Cathi Nix, Director of Infection Control for St. Mary’s Health Care System, has received the Sally B. Williams Member of the Year Award from the Georgia Infection Prevention Network.

The Georgia Infection Prevention Network, GIPN, is a multi-professional organization serving Georgia in order to prevent and control infection and serve all epidemiology activities.

Since 1983, the GIPN has honored one of its members as the Member of the Year at its Annual Educational Conference held in Savannah. This year, Nix was chosen for this honor.

"Cathi is phenomenal," said Titus Gambrell, St. Mary's Chief Nursing Officer. "Whether she is teaching proper handwashing techniques or helping us create and implement procedures to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria, she is a blessing to our staff, our medical staff, our hospital and our community."

According to GIPN, the award is awarded to one member who has gone above and beyond to promote infection prevention and control and GIPN.

Nix's nomination describes her as an innovator in her field who has helped develop new techniques while serving multiple leadership roles in GIPN. What's more, her nomination continues, she "professionally shares her knowledge and expertise with her peers as well as those in her community” and “is always ready with a helping hand for whoever needs assistance in any capacity.”

Nix, a member of the GIPN for over 20 years, has served on the GIPN's advisory and executive boards for the majority of the years that she has been a member.

In order to receive the Sally B. Williams Member of the Year Award, nominees must have worked diligently to improve infection prevention and control practices in Georgia in multiple capacities, including developing techniques for these practices to improve.