Cheryl Petrarca, MSN, RN, CNOR, executive director of nursing at Day Kimball Health (DKH), has been named a 2025 Healthcare Hero Award by the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA). The annual CHA Healthcare Heroes Award honors outstanding healthcare professionals for their meaningful contributions to the field and communities. This year, one individual from each Connecticut hospital was selected for the recognition.

Petrarca was unanimously nominated by her colleagues, who describe her as a trusted, approachable, and reliable leader. Her collaboration with staff and physicians, along with her empathy and support for patients and families, sets her apart.

She oversees several departments at DKH, including Oncology, Maternal Child Health, Central Sterile Supply, Operating Rooms, Ambulatory Care Unit, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Endoscopy, and Wound Care. Her leadership has helped ensure these areas remain highly engaged, informed, and focused on providing high-quality care. Under her guidance, the Maternal Child Health and the Ambulatory Care units have achieved the highest patient satisfaction scores in the organization. The Operating Room has also earned the CNOR Strong designation for eight consecutive years.

“As a co-worker, Cheryl is deeply respected, always giving her time freely and uplifting those around her,” said Kyle Kramer, CEO of Day Kimball Health. “She exudes positive energy and enthusiasm for her work, making a real difference for patients, families, colleagues, and the community every day.”

Since 2002, CHA has included a celebration of Healthcare Heroes as part of its Annual Meeting, which took place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.  At the event, healthcare heroes who represent all types of care from every corner of Connecticut hospitals received a certificate from CHA and a proclamation from the Office of Governor Ned Lamont, which says in part:

“This recognition celebrates your outstanding leadership. The honor you are receiving signifies your outstanding professional accomplishments in the healthcare services sector. Through your thoughtful work, you have demonstrated professional excellence and extraordinary service to your community, organization, and to the State of Connecticut.  Therefore, I, Ned Lamont, Governor of the State of Connecticut, on this day of Tuesday, June 17, 2025, do hereby officially convey honor and recognition upon Cheryl Petrarca.”

Petrarca is an active member of Day Kimball’s High Reliability Organization (HRO) and serves as an instructor and trainer for HRO courses. Known for her analytical approach and mentorship, she shares her problem-solving skills with new staff and frequently supports other clinical leaders when needed. She is widely respected for her commitment to patient safety and quality care and is valued by her colleagues for her willingness to support others and foster a positive, collaborative environment.

When Cheryl isn’t at Day Kimball Hospital, she enjoys camping by the water with her family and her beloved (and spoiled) Basset Hound, Buster, in Southern New England.

Read more about the 2025 CHA Healthcare Heroes here.