The Legacy Award honors those who have made a profound and lasting impact on the field of respiratory care in Illinois.
Recipients have devoted their careers to advancing the profession, mentoring future leaders, and ensuring high standards of education and patient care. Their contributions continue to shape and inspire the next generation of respiratory therapists.
Jim received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. He continued his education and graduated from Northwestern University Medical School’s Respiratory Therapy Program in 1984. Jim started his career in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Prentice Women’s Hospital in 1984 and has worked his entire 41-year career there in the NICU first as a staff therapist, then as a Clinical Specialist, and now as a Clinical Coordinator.
Jim has enjoyed his career as a respiratory therapist and has found many opportunities to work with others, including orientating new employees, instructing resident physicians, fellows, and respiratory students. He is an NRP instructor and is NIDCAP trained.
On a personal note, Jim has been married for 41 years. He and his wife live in Wheeling and are the parents of thirty-one-year-old triplets. His first granddaughter was also born this past summer.
Jim is honored and humbled to have received the Legacy Award. He states that he is the therapist he is today because of his colleagues, past and present. He is also grateful for the outstanding education that he received from Augustana College and Northwestern University.
“For over 30 years, Jim Jensen has exemplified excellence as a Respiratory Therapist, dedicating his career to providing exceptional care to the most fragile and vulnerable patients at Prentice Women’s Hospital. His deep expertise, unwavering compassion, and steady presence have made a profound impact not only on the countless lives he has touched but also on the many Respiratory Therapists he has mentored along the way.
Jim’s commitment extends beyond the bedside; he has been actively involved in professional societies, advocating for the advancement of the field and sharing his knowledge to elevate the practice of respiratory care. His legacy is one of leadership, dedication, and genuine care, leaving an indelible mark on the profession and those fortunate enough to work alongside him.”
Each year, the Illinois Society for Respiratory Care (ISRC) honors one outstanding professional with the RCP of the Year Award.
This recognition celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to patient care, professional excellence, and the advancement of the respiratory care profession. The recipient embodies the highest standards of clinical practice, leadership, and service to the respiratory care community.
Katie Himes has been a Respiratory Therapist (RT) for 10 years and an RT in the Critical Access Hospital network for five years. She is the current Chapter 4 Chair and recently stepped into the role of Volunteer Chair. Katie holds a role in the Critical Access Hospital network working with multiple hospitals to elevate respiratory care for patients in rural hospitals.
She has worked within the ISRC to help with the Illinois RT survey on rural hospital staffing practices and will be rolling that information into a paper. Katie has been involved in state advocacy and took part in the 2025 ISRC lobby day at the Capitol.
Katie graduated from Carl Sandburg College in 2015 with her Associates Degree in Respiratory Care, and in 2019 with her Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Care from National University.
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Katie for many years and have worked both alongside her at the bedside and under her leadership. She brings professionalism, calm confidence, and heart to every role she takes on.”
“Katie has elevated every department she’s worked in by emphasizing advanced credentials, implementing RT-led protocols, and developing a clinical ladder to encourage continued education and performance.”
“She is a valuable resource in the Critical Access Hospital network — always willing to assist others, share trainings, or trade supplies in a pinch. Her collaboration makes a real difference for rural hospitals.”
“I am most proud of her for taking on the new role of Chapter 4 Chair. She hosted a very successful conference and is already planning for next year. It’s volunteers and leaders like Katie who will push our profession forward.”
The future of respiratory care depends on bright, motivated students who bring curiosity, compassion, and skill to the profession.
The Student of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding respiratory therapy student in Illinois who demonstrates academic achievement, clinical excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to lifelong learning. This award highlights the promise of tomorrow’s leaders in respiratory care.
Brandon Macak discovered his passion for health care while working in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at MercyOne Genesis in Davenport, Iowa. Seeking to deepen his expertise, he enrolled in the Respiratory Therapy program at Southwestern Illinois College. He is expected to graduate in May 2026.
Since enrolling in the program, Brandon has distinguished himself through academic excellence and strong clinical performance. He has shown leadership skills both within his program and in his community. Additionally, Brandon has been an active volunteer with the ISRC Student Committee throughout his RT program.
In his own words: “I am so thankful and blessed to receive this award from the ISRC. The therapists at MercyOne Genesis have been an inspiration to me. Their dedication to their patients has been a significant factor in my desire to be the best clinician I can be.”
“Brandon is an enthusiastic and engaged student who consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to learning and professional growth. He actively participates in discussions, shows initiative in his clinical training, and continuously seeks ways to improve his skills and knowledge.”
“He has demonstrated leadership and a strong work ethic in everything that he does. He volunteers for opportunities and takes them seriously. Not only that, but he asks the right questions and demonstrates that he is learning in all aspects of his program.”
The President’s Award is a special honor given at the discretion of the ISRC President to recognize an individual who has provided extraordinary service, leadership, or support to the Society during the presidential term.
