The reports below are a summary of the activities from the last Annual Membership Meeting that took place in October 2024 to July of 2025. More detailed information will be reported at the Annual Membership Meeting on October 23, 2025, if needed. The 2025 Annual Membership Meeting will take place during the SCNA State Convention Thursday evening at 5:45 at the Sonesta Resort & Spa Hilton Head, in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
SCNA President Annual Report
Submitted by: Jada Quinn
It is my honor to present the annual report of the President for the South Carolina Nurses Association (SCNA). This year has been one of resilience, advancement, and recommitment to the core values that guide our profession: advocacy, excellence, equity, and compassion.
Strategic Highlights
- Advocacy and Policy Impact
- Championed state-level legislative priorities, including APRN full practice authority in partnership with Coalition for Access to Healthcare.
- Amplified nurses’ voices in through dialogue with legislators and staff at state level and national level through participation in SC Nurses Lobby Day in Columbia, SC and ANA Hill Day in Washington, DC.
- Served as SCNA representative to Coalition for Access to Healthcare.
- Participated in monthly Legislative webinars in partnership with Coalition for Access to Healthcare.
- Advocacy for State legislative initiatives: APRN Full Practice Authority, Workplace Violence
- Advocacy for National legislative initiatives: Preserving Funding for Medicaid, Reauthorizing Title VIII Nursing Workforce Programs, Protecting Nurses from Workplace Violence, Improving Patients Access to Care
- Member Engagement
- Lead role in planning 2024 annual conference located in Myrtle Beach, SC In October 2024 and chaired the inaugural DAISY and SCNA Award gala committee.
- Committee member for 2025 Annual Convention and DAISY and SCNA Awards Gala
- Expanding Engagement
- Launched Bylaws committee to facilitate review of organization bylaws
- Board approved position for a Immediate Past President to enhance continuity, transition, and sustainability
- Board approved trial positions for Communications/Social media chair, Transition to Practice chair, and Ethics committee appointees
- Well-being and Resilience
- Served on the Nurse 5K planning committee lead by Immediate Past President and in partnership with SC Nurses Foundation, which was held in May 2025 noting increasing attendance and engagement
- Initiated communication with ANA Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation foe recognition of SCNA and SCNF annual 5K event.
- Partnerships
- Served as SCNA representative to Coalition to Access to Healthcare, Deans and Directors, Advisory Committee on Nursing Education
- Structuring experience for organizational affiliates
- Initiated communication with ANA Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation foe recognition of SCNA and SCNF annual 5K event.
Challenges and Opportunities
Nurses continue to face challenges impacting access to care for our clients including healthcare funding, practice authority, nursing shortages. Yet, we also see unprecedented opportunities in innovation, leadership, and public trust in nursing. Our commitment remains unwavering.
Looking Ahead: Priorities for Next Year
- Continued efforts to champion SC legislative initiatives including full practice authority for APRNs.
- Expand opportunities for membership and member engagement
- Expand organization resources
- Strengthen interprofessional collaboration and leadership development.
- Expand opportunities for member benefits and organizational affiliates
- Strengthen policies and elected officer transition plans for sustainability
In Closing
I extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated members, board of directors, staff, and partners. Together, we are not only advancing the nursing profession—we are shaping the future of health care in South Carolina. I am proud of what we have accomplished and inspired by what lies ahead.
Commission Chair – Public Policy / Legislation Annual Report
Submitted by: Marrisa Bartmess
This has been a great year of legislative progress for the SCNA, and we are grateful for your engagement and support! In September 2024, I reestablished the SCNA Legislative Committee, which now includes 17 active members. The committee is composed of a diverse group of nurses with varied experiences. This includes bedside nurses, APRNs, nurses with legal expertise and degrees, nurses with and without previous policy experiences, public health nurses, nurses in government healthcare roles, hospital nurse leaders, nurses in academia, and more. One of our primary goals is to ensure the committee reflects the diversity of SCNA’s membership, enabling us to effectively engage SC nurses in health policy, advocate for meaningful legislative change, and address issues impacting both nurses and the patients we serve. We are proud of the progress we have made toward achieving this goal.
