Gehring and Sprunk recognized as 40 Under 40 honorees
Contact: Amy Blaser
For Immediate Release
(COLUMBUS, Neb.) – Columbus Community Hospital nurses Kayla Gehring, MSN, MBA, RN, and Natalie
Sprunk, MSN, RN, were recently honored at the Nebraska Nurses Association (NNA) Annual Convention
as members of the 2025 40 Under 40 class. The recognition ceremony took place Oct. 3 at the Younes
Conference Center in Kearney, Nebraska.
Gehring and Sprunk were selected for their outstanding leadership, dedication and contributions to the
nursing profession in Nebraska. The annual 40 Under 40 Awards, presented by the NNA and the
Nebraska Organization of Nursing Leadership (NONL), celebrate emerging nurse leaders under the age of
40 who are making a meaningful impact in their workplaces and communities.
“I am incredibly proud of Kayla and Natalie for this well-deserved recognition,” said Tawny Sandifer,
MSN, RN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer at Columbus Community Hospital. “Their leadership,
professionalism and commitment to excellence reflect the very best of nursing. They inspire others
through their dedication to delivering exceptional care — not only to our patients, but to our entire
community.”
Each honoree receives recognition for excellence in clinical practice, education, administration, research,
policy involvement or community engagement. This honor highlights Gehring’s and Sprunk’s
commitment to improving patient care, elevating nursing standards and advancing the profession both
locally and statewide.
“The 40 Under 40 Awards shine a light on nurses who are leading with purpose, compassion and vision,”
said Megan Lowery, MSN-Ed, RN, executive director of the Nebraska Nurses Association. “These
honorees inspire those around them, elevate the quality of care in our communities and exemplify the
leadership that defines nursing in Nebraska.”
Columbus Community Hospital congratulates Gehring and Sprunk on this well-deserved honor and
thanks them for their continued service and leadership.
To learn more about Columbus Community Hospital, visit columbushosp.org.