Modern Flaming Phoenix Logo Symbol

The Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE), a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association, today announced the recipient of the 2021 Phoenix Award as Sandra L. Rials, M.S., AHE director of education. She is the first staff member ever to receive this prestigious honor.

First awarded in 1987, the Phoenix Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an AHE member. The Phoenix Award recognizes a professional who has made an unselfish, lasting impact and outstanding contributions to the growth and professionalism of AHE, the membership and to the advancement of AHE and environmental services. Phoenix recipients are selected by the AHE Advisory Board.

“Sandra’s passion and commitment to education and the advancement of all levels of the environmental services profession, evidenced by the success and industry recognition of the AHE Signature Programs as well as a comprehensive portfolio of complimentary member education made this an easy advisory board decision,” said AHE Advisory Board President Brad Winnie, MBA, CHESP. 

The Award was presented to Rials during AHE’s Health Care Leadership and Preparedness Symposium in Orlando, FL.