2026 FAONL Spotlight: Kimberly Landers

What motivated you to apply for the FAONL designation?
Many of my peer colleagues are Fellows and I am truly humbled to join the 90 AONL Fellows in the country. The challenge of writing the exemplars and demonstrating outcomes of my professional executive practice was the main motivator. In my 37-year nursing career, it was important for me to highlight my leadership not only in my hospital organizations, yet in our professional nursing & healthcare organizations, in advocacy, & in the profession of nursing as a whole. This AONL fellowship honor does just that.

How has being an FAONL designee impacted your leadership journey and leadership style?
Being named a Fellow in the Class of 2026, has motivated me to give back and serve even more. As a AONL board member, I serve and chair a couple of committees and feel compelled to make a difference on those member led groups. It has also amplified my voice as a nurse leader & assisted me to get more involved in advocacy. We must continue to ensure nursing's voice is heard and being at the AHA's regional policy board meetings is an ideal way for nursing to have input. I also have a duty to prepare the next generation of nurse leaders. I spend a great deal of time ensuring they have the tools and experiences they need to perform at a high level. I work to be role model and showcase how important it is to use our professional organization to its fullest.

What value have you received by achieving your FAONL designation?
My motivation was surely personal; I did it for me. It was a goal I set a few years ago. To lead from a small/rural place --as sometimes we are not equally represented on those nursing leadership stages. The small and rural nursing leaders wear many hats and contribute to their organizations & communities in significant ways. Receiving this designation is a reinforcement that each of us, if we believe in ourselves, surround ourselves with great people, never give up, can accomplishment our goals!

What advice would you give to someone working towards achieving FAONL status?
GO FOR IT! Find peer mentors, attend or listen to the AONL session about FAONL application, and ensure you follow the instructions exactly. The pain is worth the gain! Many of us are not the best writers or it may be hard to put our accomplishments into concise words. Work on outcome-based structures, make it your own, and you will do wonderful!