AONL Member-Led Groups and Volunteering
Members generously contribute their time and expertise through volunteering to help AONL meet the ever-changing needs of nursing leadership. The main vehicle for volunteering is on one of AONL's Member-Led Groups (MLGs) — committees, strategic leadership groups, forums, task forces and advisory groups led by and comprised of AONL members. Driven by the AONL strategic plan, MLGs work to meet the needs of the field. We invite you to learn more and join us in our work to advance key priorities for nursing leadership.
We encourage you to learn more and contribute to the AONL Foundation’s mission of creating opportunities that bridge science and practice to shape the future of nursing leadership. The AONL Foundation offers a range of volunteer opportunities for members and supporters, each designed to advance the strategic priorities of both the Foundation and AONL.
The submission period for 2027 volunteering is now open through Oct. 7!
New applicants: View open positions and apply below. You’re limited to applying for a maximum of two opportunities.
Returning applicants: Complete the Returning form if you wish to continue serving on your current MLG.
Non-MLG Opportunities
Subject Matter Expert Item Writer (Certification)
If you are CNML or CENP certified and interested in contributing your expertise to the development and review of certification exam questions, volunteer as a Subject Matter Expert Item Writer.
Previous item-writing experience is preferred but not required, as we will provide the required training. This volunteer work will mostly be completed by August and will consist of about 40 hours of service.
Open MLGs
The following MLGs are open for applications for the 2027 volunteer year. Read each MLG's charter and requirements document to learn more about the focus and priorities of each group.
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 begins spring 2027 and concludes spring 2028. Attendance at the 2028 Annual Conference is expected. View current roster.
Executive Sponsor: Trish Baise; Chair: Ben Farber
Provide governance and oversight for the CENP and CNML certification programs. Establish and maintain certification policies, eligibility requirements, examination content, recertification standards and program governance. Ensure certification programs remain psychometrically sound, legally defensible and reflective of current nursing leadership practice.
Chair: Gary Gates; Vice-chair: Cindy Plonien
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.
Executive Sponsor: Brennan Lewis; Chair: Ama Mathewos; Vice-Chair: Debra Deeken
The Annual Fundraiser 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: Brennan Lewis
Evaluate scholarship 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 Fundraiser Committee. View current roster.
Executive Sponsor: Helene Burns; Chair: Patricia Mook; Vice-chair: Melissa Kline
This Committee actively promotes nursing leadership and systems science research through strategic funding initiatives, including the AONL Foundation Grants Program and Nurse Researcher of the Year Award. The committee advises on funding opportunities, evaluates proposals and award nominations, identifies evidence-based gaps, and assesses the impact of funding priorities to guide the foundation's strategy, advance knowledge innovation and elevate leadership practice.
Executive Sponsor: Helene Burns; Chair: Joy Parchment; Vice-chair: Tammy Webb
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.
Executive Sponsor: Diane Regan; Chair: Greta Rosler
Provides guidance and expertise to AONL to support nurse leaders to be on the cutting edge of innovation and to be able to develop and lead digital strategy in service of safe quality equitable patient care and better workforce outcomes. View current roster.
Executive Sponsor: Nikki Gruebling; Chair: Amy Rosa
Supports recruitment and retention to grow AONL membership and plans the First-Time Attendee reception at the Annual Conference. Pilots peer engagement and outreach to drive member value awareness through communications and direct outreach, under Membership Committee. View current roster.
Executive Sponsor: 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 2027. In addition to the bi-weekly meetings, committee members must review all candidate applications and conduct video interviews with candidates. View current roster.
Executive Sponsor: Claire Zangerle; 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.
Executive Sponsor: Martha Grubaugh; Chair: Noreen Bernard
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.
Executive Sponsor: Dale Beatty; Chair: Michelle Hereford; Vice-chair: Erik Martin
The Nursing Value & Impact Committee is a subcommittee of AONL’s workforce committee. Its purpose is to define, articulate and advance the measurable value and strategic impact of nursing within today’s health care landscape, with a goal for nurse leaders to drive evidence-based investment and decision making that empower chief nursing officers (CNOs) and other executive leaders to effectively advocate for and strategically invest in the nursing profession. The scope includes developing partnerships, guiding best practices and influencing decision-making at the executive level.
Executive Sponsor: Karen Drenkard; Chair: Brandi Mathews
The Rural Nursing Roundtable exists to empower nursing leaders serving in small and rural health care settings by advancing advocacy, fostering education and strengthening leadership capacity all while utilizing AONL’s resources. In alignment of AONL’s mission and vision, this roundtable is focused on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in rural health care environments through strategic collaboration, resource development and national representation.
Executive Sponsor: Kim Landers; Chair: Rhonda Kazik; Vice-chair: Julie Tromblee
Task Forces
Develops practical, academically rigorous resources that enable nursing programs to appropriately integrate AONL resources, Nurse Leader Core Competencies and certification pathways into nursing leadership education.
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. Committee service begins late summer annually. Business conducted via video conference calls and email. View current roster.
Executive Sponsor: Jacqueline Herd; Chair: Cody Legler
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.
Executive Sponsor: Rosanne Raso; Chair: Kevin McEwan
Review and score applications for selection of the 2028 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.
Submission Period Sept. 24 - Oct. 7
Notifications Sent Early 2027
