center focused on diabetes care, research and weight management.

A respected leader and mentor, Daly has helped shape the profession through her service with ADCES, the American Diabetes Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Her advocacy has been instrumental in expanding insurance coverage for diabetes education and supplies in Illinois and advancing diabetes policy statewide. Her enduring contributions have strengthened access to care and improved the lives of countless people living with diabetes.

Jay Shubrook, DO, BC-ADM, FACOFP, FAAFP, also a recipient of the 2026 ADCES Lifetime Achievement Award, has devoted his career to advancing diabetes care in primary care settings. A board-certified family physician and fellowship-trained diabetologist, Dr. Shubrook is Professor and Director of the Diabetes Institute at Touro University California. His work has centered on diabetes prevention, early intervention and improving care for people living with diabetes.

A nationally respected educator, researcher and leader, Dr. Shubrook has focused on strengthening the primary care workforce and equipping clinicians to deliver high-quality diabetes care. He has authored hundreds of publications, serves as Deputy Editor of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Care, and was the Founding Chair of the Executive Board of the American College of Diabetology. Through his leadership, scholarship and commitment to education, Dr. Shubrook has made a lasting impact on diabetes care and education.

The Donna Tomky Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice recognizes a nurse practitioner who advances the integration of self-management behaviors with clinical management through practice, health plan or heath system innovation. 

Mayra Cantazaro, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, CDCES, A-AACE is the recipient of the 2026 Donna Tomky Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice. Dr. Cantazaro has more than a decade of experience in outpatient endocrinology and diabetes care as a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and advanced diabetes manager. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, she combines DSME with evidence-based clinical care to improve outcomes for people with diabetes.

Dr. Cantazaro is recognized for her leadership in advancing integrated, culturally responsive care and for her expertise in diabetes technology. She currently serves as Chair of the ADCES Research Committee, helping strengthen the evidence base that supports the profession. The awards committee was especially impressed by her work developing an Interdisciplinary Diabetes Education Center that brings together healthcare professionals and students to deliver education grounded in the ADCES7 Self-Care Behaviors®.

The Rising Star Award honors a diabetes care and education specialist who has five or fewer years of experience and has demonstrated leadership and commitment to diabetes care. 

Solvej Murillo Guthrie, MS, CDCES, MLDE, is the 2026 Rising Star Award recipient. Originally trained as a physician in Bolivia, Guthrie has built a career centered on prevention, education and chronic disease management, continuing that work in the United States through diabetes education and community health initiatives at the Franklin County Kentucky Health Department.

An emerging leader in the profession, Guthrie serves as 2026 President of the Kentucky Diabetes Network and leads the “Know Your Risk in 26” campaign to increase diabetes risk awareness across the region. She also revitalized the ADCES Bluegrass Local Networking Group and secured funding to launch a Healthy Brain Initiative that integrates dementia prevention into DSMES services. Through her innovation, leadership and commitment to improving health outcomes, Guthrie is helping shape the future of diabetes care and education

The Power of Our Impact Award recognizes a DCES for their day-to-day commitment and the impact they have on ensuring the best outcomes for people with diabetes.

For nearly 20 years, Susan A. Baldwin, MS, RN, CDCES, has served as an Inpatient Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at Frederick Health Hospital in Maryland, providing compassionate, person-centered care and empowering individuals and families to successfully manage diabetes after discharge.

Baldwin’s impact extends beyond the bedside through her leadership in staff education, diabetes-related policies and hospital-wide initiatives. She was recognized for advancing evidence-based diabetes care, fostering collaboration across her organization and building partnerships with neighboring hospitals to strengthen regional diabetes care efforts. Through her dedication, leadership and commitment to improving outcomes, Susan demonstrates the lasting impact of the diabetes care and education specialty.

The Advancing the Vision Award recognizes an ADCES member with a program or project that advances the evidence-based strategies inspired by ADCES’s vision, mission and values. 

Ashley Webb, RN, LDC, a System Diabetes Education Coordinator for Appalachian Regional Healthcare, provides diabetes self-management education through in-person, virtual and telehealth services while partnering with community organizations to deliver education, screenings and prevention initiatives.

Webb was recognized for developing and growing the Diabetes Connection Program, a network of support groups that now serves 11 locations across Kentucky and West Virginia, along with a virtual option. By tailoring education to individual needs, health literacy levels and readiness for change, the program has expanded access to ongoing, person-centered care for hundreds of participants in rural communities.

Through her leadership, innovation and commitment to health equity, she is helping make quality diabetes care more accessible for all.

The Research Award recognizes outstanding work in the scientific area of diabetes care and education.

Nancy A. Allen, PhD, ANP-BC, FADCES, FAAN, is the recipient of the 2026 ADCES Research Award. A Professor at the University of Utah College of Nursing and Co-chair of the ADCES Fellowship Committee, Dr. Allen is a nationally recognized researcher focused on improving outcomes for Hispanic and older adults living with diabetes and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in care.

Dr. Allen was selected for the breadth and impact of her research, including studies exploring the use of continuous glucose monitoring and data-sharing interventions to support diabetes management in older adults and underserved populations. Her work not only generates new knowledge but also helps ensure that diabetes care and education specialists have the evidence and tools needed to improve patient outcomes.

Through her leadership, scholarship and dedication to advancing the science of diabetes care, Dr. Allen continues to strengthen the future of the specialty.

In honor of the first ADCES president, the Allene Van Son Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding contributions and service to the association.  

Deborah Greenwood, PhD, RN, CNS, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, is the recipient of the 2026 Allene Van Son Distinguished Service Award, honoring of her exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to ADCES and the diabetes care and education specialty.

A past ADCES President and nationally recognized leader, Dr. Greenwood has played a pivotal role in advancing the specialty through initiatives such as co-chairing the 2017 National Standards for DSMES and championing the role of diabetes care and education specialists.

Dr. Greenwood is also widely recognized for her innovative work in technology-enabled self-management, including development of the ADCES Identify, Configure, and Collaborate (ICC) framework, which has helped guide the evaluation and use of digital health solutions. A dedicated mentor, advocate and thought leader, she has continued to support ADCES initiatives and peer support programs throughout her career.

ADCES proudly honors Dr. Greenwood for a career defined by distinguished service, visionary leadership and an unwavering dedication to advancing the specialty.