To support future nurse leaders, we welcome participation from SNA-SC nursing student leaders in our meetings. If you are an SCNA member interested in attending one of our meetings, please submit a request via the SCNA calendar of events.
Since our revitalization, the committee has worked diligently, beginning with our Get Out the Vote Campaign in late 2024. Through this initiative, we shared voting resources with nurses on social media and at the SCNA convention to support nurse engagement with the voting process. We also collaborated with SNA-SC student nurse leaders to share this information with their student members as well.
In preparation for our 2025 Legislative Day at the SC Statehouse, we created infographics and materials that effectively showcased our 2025-2026 Legislative Agenda. This agenda aligns with SCNA’s legislative priorities and serves as a road map for addressing critical nursing and health policy issues in South Carolina, including Full Practice Authority (FPA) for APRNs, Protecting Nurses and other Healthcare Providers from Workplace Violence, Nursing and Healthcare Workforce Development, Access to Medical Cannabis, and Removing Barriers to Health Insurance Coverage.
Several bills were introduced to the legislature in 2025, including S.45, an FPA bill championed by the SCNA and the Coalition for Access to Healthcare, and S. 346, a bill addressing workplace violence against healthcare workers. Our 2025 Legislative Day was a great success, with nearly 300 nurses across SC in attendance- our largest turnout to date! The legislative packets we developed for House and Senate members helped facilitate meaningful conversations and build relationships with legislators and their staff. Planning is already underway for Legislative Day 2026, and we hope you’ll join us. Please watch for updates!
Our advocacy and policy work continues beyond Legislative Day. In 2025, we worked on the following:
- Developing call and email scripts to support priority bills, such as S. 45 (FPA).
- Creating advocacy tools in opposition to bills that would limit patient access to care and nurse autonomy, such as S. 669.
- Addressing workplace violence through legislative, regulatory, and organizational strategies.
- Attending legislative & health policy events in SC and beyond, such as local hearings on Medicaid expansion, SC Senate Judiciary Committee meetings, and free webinars offered by The Institute for Policy Solutions at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing.
Lastly, we want to hear from you! If you have concerns, questions, or ideas related to nursing or health policies, please share them with us. SCNA members are our eyes and ears across the state, and your insights are essential to our success. Thank you all so much for your continued support of SCNA. It is a privilege to serve as your Commission Chair for Public Policy/Legislation. I look forward to identifying new ways in 2026 to support nurse engagement with health policy and accomplish policy goals. Stay informed, stay engaged, and let’s continue building our strength as South Carolina’s largest group of licensed health professionals.
Commission Chair – Professional
Advocacy and Development
Submitted by: Sherry James
2024-Worked with the PAPIN Steering Committee to get the monthly meeting started. The meetings began in October 2024. 2025-I have been attending and monitoring the PAPIN meetings. I connected with a state AA representative in March to inform members about PAPIN meetings. I responded to messages left on the PAPIN line as referred by Executive Assistant Robinson. The Continuing Education units are going through a change in leadership. Dr. Rhodes and Executive Director Curtis-Pugh selected a person for the position, and Dr. Rhodes is assisting the new person to transition into the role.
SCNA Chapter Annual Reports
As of this publication 325 members of SCNA are members of at least one chapter. Go to https://www.scnurses.org/page/ConsentParticpateChC sign up to be a member of a chapter
APRN Chapter
Submitted by: Leiann Boards, Chair and Ex-Officio Member of SCNA Board of Directors
Number of Members: 154
2025 Activities:
The APRN Chapter of the South Carolina Nurses Association continued its commitment to advancing advanced practice nursing across the state through engagement, advocacy, education, and collaboration.
In 2024, the chapter held meetings in August and at the Annual SCNA Convention in October. Additionally, members of the chapter also were involved with planning the inaugural UnGala. These events provided valuable opportunities for networking, education, and discussion of key issues affecting APRNs in South Carolina.
In January 2025, I, Leiann Roberts Boards, assumed the role of APRN Chapter Chair.
