eNews Leadership Update | Nov. 6, 2026

November invites us to reflect on all we hold dear and to celebrate Thanksgiving with family, colleagues and friends. As we gather to share meals, laughter and gratitude, we may also feel the absence of those we have lost and remember the places they once held at our tables. Whatever this season brings, I hope each of us finds moments of connection, comfort and gratitude.

This month, I especially thank the leaders who sought your support, earned your trust and won election to the AONL board of directors. Their willingness to embrace the responsibilities of leadership reflects a deep commitment to our members and our profession. This week, the board held its final meeting of 2026. Alongside the important business we advanced on your behalf, we took time to recognize every board member’s contributions and honor those who will conclude their terms in December 2026.

On behalf of the entire board, I extend our deepest gratitude to the following board members, who have led and contributed to the transformation of nursing. They have worked tirelessly on your behalf, pioneering work on workforce issues, technology and innovation; advancing the AONL competencies, the AONL Fellowship program and membership; representing the voice of nursing on the Regional Policy Boards; leading the AONL Foundation and the Publication Committee; and sharing the voice and work of AONL across multiple settings and publications. Their efforts have reached far across the nursing profession and left a lasting mark on it.

Please join me in extending our deepest appreciation to these leaders for their remarkable service on the AONL board:

Diane Regan, DNP, RN, NEA-BC.

Tina Mammone, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE.,  

Joel Moore, DNP, RN.,  

Rosanne Rosa, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, FAONL.,  

Karen Drenkard, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN.,

Nicole Gruebling, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL., and  

Marie Prothero, PhD, RN, FACHE.  

Although their roles on the board of directors will change, many will continue to shape the strategic work of AONL through service on groups, committees and task forces. I am deeply grateful for their continued commitment to our members and our profession. 

Ena Williams, PhD, RN, CENP, FAAN 

President, AONL Board of Directors

Email: aonl@aha.org