Leadership

Certification Impact Award Winner: Honoring Ebony Smith, MLS, CPMSM, CPCS

By Amanda A. Meekins, MHA, CPMSM, CPCS

Congratulations to Ebony Smith, recipient of the 2025 Certification Impact Award!

When you meet Ebony, her passion for growth and encouragement is immediately evident. As the current president of the Greater Houston Society of Medical Staff Services (GHSMSS), and even before taking on this role, Ebony has been a driving force in helping others reach their professional potential. Through her leadership, GHSMSS implemented dedicated certification study sessions, creating a supportive environment where members can learn, collaborate, and build confidence together.

Ebony’s commitment to professional development does not stop with structure, it is woven into the culture she fosters. Certification is a frequent topic of conversation within GHSMSS, not because it is a requirement, but because Ebony makes it an inspiring goal to strive for. Her coordination of resources and consistent encouragement have motivated many GHSMSS members to pursue and achieve NAMSS certification, helping to strengthen the field one professional at a time.

Beyond her local leadership, Ebony has made a meaningful impact at the national level through her volunteer work with the Certification Commission of NAMSS (CCN). Her expertise and willingness to serve led her to contribute as a subject matter expert and item writer during the development of the CPES exam — a role that directly supports the quality and integrity of this new certification nationwide.

Those who work with Ebony describe her as passionate, supportive, and deeply invested in the success of others. Whether mentoring new professionals entering the field or helping experienced colleagues reach new milestones, Ebony embodies what it means to lead with purpose. Her influence is not only felt in GHSMSS, but throughout the entire medical staff services community.

If you know of a medical services professional who has helped pave the way for other MSPs to obtain NAMSS certification by providing support, encouragement, and belief in their abilities, be sure to nominate them for the NAMSS Certification Impact Award. Recipients of this award are recognized by our peers when the award is presented during the annual NAMSS Educational Conference and Exhibition.  

To be eligible for the NAMSS Certification Impact Award, an MSP nominee must be CPCS, CPES, and/or CPMSM certified, exemplify the NAMSS Certificants’ Code of Ethics, and demonstrate their dedication to certification, sharing knowledge, encouraging personal and professional growth, and fostering education in the medical services profession. Nominations can be submitted via the NAMSS awards page under “Certification Impact Award.”

Amanda A. Meekins, MHA, CPMSM, CPCS

Amanda A. Meekins, MHA, CPMSM, CPCS, lives and works in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She is a member of the NAMSS CCN Board, serving as the Communications & Outreach Chair, and works as the Director of Medical Staff Services at St. John’s Health. Amanda can be reached via email at ameekins@stjohns.health