“One of Mark’s greatest strengths is his ability to listen intently, respond honestly, and follow through on his commitments,” described Gina Santos, BSN, RN IV, CMSRN, Gero-BC.
“For example, when staff expressed concerns about workflows related to shift changes, he collaborated with the team to implement improvements, transforming these transitions into seamless experiences.”
Mark Lee, BSN, RN, is a nurse manager at the Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center. Lee has been with Kaiser Permanente for 9 years and has been a nurse manager for the past 2 ½ years.
Lee’s leadership earned him a nomination from Santos, ultimately leading to him receiving the DAISY Nurse Leader award, an international honor recognizing nurses who deliver exceptional clinical skills and heartfelt care to patients and their families.
A consistent presence
“Mark shows up with empathy, consistency, and purpose. He became the steady presence for our team — he’s the glue that brought leadership and staff together,” said Santos.
His steady presence is reflected in how he leads day to day. Lee facilitates daily huddles and walks staff through workflows, creating a shared understanding for his team. “During one discussion about patients on high oxygen, I established a clear standard: those needing closer monitoring are connected to centralized systems, with vitals visible in real time,” explained Lee, “Ensuring staff leave aligned and confident in what’s expected.”
Building trust, one conversation at a time
“Through intentional team building, he fostered a culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect,” said Santos.
Lee brings this approach from his experience as a night nurse. “I arrive early to connect with the night shift, listening as staff shares the pace of the night, key challenges, and what still needs follow-up, ensuring they’re heard, not just handed off to the next shift,” Lee said. “This helps create smoother transitions, stronger communication, and better continuity of care for patients.”
Throughout the day, his office remains open to staff who want to talk through questions or concerns. “I greet team members by name and pause for brief, personal check-ins,” Lee shared. “These consistent, small interactions reinforce an environment where staff feel recognized, heard, and supported.”
Why nursing
Lee’s path to health care began in the Marine Corps, where he took a combat medic course and discovered a passion for patient care. After leaving the military, he pursued nursing and has remained committed to the field ever since.
“Each day, I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” Lee said.
Supported staff, exceptional care
“The DAISY Nurse Leader Award is one of my proudest professional accomplishments,” said Lee. “I make it a priority to support my staff in ways they can see and feel — by staying accessible, checking in regularly, and following through on their concerns.
“I believe my role as a manager is to set my team up for success. When staff feel supported and confident, they’re able to deliver exceptional care to our patients.”