Unlike other awards, this recognition reflects the President’s personal appreciation for contributions that may not always be visible but are deeply impactful. Recipients embody the spirit of dedication, collaboration, and commitment to advancing the mission of the ISRC and the respiratory care profession in Illinois.
Lexie Caraway is honored with the 2026 ISRC President’s Award for her exceptional dedication to the Illinois Society for Respiratory Care. Through her visionary leadership and collaborative spirit, she has significantly advanced the profession while fostering growth for Respiratory Therapists and students across the state.
Lexie’s passion for service and her commitment to member engagement have left a lasting impact on ISRC initiatives. Her professionalism and tireless encouragement of others perfectly embody the spirit of this award.
The Illinois Society for Respiratory Care (ISRC) is proud to have members serving in leadership roles within the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). These appointments ensure Illinois voices are represented on a national stage — helping shape policy, education, and the future of respiratory care.
What an incredible list of contributions Illinois made at the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Congress, December 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona!
⭐ Dana Evans MHA, RRT, RRT-NPS, FACHE, FAARC, FNAP — AARC President
⭐ Anne Geistkemper MSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC — AARC Director at Large
⭐ The Bill Bitzel Award was awarded to Illinois — Gina Hoots, MSEd, RRT-ACCS, RPFT, CCSH, AE-C, CHC & Molly Martin accepted the award (including the work of Alyssa Sichrovsky, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, RPFT and Lori Badgley)
⭐ Lexie Caraway — 2025 AARC Presidential Citation of Merit Award
⭐ Andy Klein, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FCCP, FAARC — 2025 Specialty Practitioner of the Year (SPOTY), Adult Acute Care Specialty Section
⭐ Anne Geistkemper MSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC & Tyler Weiss, PhD, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FCCP — 2025 Fellow of the American Association for Respiratory Care (FAARC)
⭐ Apex Award — Advocate Health Care Transport Team
⭐ David Vines — The Sister Mary Yvonne Jenn, CRNA, RRT Lifetime Achievement Award from NBRC
Rush University competed in the Sputum Bowl: Amber Khan, MSc, RRT, Hadeel Baazim, MSc, RRT, Harley QIN, MMed, MBA, MSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, Sebastien J Conge. Parkland College had a sputum bowl team “The PEEP Protectors.” Jason Ruiz (Malcolm X College) and Skylar Mackiewicz (Parkland College) attended the HOD.
Open Forum Abstract Presentations: Sara Murphy, Renee Bergtold, Aleksandra S., Fai Albuainain, Li Jie, Dana Evans, Alexandra Domoras, Andrew Miller MRC, RRT, RRT-NPS
Panel & Lecture Presentations: Making a List and Checking it Twice — Andy Klein, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FCCP, FAARC | The Edge of Viability: Resuscitation Outcomes for Infants 22–27 Weeks Gestational Age — Debra Selip, MD, MBA | Lecture panel for Theravance — Lexie Caraway | Year in Review, High Flow Nasal Cannula in COPD — Li Jie Li | Rolling, Rolling, Rolling – Pediatric ECMO Transport — Jenn Watts, MSc, RRT-NPS, C-NPT, FAARC | AARC Clinical Practice Guidelines 2025, Pulse Oximetry and Home Oxygen — J. Brady Scott, PhD, RRT
Additional Presentations: Enhancing Hospital-Based Education, Beyond the Classroom — Andy Klein, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FCCP, FAARC | The Baby Brain: Hypoxic Ischemic Brain Injury in the Full-Term Infant — Debra Selip, MD, MBA | Pro/Con: Precision Ventilation in CPR — J. Brady Scott, PhD, RRT | Personalizing Ventilation in Post-Cardiac Arrest Patients — J. Brady Scott, PhD, RRT | University Hospital Respiratory Consortium 2025 — Rush University Medical Center | Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) Directors Forum — Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
The Illinois Society for Respiratory Care (ISRC) is now preparing for the 2026 Respiratory Awards, honoring the outstanding therapists, students, educators, and advocates who make a difference every day — in the lives of their patients and in the advancement of our profession.
Consider nominating:
✨ A fellow respiratory therapist who goes above and beyond for their patients
✨ An educator who is shaping the next generation of respiratory care professionals
✨ A mentor who has shaped your career
✨ A student or new professional showing extraordinary promise
Now is the time to recognize them!
📅 Nominations open May 1st 2026 through September 1, 2026
🏆 Winners will be recognized during Respiratory Care Week and at the following ISRC Annual Conference
Help us shine a spotlight on those who inspire, lead, and elevate the practice of respiratory care across Illinois.
🎥 Watch the highlights from the 2025 ISRC Award Ceremony held on October 23, 2025, celebrating our outstanding award recipients.
▶ Watch Award Ceremony (10/23/25)
Coming soon! Nominate someone today.