Cindy Dawson, chief nurse executive and associate director for University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, will retire after a 44-year career with UI Health Care, effective Dec. 2. Dawson began her career with UI Health Care in 1975 as a staff nurse in otolaryngology. She has been subspecialty certified as an otorhinolaryngology nurse since 1996. She was named chief nurse executive and associate director of the Department of Nursing Services and Patient Care in 2018. “She has had a tremendous impact on both patient care practices and hospital cost efficiencies and effectiveness,” said Suresh Gunasekaran, CEO of UI Health Care. Dawson is also associate dean for clinical practice in the UI College of Nursing. She has been involved in research throughout her career, has authored or co-authored numerous professional publications, and has received multiple state and national honors and awards, including most recently the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the 100 Great Iowa Nurses program.