Awards


2026 TASCS Award Winners

 ASC Patient Advocate

Stacey Lopez, Texas Health Spine Surgery Center (All 4 Locations)
Stacey, has been tasked with meeting with the billing department, the schedulers, pre-cert to try and help fill in the gaps to help our facilities run more smoothly between the clinics and ASC's.  She is doing a fantastic job!  It is all about the patients and making everything go smoothly on all ends. 

 

 

  


 

Rising Star


Corey Hollmann, Irving Specialists Surgical Center 

Corey has emerged as one of the most influential and forward-thinking leaders in the ambulatory surgery center industry, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to advancing patient care.

Throughout his career, Corey has distinguished himself through his ability to identify opportunities for improvement and transform them into measurable results. His dedication to operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, physician engagement, and patient satisfaction has helped strengthen the performance of ambulatory surgery centers while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

What sets Corey apart is his unique ability to bridge strategic vision with practical execution. He consistently drives initiatives that improve workflows, enhance patient experiences, and support sustainable growth. Whether implementing new technologies, optimizing operational processes, strengthening partnerships, or developing innovative solutions to industry challenges, Corey approaches every opportunity with professionalism, creativity, and determination.

Corey has become a trusted leader among colleagues, physicians, administrators, and industry partners. His collaborative leadership style fosters accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. He is committed not only to achieving organizational goals but also to empowering those around him to succeed. Through mentorship, coaching, and knowledge sharing, he actively invests in the development of future healthcare leaders and contributes to the long-term success of the ambulatory surgery center community.

In an industry that continues to evolve rapidly, Corey consistently demonstrates the adaptability and vision required to navigate change successfully. He embraces innovation while remaining focused on what matters most: delivering exceptional patient outcomes, supporting providers, and ensuring operational excellence. His ability to lead through complexity while maintaining a patient-centered focus has earned the respect of peers throughout the healthcare community.


 

Industry Partner

 

Sam Strickland, Optimal Biomedical Solutions, Inc

Optimal Biomedical Solutions provides outstanding service to our Texas facilities. Their team manages our Life Safety operations, biomedical services, and countless other facility needs with a level of responsiveness and professionalism that is truly exceptional. I often say that Sam and his team are some of the best money I spend each month.

Beyond their core services, Sam is always willing to help with whatever challenges arise, whether it is coordinating OR painting projects, troubleshooting plumbing issues, or assisting with operational needs across the facility. Most recently, they played a huge role in helping us transition into our new Houston facility and went far above and beyond to ensure everything was completed and operational on time.

Having Sam and the team at Optimal Biomedical Solutions as a partner has made an incredible difference in my ability to manage our facilities effectively. Quite honestly, my job would be significantly more difficult without their support.

 


 

ASC Innovations

Caitlin Sims, Pulse Surgery Center
Demonstrated exceptional innovation by leading the implementation of electrophysiology (EP) services, making the surgery center one of the first ASCs in Texas equipped to perform EP procedures.


 

Best Breakroom 

Leslie Lamb, SpineTeam Texas Rockwall

Created a welcoming and inviting breakroom through thoughtful use of space, a staff library, and uplifting décor that promotes relaxation and team morale.


 

Best Storage/ Organized 

Jacob Gaytan, THR Forney

Maximized available space through exceptional organization, creative use of storage containers, and an efficient case cart system. Every room was thoughtfully arranged, creating a clean, organized, and highly functional environment.


 

Best Team Bonding 

Rachel Feldt, Texas Health Orthopedic Surgery Center Heritage

Rachel’s authenticity and integrity create a foundation of trust and collaboration within our team. She consistently promotes unity through her positivity and creative approach, while maintaining an exceptional level of clinical excellence as a CST. Her influence strengthens both our team dynamics and overall performance.

 

 

 

ASC Patient Advocate

This award is presented to a person who has taken initiative above and beyond to help improve patient care in the ASC setting. 

Rising Star

This award is presented to an individual that works in an ASC and has shown significant growth in the ASC industry. 

Industry Partner

This award is presented to a vendor that has made positive changes in the ASC industry. 

ASC Innovations

This award is presented to a facility that has taken strides to create new and innovative programs within their facility. 

NEW! Best Breakroom

This award is presented to a facility that has taken extra steps to create an environment that staff love.

NEW! Best Storage/ Organized Supply Room

This award is presented to a facility that has created an exceptional storage and organization system in their facility. 

NEW! Best Team Bonding

This award is presented to a facility that has the most fun during team-bonding activities (at the facility or at off-site locations).  

Past Winners

Patient Advocate

2025 Kirsten Burden, BSN, RN, CNOR
2024 Cheryl Garmon, DNP, RN, CASC
2023 Richard Bays, JD
2022 Amy Jones, PhD
2021 Teressa Dyson, CRNA
2020 Dianne Buffington, BSN, RN, CNOR
2019 Ruth Maxwell, MPH, CASC & Dee Pete-Jones, RN, BSN, MBA
2018 Patrick Rehm

Industry Partner

2025 Nixon Medical
2024 Nixon Medical
2023 Nathaniel Mickish (OnHand)
2022 Tina Chan (Medline)
2021 Cheryl Smith (McKesson)
2020 Shannon Mitchell (SIS)
2019 Elena Savage (Medline)
2018 HST Pathways

Rising Star

2025 Kenneth Waters, MHA
2024 Eliza Alberto, RN
2023 Courtney Dunkin, BSN, RN
2022 Katie Pierson, DNP, RN, ONC
2021 Kayla Schneeweiss-Keene, RN, BSN
2020 Pat O'Leary
2019 Adam Hornback, RN
2018 James McClung, BSN

ASC Innovations

2025 BBI Institute 
2024 Amera Solutions
2023 Dallas Endoscopy Center (Susan Cheek)
2022 Mann Eye Institute
2021 North Texas Team Care
2020 Memorial Hermann Memorial Village Surgery Center
2019 Kelsey-Seybold ASC