Nancy Johnson
Each year, Dr. Doug Johnson, DCI Vice Chair of the Board and REACH Kidney Care Co-founder, honors his late mother by presenting the Nancy Johnson Heart Award to employees who embody her spirit and uphold her legacy. The 2025 Nancy Johnson Heart Award was given to three individuals: DCI’s first Corporate Social Worker Lisa Maurer, LCSW, ACSW; DCI’s first Corporate Dietitian Pat Handley, RDN, LDN; and Blenda Williamson, a long-time Area Operations Director.
“My mom was the heart of DCI,” Doug said. “She served on the board from our founding. She always reminded my dad and me that we needed to put our patients first and that we needed to put our team first – the team that is caring for our patients. And I love that she always kept us on the right course. I love that she pushed us at DCI to be the best company that we can be. It’s also really fun to be able to keep her memory alive and celebrate someone who exemplifies the heart for my mom – my mom’s care for people and care for DCI.”
Nancy also served as a founder of Camp Okawehna held each year for kids with kidney disease. Nancy enjoyed hiking throughout her life, especially the Adirondack Mountains in New York state. Nancy, who passed away in March 2014 after a two-year battle with metastatic breast cancer, was known for always keeping a positive outlook despite the hardships she faced.
Lisa Maurer during a virtual call announcing her as a 2025 Nancy Johnson Heart Award recipient.
Lisa Maurer was speechless and humbled to receive the Nancy Johnson Heart Award. “I am truly honored,” she said. “I absolutely love where I work and what I do, and this recognition means so much because it reflects the heart of what DCI stands for – caring for patients and supporting each other.”
Lisa began her career as a DCI Social Worker 33 years ago after graduate school. She finds fulfillment as DCI’s first Corporate Social Worker because the collaboration, support and shared commitment to DCI’s mission make her work special.
Pat Handley and Dr. Doug Johnson during the 2025 Annual Meeting.
“Hands down, it’s the people,” she said. “I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible teams – both in the clinics and now at the corporate office.” Lisa and Pat Handley both served on the corporate quality management committee providing an opportunity to improve outcomes across DCI. “I’ve loved providing resources and support to social workers and teams throughout the organization,” Lisa said.
“Did he really say my name?” thought Pat Handley as she walked forward to receive her award. Pat, known for her humility, said, “There are so many candidates that are more deserving.”
Remembering Nancy fondly, Pat said the award is one of the highlights of her career. “Years ago, I had one of those wonderful ‘Nancy’ encounters,” she said. “She came up, introduced herself and we had the nicest conversation. The Nancy Johnson Award is such a special recognition!”
After dedicating 35 years as a DCI Registered Dietitian and serving as DCI’s first Corporate Dietitian, Pat recently retired. The special relationships she built with patients and coworkers are what she loved most about working at DCI. “They left a piece of themselves with me, and I hope I left a little with them.”
Blenda Williamson and Dr. Doug Johnson during the 2025 Annual Meeting.
Blenda Williamson, a recently retired Area Operations Director who dedicated more than four decades to DCI, also received the Nancy Johnson Heart Award. “Nancy Johnson’s legacy represents the heart of DCI, a legacy that I have worked diligently to embody,” said Blenda.
She attributes DCI’s commitment to its roots as a factor in her long tenure. “I love DCI’s dedication to those with kidney disease,” Blenda said. “The origin of the company is unlike any other dialysis provider.” She was surprised to receive the award. “I was overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude and joy for being honored in the memory of such an amazing lady.”
Blenda began her DCI career as a Nurse Manager opening the Murfreesboro, Tenn., clinic in 1984. Blenda dedicated many years as a DCI Nurse Manager in several Middle Tennessee clinics before becoming an Area Operations Director in 1992. Blenda oversaw the opening and construction of several new clinics and pioneered programs to benefit patients and support recruiting.
Congratulations to DCI’s 2025 Nancy Johnson Heart Award recipients: Lisa, Pat and Blenda!