This year, we hosted chapter meetings in February and April, fostering dialogue on professional priorities and building momentum around key advocacy issues. One of the major highlights of the year was Lobby Day, which saw the largest turnout to date—a standing-room-only event that underscored the increasing enthusiasm and engagement among APRNs and nursing colleagues in support of APRNs gaining full practice authority. This success was made possible in large part by the Legislative Committee’s “Legislative Day 101” webinar, which provided essential information with the agenda and layout of Lobby Day.
The chapter also held a virtual learning event in June on antipsychotics, enhancing clinical knowledge and expanding access to continuing education.
SCNA and the South Carolina Coalition for Access to Health Care partnered to host a APRN Town Hall Meeting, a continuing series focused on practical updates to current legislative initiatives. Education on pertinent pearls of wisdom for what will be necessary during future calls to action was provided these town hall meetings. We are continuing to encourage attendance to forthcoming Town Hall.
In addition to our own programming, the APRN Chapter has been active in state-level planning for the upcoming 2025 SCNA Convention, serving on both the Convention Planning Committee and the Gala Committee. APRN Chapter members also participated on the planning committee for the 2nd Annual SCNA and SCNF Nurse 5K Run/Walk.
Additionally, we have also been proud to promote member participation in supporting events hosted by our fellow SCNA chapters, including this year’s Psych-Mental Health Chapter Meet and Greet and Annual Psychiatric Symposium.
Over the year we gave gained additional chapter members. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue building momentum and deepening our chapter’s impact through education, advocacy, and connection. We remain committed to advancing APRN practice and improving access to high-quality healthcare for all South Carolinians.
2026 Goals
- Increase engagement of Chapter Members.
- Promote support for current legislation including Full Practice Authority.
- Execute ideas from Chapter Members that will promote the profession of nursing and satisfy tangible professional needs.
Nurse Educator Chapter
Submitted by: Debora Stokes, Chair and Ex-Officio Member of SCNA Board of Directors
Number of Members: 103
2025 Activities:
NE Chapter Meeting Dates, Member Attendance Number, & Meeting Highlights
October 18, 2024 (4 members) – Met in-person during the annual conference to obtain suggestions for 2025-chapter activities
January 30, 2025 (12 members) – Planning for 2025 SCNA Events (Annual Convention, Gala, Daisy Awards, and 5K)
February 20, 2025 (15 members) – NE Chapter Representatives selected for SCNA committees. Discussed potential speakers and topics for the 2025 convention. Featured journal article: Strout, K., Sapp, M., Parsons, K., Schwartz-Mette, R., McNamara, J., & Smith, A. (2025). Thrive and Flourish: A Holistic Approach to Nurturing Wellness and Resilience in Nursing Students. Journal of Nursing Education, 0(0), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20240925-03
March 20, 2025 (22 members) – Selection of topics and speakers for 2025 convention. Featured journal article:
Bechok, L., Blevins, S., & Goss, L. (2024). Educational Theory in Nursing Practice: Strategies for New Graduate and Experienced Nurses. Medsurg Nursing, 33(5), 249–256. https://doi.org/10.62116/MSJ.2024.33.5.249
Upcoming 2025 Nurse Educator Meetings
- July 10, 2025
- September 18, 2025
- October 25, 2025 (at the Annual Convention)
- December 4, 2025
2025 NE Chapter Representatives for SCNA Events
- 5K planning committee – Lachean Kimbrough, Dani Quinn, LaTonya White, & Debbie Stokes
- Convention Planning Team – Lachean Kimbrough & Debbie Stokes
- Poster Committee – Joshua Bowers, Laura Gallagher, & Debbie Stokes (Chair)
- Gala subcommittee – Jill McAbee
- Daisy Award – LaTonya White
- SCNA Legislative Committee – Jessica Hickey 2026 Goals:
- Increase member attendance to NE chapter meetings
- Increase member participation in SCNA events
- Selection of 3 Nurse Educator speakers for the Annual Convention
- Plan for one online or in-person continuing educational activity
2026 Goals
- Increase member attendance to Nurse Educator Chapter meetings
- Increase NE member participation in SCNA events
- Selection of 3 Nurse Educator speakers for the 2026 Annual Convention
- Plan for one online or in-person continuing educational activity
Psychiatric-Mental Health Chapter
Submitted by: Jacquelin Hyman, Chair and Ex-Officio Member of SCNA Board of Directors
Number of Members: 84
2025 Activities:
The Psychiatric Mental Health Chapter remained actively engaged and dedicated to its mission throughout the year. Several chapter members attended the 2024 Annual SCNA State Convention, furthering professional development and strengthening the chapter’s presence within the broader nursing community.
