2026 AONL Member-Led Groups
2026 Volunteer Applications Open in October
Members help AONL meet the ever-changing needs of nursing leadership by volunteering their time and talents to serve on committees, strategic leadership groups, forums, task forces and advisory groups. AONL is now using new language for this robust volunteer base — Member-Led Groups (MLGs). This term is comprehensively descriptive and aligns with the terms and purpose of each group.
Driven by the AONL strategic plan, MLGs work to meet the needs of the field. We invite you to apply and join us in our work to advance key priorities for the field.
The AONL Foundation offers volunteer opportunities for members and supporters.
More details will be shared soon! Please check back.
Submission Period Oct. 21 - Nov. 4
Notifications Sent Early 2026
The following Member-Led Groups are seeking applications for the 2026 volunteer year. Read each MLG's charter and requirements document to learn more about the focus and priorities of each group. You can apply to serve on up to two MLGs that interest you!
Committees
The Annual Conference Planning Committee serves as an advisory body in shaping the content of the AONL Annual Conference. Committee members review abstract submissions, provide feedback on proposed presentations, and serve as presentation advisors to support breakout speakers. Members also review conference evaluations and help address attendee feedback to continuously improve the event.
Business is conducted through monthly video conference calls, email communication, and one in-person planning retreat. Committee service typically begins in the spring and concludes the following spring. Attendance at the Annual Conference is expected. View current roster.
Chair: Tina Mammone, Vice-chair: Trish Baise
The Education Committee serves as a vital advisory group. The committee’s purpose is to:
- Provide expert guidance and recommendations to develop and enhance AONL’s leadership development programs.
- Develop innovative developmental programs and modalities to deliver content/programs for all nurses interested in developing nursing leadership competencies.
- Align educational programs with the AONL Core Competencies for Nurse Leaders.
- Serve as abstract reviewers for webinar and AONL annual conference abstract submissions.
Business conducted via video conference calls and email. View current roster.
Chair: Brennan Lewis, Vice-Chair: Kim Landers
The Annual Fundraising Planning Committee supports the success of AONL Fundraising Events by serving as ambassadors, cultivating community engagement, and helping to generate revenue through ticket sales and sponsorships. Committee members play a visible, outward-facing role in promoting the event rather than managing logistics or behind-the-scenes planning. View current roster.
Chair: Helene Burns
Evaluate financial aid applications received and make funding recommendations to the Board of Directors. This committee also reviews the criteria and application process and recommends additional financial aid opportunities for the Foundation board to consider. Members of this committee are also asked to assist with increasing charitable support to provide more financial aid funding through introductions, brainstorming, participating in fundraising activities and working with the Annual Fundraising Planning Committee. View current roster.
Chair: Rhonda Anderson, Vice-chair: Brandy Mathews
Evaluate research proposals received and make funding recommendations to the Board of Directors. This committee also reviews nominations for the Nurse Researcher of the Year Award. The Committee meets at various times throughout the year. Committee member names are not published.
Addresses and prevents workplace incivility and bullying by translating a shared vision of eradicating such behavior to foster a respectful, inclusive and safe work environment that promotes a culture of dignity and mutual respect. This committee has evolved from a coalition of organizations to being populated by AONL members. Those who are appointed will serve as the inaugural members of the committee. View current roster.
Chair: Diane Regan; Vice-chair: Anthony Watkins
Support recruitment and retention strategies to grow AONL membership across all levels of responsibility and organizational settings. Plan and implement the First-Time Attendee reception at AONL Annual Conference. Business conducted via video conference calls and email. View current roster.
Chair: Diane Regan, Vice-chair: Anthony Watkins
Mentor, recruit and interview candidates for open positions on the Board of Directors. Develop the annual slate of candidates for the elected positions. Following the AONL election, recruit and select candidates for the open appointed board positions. Promote voting among the AONL membership. Business conducted via video conference calls and email. The committee meets bi-weekly from February through October 2026. In addition to the bi-weekly meetings, committee members must review all candidate applications and conduct video interviews with candidates.
Seeking submissions from regions 2,4,6,9. View current roster.
Chair: Deborah Zimmermann
Determine issue focus, solicit and author manuscripts for AONL’s newsletter, Voice of Nursing Leadership. Solicit and author (as appropriate) manuscripts and other publications as requested from other organizations or journals. Meeting type: Business conducted on monthly video conference calls and one in-person meeting. View current roster.
Shared Chair: Rosanne Raso, Jacqueline Herd
The AONL/AHA Learning Community is dedicated to facilitating collaboration through structured forums that facilitate knowledge exchanged, focusing on people-driven innovation or technology-enabled care models. The initiative supports dissemination and adaptation of transformative approaches in healthcare delivery, while promoting staff autonomy, engagement, and satisfaction by empowering participants to share, experiment and learn together.
Chair: Rachel Culpepper
The AONL Models of Care Coalition is established to lead the transformation of care delivery across healthcare systems by proposing design elements, implementation practices and evaluation methodology for tomorrow’s models of care. These models will be patient-centered, technology-enabled and responsive to the evolving needs of communities and health care professionals.
Chair: Joel Moore, Vice-chairs: Michelle Hereford, Dale Beatty
Task Forces
Review criteria for the five annual AONL awards as directed by the Board (Prism, Lifetime Achievement, Exemplary Leadership, Pamela Austin Thompson Emerging Leader and Affiliate Achievement). Evaluate the selection process annually to improve the nominations experience and quality of submissions. Review nominations and recommend recipients of non-board-selected awards to the AONL Board. Business conducted via video conference calls and email. View current roster.
Chair: Jacqueline Herd
Serve as an advisory group to AONL, providing input and perspective from early-career nurse leaders on issues impacting the future of nursing leadership. Support AONL initiatives by identifying topics relevant to emerging leaders, contributing to thought leadership content, and advising on programs that engage and develop the next generation of nurse leaders. Members may contribute to article development, participate in panel discussions, and provide feedback on AONL resources designed for new and aspiring leaders. Business is conducted via video conference calls and email.
Chair: Helene Burns; Vice-chair: Anthony Watkins
Responsible for establishing and guiding the standards and processes for awarding the FAONL credential. Reviews applications in the last quarter of 2026 and supports recruitment and ongoing development of Fellows to strengthen their role and impact within the organization. Business conducted via video conference calls and email. Must have FAONL designation to serve. View current roster.
Chair: Rosanne Raso, Vice-chair: Dale Beatty
Review and score applications for selection of the 2027 AONL Nurse Manager Fellowship and Director Fellowship participants. Business conducted on video conference calls, via email, and feedback submission via proprietary software application. View current roster.
Under the guidance of the Membership Committee, develop and implement a pilot peer engagement and outreach program. Drive member engagement and knowledge of member value through varied communication platforms and outreach to members. Business conducted via video conference calls and email. View current roster.
Chair: Diane Regan; Vice-chair: Anthony Watkins