Congratulations, Cindy!

We are overjoyed to announce that our Chief Clinical Officer, Cindy Sumrall, RN, BSN, CRNI, IgNC, has been named the recipient of the 2021 Lynn Giglione Women in Leadership Award by the National Home Infusion Foundation (NHIF). Our leadership team at Paragon was honored to write letters in support of Cindy’s nomination. This prestigious award is given each year by NHIF and NHIA (National Home Infusion Association) to recognize and honor accomplished women leaders who have distinguished themselves within their organizations and among their industry peers. The award was established in 2015 to commemorate the late Lynn Giglione – the award’s namesake and a trailblazer in the home and specialty infusion industry – who was a founding board member of NHIF.

“Just like Lynn, Cindy is an example of a very successful leader in the home and specialty infusion industry. Her clinical expertise, dedication to patient care, and being a motivating and inspiring leader within her current and previous roles make it clear that she is highly deserving of this year’s Lynn Giglione Women in Leadership Award,” NHIF Board Chair Chris Maksym, RPh, PharmD.

Cindy received her BSN from Texas Women’s University and soon discovered her love for home infusion while working in Rockwall, TX, as an infusion nurse. Since then, she has gained over 25 years of infusion experience and has served us at Paragon for the last 14 years. Cindy is a tremendous asset to our team, and her heart for people can be seen through her humility, kindness, and work ethic. Cindy is a fierce advocate not only for our patients but also for our staff members. She is responsible for overseeing home infusion nursing, the clinical intake division, infusion center operations, hemophilia nursing services, quality assurance programs, and staff development for the company. 

“Lynn Giglione was a pioneer for women and nurses in the home infusion industry, and it is an honor to receive this award. My hope is that I will inspire other women and nurses to participate in leadership roles and model how we should support and lift one another to advocate for excellent patient care,” said Cindy.

Cindy will receive the award during the National Home Infusion Association’s (NHIA) 2021 Annual Conference during the Women in Leadership Workshop, being held April 22, 2021. She will also be participating in a motivating 40-minute panel discussion during the workshop alongside fellow female leaders, as they share their experiences in the home and specialty infusion industry, including a live Q&A with the audience.

About Lynn Giglione

Lynn Giglione, RN, BSN, was an inspirational, energetic, and dedicated leader and patient advocate with an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of patients and to furthering the home and specialty infusion therapy profession. Lynn joined NHIA’s Board of Directors in 2005, and in 2009 became the first woman to be elected as NHIA Board Chair. She also played a direct role in the formation of NHIF. Not only was Lynn the first woman to hold this vital leadership position, but she was also the first nurse—a fact that gave her a tremendous sense of pride. In 2014, Lynn was a founding Board member of the newly formed National Home Infusion Foundation. The industry lost Lynn shortly thereafter, but she will forever be remembered for her extraordinary spirit and inspiring courage.

About the Award

The Lynn Giglione Women in Leadership Award recognizes and honors trail-blazing and emerging women leaders who have demonstrated exemplary service to patients and their peers while promoting the mission of the National Home Infusion Foundation. Nominees for this award work in a leadership role for a home infusion provider or supplier company where they inspire professional growth in those they manage or mentor through their actions and encouragement. Candidates for this award have made significant contributions to the home infusion industry through their leadership and by inspiring others to overcome barriers to achieve excellence.

Award Criteria: Demonstrates the highest level of professional excellence and is a role model in leadership to those they work with. Contributes time and energy to improving the quality of patient care by promoting innovative strategies and inspiring others to strive for excellence in clinical practice. Actively assists others in realizing their full leadership potential.