In December, the chapter demonstrated its continued commitment to community outreach by donating gift cards, toiletry items, and personal care products to Mental Health America as part of its Annual Community Service Project. Plans are already in place to continue this tradition with another donation in December of this year.
On March 6, 2025, the chapter hosted a successful meet and greet for nurse practitioners and nurses at the Cambria Hotel in Columbia, South Carolina. This event provided an excellent forum for networking, professional collaboration, and fostering collegial relationships.
The 5th Annual Psychiatric Mental Health Symposium, held on May 16, 2025, served as the chapter’s second quarter meeting. The Symposium was distinguished by strong attendance, active participation, and achieved a positive profit margin, underscoring its financial success. A post-event debriefing was conducted on June 8 to evaluate the program, with the majority of feedback reflecting a high level of satisfaction. Planning is already underway for the 6th Annual Symposium, scheduled for May 15, 2026.
Several chapter members also participated in the Annual SCNA 5K and many other activities offered by SCNA throughout the year, demonstrating our commitment to promoting health and wellness initiatives.
Importantly, the chapter successfully met its goals for the year and is especially proud to have exceeded its target of a 10% increase in membership. The chapter now proudly includes 84 members, reflecting its growing influence and the value it provides to psychiatric mental health nursing professionals.
2026 Goals
- Increase membership by 15% by the end of the year.
- Increase membership participation in chapter activities by 20%.
- 6th Annual Psychiatric Mental Health Symposium
- Community Service Project
- Offer at least two webinars for continuing education hours.
Women and Children’s Health Chapter
Submitted by: Kelly Walker, Chair and Ex-Officio Member of SCNA Board of Directors
Number of Members: 53
2025 Activities:
WCH Chapter Chair and members attended the 2024 SCNA Convention
WCH’s current Chapter Chair presented at the 2024 SCNA Convention
WCH Chapter Chair and members attended the SCNA and SNF 5K Run on 5/24/25
WCH Chapter Chair and Members encouraged participation via email and the WCH Facebook Page
WCH Representatives on the SC Maternal Health Task Force with the Dept of Public Health – Curisa Tucker and Renee Butler
WCH Chapter Chair and Members – Frances Goin Ashe, Amanda Sacco, Mikki Williams, Curisa Tucker – joined SCNA Conference and Gala Planning Committees
WCH Chapter encouraged the use of SCNA Mobile App
2026 Goals
- Increase chapter membership and committee representation on SCNA Committees
- Promote 2 contact hour education events (March 2025 Done, TBD – August 2025)
- Draft and Send Black Maternal Health Proclamation for Review
South Carolina Nurses Foundation Annual Report
Submitted by: Jason Thrift, SCNF President and Ex-Officio Member of SCNA Board of Directors
For 2025, SCNF has pursued fundraising endeavors and promoted other opportunities for nurses and student nurses throughout the year. Midlands Gives continues to be an event SCNF engages in annually. We collected $2156 from donations to support scholarship funds. Just Cause Apparel is still a resource for generating scholarship funding, providing 50% of the profits from scrub sales to SCNF. Please consider visiting their website and ordering scrubs to support scholarships for SCNF. Just Cause Apparel Website: https://justcauseapparel.com/.
The Palmetto Gold Gala was successfully held on April 26, 2025. Palmetto Gold recipients enjoyed a delightful evening filled with celebration. The Palmetto Gold steering committee has already set the date for the 2026 Gala on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Nominations for Palmetto Gold will begin in the Fall of 2025, and registration for the next Palmetto Gold Gala will start later in early winter. This year, we said goodbye to Savannah Tapler, the primary liaison, who set up the Palmetto Gold events for the year. She will be missed and leaves big shoes to fill going forward. A scholarship fund was also started, honoring Susan Outen in perpetuity as part of the Palmetto Gold scholarships.
