Tara Davenport is a dedicated wife of 25 years, proud mother to three wonderful adopted children, and a passionate nurse with 27 years of experience. She has spent the past 25 years serving at Baptist Health Hardin, where she currently holds the role of Emergency Department Nurse Educator—a position she has excelled in for the past 15 years.

Throughout her career, she has embraced a wide range of roles in the nursing field, including EMS, med-surg, ICU, emergency nursing, flight nursing, and education. Her deep love for the nursing profession stems from its diversity and the endless opportunities for growth and service.

A lifelong learner, she actively pursues continued education through certifications and is currently enrolled in McKendree University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Ethical Leadership program. Her passion for both nursing and teaching began early—aspiring to be a nurse and educator since the age of 4, and dreaming of becoming a flight nurse by age 9. She is proud to have achieved all of these goals throughout her career.

She joined KONL to further develop her leadership skills and connect with nurse leaders across Kentucky. She considers it a privilege to be part of such a dynamic organization and is deeply honored to be the recipient of the 2025 KONL Fall Scholarship. She extends heartfelt gratitude to the KONL leadership for their investment in her growth and in the development of nurse leaders across the state.