Amy Johnson, DNP, Receives 2025 AANP State Award for Virginia

LYNCHBURG, V.A., June 24, 2025 — The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) has named Amy Johnson, DNP, FNP-C, as the Virginia recipient of the 2025 AANP State Award for Excellence in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the nurse practitioner (NP) profession.

Johnson, a family nurse practitioner with Centra Medical Group Bedford, was honored for her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to advancing healthcare access across the Commonwealth. She accepted the award during the Salute to the States Award Ceremony held on June 20 in San Diego, California during the AANP’s national conference.

The AANP State Award for Excellence is presented annually to one NP in each state who has shown excellence in clinical practice, education, policy, or leadership. The award highlights contributions that align with AANP’s mission to empower NPs to advance accessible, person-centered, equitable, high-quality care through practice, education, advocacy, research, and leadership (PEARL).

“It truly is an honor to receive this award,” Johnson said. “Centra Medical Group has provided me with opportunities to expand my knowledge, grow my leadership skills, advocate for my profession, care for the community where I live, and balance my love of agriculture and healthcare. The support of my colleagues, family and friends has been invaluable on this journey, and my patients have made every day a blessing. For that, I am most grateful.”

An active member of the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners, Johnson has been a vocal advocate for policy reforms aimed at expanding NP autonomy and improving rural healthcare delivery. She currently serves as the lead advanced practice provider (APP) for Centra’s Ambulatory Care Service Line and holds a seat on Centra Medical Group’s board.

“For the past several years, Amy has been a role model and support to all of our APPs, but especially those in primary care,” said Dr. Giuliana Allega, executive medical director for Centra Health. “She leads a busy practice in Bedford, Virginia, and brings extensive experience in rural healthcare. She has also played a key role in developing clinical decision-making tools and improving documentation standards across our system.”

Nominations for the AANP State Award for Excellence are reviewed annually by regional selection committees. Nominees are evaluated on their efforts to elevate the NP profession and their impact at the state level.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Amy throughout my career,” said Robbie Price, NP, and director of APP operations at Centra. “She is a genuine advocate for her patients and our profession. This award reflects her dedication, and the caliber of care our APPs provide at Centra.”