New Haven, CT (September 30, 2026) – Tracey Carafeno, MS, RN, executive director of Patient Care Services at Smilow Cancer Hospital, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Doris M. Armstrong Award for Outstanding Contributions to Nursing Administration, a prestigious honor presented by the Connecticut Nurses Association that recognizes exceptional leadership and contributions to the nursing profession. The award is one of the association’s Diamond Jubilee Awards, considered among the highest honors in Connecticut nursing.
Carafeno was selected for her unwavering commitment to excellence, outstanding leadership of patient care teams and the significant impact she has made on patients, families and colleagues throughout her career. Throughout her tenure, she has remained dedicated to advancing patient care, supporting professional nursing practice and fostering a culture of collaboration, compassion and innovation.
“Tracy exemplifies the very best of nursing leadership,” said Toby Bressler, PhD, RN, vice president of Patient Services at Smilow Cancer Hospital and associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine. “Her commitment to our patients, families and staff, combined with her vision for advancing professional nursing practice, has helped shape a culture where, people feel valued, supported, and inspired and where excellence and compassion continue to thrive.”
Carafeno will be recognized at the Connecticut Nurses Association’s annual awards ceremony later this year. The Doris M. Armstrong Award honors nurse leaders whose vision, innovation and dedication have advanced nursing administration and strengthened the delivery of healthcare throughout Connecticut.
Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven is part of the nationally recognized Yale New Haven Hospital, and is affiliated with Yale Cancer Center (YCC), one of only 56 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the nation and the only such center in Connecticut. Smilow Cancer Hospital, the most comprehensive cancer facility in New England, includes private inpatient rooms, multidisciplinary outpatient treatment centers, 12 operating rooms, infusion suites, diagnostic imaging services, and specialized women's and children’s services. Smilow Cancer Hospital also operates a dozen outpatient care centers across Connecticut. YCC and Smilow Cancer Hospital are members of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of 28 cancer centers in the U.S., whose mission is to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of oncology care. www.ynhh.org/smilow.
