By Denise Williams | News & Views

If you know Gayla Oakley, RN, CCRP, MAACVPR, then you know how much she dotes on her grandchildren. In fact, it’s one of first things that comes to mind when Jessica Eustice, AACVPR Director of Corporate Relations, thinks of her. Those lucky grandkids will soon be the recipients of her full attention, as she retires in January as director of Cardiology Services and Prevention at the Boone County Health Department (BCHC) in Albion, Nebraska. Oakley has been with the institution for nearly 50 years, four of those decades in the current position. In her capable hands, BCHC was one of the first certified Cardiac Rehabilitation programs in the state and will celebrate 40 years of certification in 2025.

The milestone anniversary seems a fitting time for her departure from a career that has been full, rewarding, and impactful…and not just at the regional level, but also as a member of AACVPR. Her involvement has included two terms on the association’s Board of Directors — the second time as Secretary and Editor of this very publication, News & Views. Additionally, Oakly has worked on AACVPR’s program certification committee since 1999, including time served as Chair and as a member of the Senior Review Team. Among her many other achievements, accomplishments, and contributions, she has:

• Stepped up as a speaker at countless state and national conferences over the years
• Participated in item writing for the CCRP designation, which celebrated 10 years in 2024
• Served, at different times, as AACVPR Annual Meeting  Co-Chair and Chair
• Attained both the FAACVPR and MAACVPR certifications
• Received AACVPR’s Distinguished Service Award

From the Mouths of Colleagues

These accolades represent one way to measure Oakley’s footprint in the cardiopulmonary rehab community. Another is from the testimony of those who know her, have worked with her, or simply have watched her in action.

For instance, Anne Gavic-Ott, MPA, RCEP, MAACVPR, and Tonja Bell, MS, CCRP, FAACVPR, share the ways that Oakley’s work ethic has “rubbed off” on them.

“Gayla influenced me to never be afraid to ask questions, to never stop learning from others, and to share what you know — for you know more than you think you do,”  Bell reflects. “Because of her, I look at things from many different angles, knowing there is never just one correct answer in cardiopulmonary rehab!”

 Gavic-Ott adds that Oakley taught her to always strive for excellence, but also to counterbalance that hard work with family and fun. But the best part of being Oakley’s colleague, she continues, is that “she is an incredible combination of smart, thoughtful, collegial and, most of all, joyful to work with! Gayla is not intimidated by any task/project and significantly contributes to any team. When Gayla is involved, the end product is predictably exception — who wouldn’t want to work with someone like that?”

Gavic-Ott says Oakley has so much to be proud of related to her years of service to the profession, but “especially for always advocating for the small rural hospitals. It’s so important that they are represented and included in CPR decision-making.”

Bell believes Oakley should be proudest of all the patients — and peers — whose lives she's touched. Personally, Bell is grateful for her “wealth of knowledge, willingness to share it, and endless energy.”

Oakley’s Super-Powers

Asked to identify the strengths and qualities that have helped Oakley be such a force in cardiopulmonary rehab, Gavic-Ott had this response: “visioning and creating new opportunities for small (critical access) CPR programs/team members to keep them interesting, viable, and cutting edge.”

Past AACVPR President Ana Mola, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, MAACVPR, who served two tours with Oakley on the Board of Directors, lauds how she gives of herself. “Gayla has been a masterpiece of evolving of the growth and development of this association for the past decade,” she remarks. “I have been fortunate to experience the greatness she has given all of us to be the best in the volunteer service to this association.”

Bell simply calls her “Captain Fearless.”

Last but not least, Gayla is noted for her smile, described by Eustice as “infectious.” That rings true for Bell, who says when she thinks of Oakley, a smile automatically crosses her own lips.

On behalf of News & Views, congratulations on your retirement, Gayla!