Albert Munanga — Leadership and Management Award

Presented to an individual to recognize excellence in nursing leadership and management.

Dr. Albert Munanga is a regional director of health & wellness, chief clinical officer, and infection control manager at Era Living in Washington. He fosters a creative care environment that enhances patient and community well-being.

Albert is a servant-based leader who empowers nursing colleagues and non-nursing professionals at all career stages. He encourages a Kaizen approach to celebrate and champion small improvements every day. During the COVID-19 outbreak, Albert's approach was especially beneficial in identifying the infectious nature and implementing early infection control procedures and testing.

Albert serves in leadership roles for organizations that share his values, including the Washington Health Care Association, American Health Care Association, and National Centers for Assisted Living. He is also the chair of the WSNA Community-Based and Long-Term Care Practice committee. Albert has authored and co-authored numerous publications on nursing and healthcare, including  “Outbreak Investigation of COVID-19 Among Residents and Staff of an Independent and Assisted Living Community for Older Adults in Seattle, Washington,” published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

He also held many leadership positions, including serving as Zambia’s Honorary Consul to Washington state.