With almost 400 attendees, the 2025 OSANA conference, hosted at the Hilton Easton, embodied the essence of the organization and integrity of the profession. Many educational sessions were held throughout the weekend. Friday night ended with the Otterbein University team winning the ever-popular college bowl. On Saturday, the legislative update, awards luncheon, and keynote address drew equally engaged audiences. Saturday night, the OSANA PAC hosted a casual fundraiser, Heroes in Action at PINS Mechanical.
Spotlighting key moments and metrics of the weekend:
Awards
2025 Educator of the Year: Dr. Kaitlin Vazquez
The Educator of the Year award is decided by the OSANA Student Board. Dr. Kaitlin Vazquez is the assistant Director and Assistant Professor of Instruction for the University of Akron Nurse Anesthesia Program. In his nomination form, David McGraw had this to say: ‘Dr. Vazquez has gone out of her way multiple times to help me, which shows her absolute dedication to the art of teaching. There have been several instances when I have struggled with learning new concepts, and she is always readily available and willing to help solve problems. Not every professor offers time out of their schedule to offer individual help. Her patience and dedication to the mentoring of students makes Dr. Vazquez stand out as a teacher and mentor.’ Accepting on behalf of Dr. Vazquez was the University of Akron Program Director, Dr. Brian Radesic.
2025 Student of the Year: Demetra Koutras, University of Akron
This award goes to a current student who exemplifies a commitment to the profession and to advancing the art and science of anesthesia. Nominated by multiple faculty and peers, Demetra Koutras illustrates the qualities of an exceptional resident nurse anesthesiologist. As stated by her program director, Dr. Brian Radesic, Deme embodies academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to the profession. ‘She is an outstanding student and clinician and her dedication to the profession is unmatched.” Dr. Ashley Jasinsky noted that Koutras has been an invaluable resource to both faculty and students alike. She writes “Deme has proven to be a leader and reliable team player for her colleagues. She seeks opportunities to support her peers by sharing knowledge, assisting them with challenging cases, and fostering a collaborative environment with those around her.’
2025 CRNA of the Year: Melissa Nahas, MSN, CRNA
This award is given annually to an individual who exemplifies the passion of nurse anesthesia and advancing the practice. Melissa graduated with an MSN from the University of Akron program and went on to obtain an MBA from Ohio University in 2016. Recently promoted to the clinical leadership team with Northstar Anesthesia, Melissa is the Regional Director of CRNA Services in the ASC Division of the Upper Midwest Market. Prior to this she was a chief CRNA in Akron.
Nominated by Rayann Huntsmann, CRNA, who said this in her nomination, ‘Melissa is a welcoming CRNA and has treated me fairly and with respect, all while including me as part of the team. She does everything in her power to make sure the CRNAs on her team are able to function to the full capacity of their license. She has been instrumental in providing support to develop an outstanding block team. She is also very supportive of the SRNAs. I have nothing but the upmost respect for Melissa which is why I feel strongly to recognize her as the 2025 CRNA of the Year.’ Rayann Huntsmann accepted this award on Melissa’s behalf.
2025 Living Legend: Charles ‘Chuck’ Tabbert
Joining the ranks of Lynn Reede, Wanda Wilson, Brian Kasson, Jack Kless, Jeff Molter, Nick Farinacci and Kellie Deeter, the 2025 Living Legend was presented to Charles ‘Chuck’ Tabbert.
Chuck currently serves as Chief Nurse Anesthetist with NorthStar Anesthesia and Chuck’s name is one that has become synonymous with advocacy, mentorship, and progress for our profession.
A proud graduate of Lourdes University where he later was recognized as the 2023 Alumni of the Year, he has spent years advocating for our profession at both the state and national levels. His passion for legislation and regulatory policies affecting CRNAs is truly unparalleled.
As the current State GRC Chair, Chuck has played a pivotal role in shaping policy, leading legislative initiatives, and ensuring CRNAs have a strong voice in Ohio. He is a source of knowledge to all, evident in his creation of the OSANA Compendium, an online resource that includes historic and current data often referenced and used to advance CRNA practice. Other ways that Chuck has helped the organization includes introducing health insurance benefits to OSANA members and working with his board to create an association general counsel – an opportunity for members to receive vital legal support for their profession. He was instrumental in establishing the OSANA student board, ensuring that the next generation of CRNAs have a seat at the table.
And finally, Chuck provides the one-hour law lecture at this event each year, which as we know is required for our state licensure. His impact doesn’t stop at the state level—Chuck is currently serving on the AANA Government Relations Committee, where his dedication continues to shape the future of nurse anesthetists nationwide.
By The Numbers
From national AANA representation to RNs exploring a path to being a CRNA, review the conference attendance list by numbers.
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Total Attendance - 388
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CRNA attendees - 125
