Hereford Regional Medical Center is proud to announce that two of its outstanding nurse leaders, Kay Gudgell, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer, and Veronica Gafford, LVN, director of quality and infection control, have been named to the 2025 Panhandle Great 25 Nurses list — the region’s most prestigious nursing honor.

“Kay and Veronica exemplify what it means to lead with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to quality,” said Candice R. Smith, MSN, RHCNOC, CCRN, RACR, CEO of Deaf Smith County Hospital District. “Their leadership has helped shape our culture of excellence. This recognition is a reflection not only of their individual dedication, but also our hospital’s commitment to always innovating and advancing to serve our community.”

Kay Gudgell has led Hereford Regional Medical Center’s nursing teams through growth and service line expansion. Prior to her CNO role, she served as the hospital’s labor and delivery director.
Veronica Gafford, who has served at Hereford Regional Medical Center for over 23 years, has been instrumental in implementing high standards for infection control and continuously improving patient safety protocols.

Now in its tenth year, the Panhandle Great 25 Nurses celebration was created to recognize nurses across the continuum of care who go above and beyond in clinical excellence, education, leadership, and patient advocacy.

The Panhandle Great 25 Nurses Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, was created from the vision of Dr. Valerie Kiper, who sought to bring meaningful recognition to nurses across the Texas Panhandle. Since its founding, the initiative has honored hundreds of exceptional nurses and awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to support nursing education and leadership development.

The 2025 honorees will be recognized at a formal celebration later this year, joining a long line of dedicated professionals who have made a lasting impact on the health of their communities.