SCNF sent out requests for applications for our annual scholarships in April 2025. We plan to award 5 scholarships, 4 undergraduate and one graduate, this year. The scholarships will be presented in September.
SCNA and SCNF continued working in collaboration for the 2nd annual Nurses 5K. Strictly Running supported the run again, and SCNF members participated in the event as volunteers and runners or walkers. The 5K was held on Saturday, May 24, in Columbia at Forest Acres. 50% of the profits went to SCNF to support the foundation’s mission. The 2026 Nurses 5K is set for Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Overall, SCNF has been performing well both financially and in our mission. We’ve had two meetings thus far in 2025, and our next meeting of the year is August 8. Kendra Vandross has settled in as Treasurer for SCNF and has taken on some responsibilities handling financials for the Palmetto Gold Steering Committee. The Board of Trustees is looking to hire a contract assistant to support SCNF and the Palmetto Gold stirring committee. The goal is to provide half of the salary for this individual, with $6000 coming from Palmetto Gold and $6000 coming from SCNF. This person is highly needed for both pieces, and a job description has been created. We plan to decide on supporting this position by the August SCNF meeting.
Additionally, SCNF and the Palmetto Gold Steering Committee have agreed to pay SCNA rent to have an office location at the new SCNA office. The rent totals $200, split between the two parties. Discussions to finalize the contract were conducted on June 19, 2025, and SCNF will move into the office through the last 6 months of 2025. Everything is shaping up for a smooth transition from the end of Jason Thrift’s term as outgoing President and the initiative of the next President’s term, De Anna Cox. Elections will be conducted for a new Vice President and other board members to fill vacant spots.
There is still more to come, and plenty of activity is ongoing with SCNF. We look forward to initiatives to support the mission of both SCNF and SCNA to unify nurses across our state.
Executive Director’s Board Report
Submitted by: Teshieka K. Curtis-Pugh
I. Introduction
Since January 2025, the South Carolina Nurses Association (SCNA) has experienced remarkable momentum across every facet of our mission including advocacy, education, engagement, and operations. With sharpened strategic focus and heightened visibility at the local, state, and national levels, we continue to elevate the voice of nurses while advancing the health and well-being of communities across South Carolina.
On a personal note, I am both honored and energized to serve as Executive Director during this transformative time. Each day, I am excited to walk into this work because I believe in it and more importantly, I believe in The Power of Nurses™. Over the past two years, we have witnessed unprecedented growth and impact, driven by enthusiastic members, courageous leaders, and tireless nurse accomplices who understand that progress does not happen in silos, it happens in solidarity. As a proud SCNA member since the beginning of my nursing career, I know that what we are building today is rooted in the commitment, collaboration, and resilience of those who came before us. Together, we are setting a new standard of excellence, and we are just getting started. I hope that this annual report provides a high-level overview of the strides we have made and the path we are setting for the future.
II. Key Accomplishments
A. Advocacy & Policy Leadership
- SCNA Hill Day 2025: Mobilized nearly three hundred nurses to engage directly with legislators at the SC State House, advocating for APRN Full Practice Authority, Medicaid expansion, and workplace violence prevention.
- National Leadership: Represented SCNA at the ANA Membership Assembly and Hill Day in Washington, D.C., advocating for Title VIII reauthorization, ICAN Act passage, and increased NINR funding.
- Ongoing Legislative Engagement:
- Serving as Co-Chair of Cover SC, the state coalition to expand Medicaid.
- Panelist at the SC State of Reform Health Policy Conference in Charleston.
- Team Member with SC DHEC’s Maternal Health Task Force on policy improvement.
- Student Policy Engagement: Hosted four USC Health Policy students during the legislative session to deepen student engagement and build future policy leaders.
- SCNA Rebranding: SCNA joined the American Nurses Association’s 2025 re-brand, realigning our front facing representation while maintain the core of focus on The Power of Nurses!
B. Visibility & Representation
- Keynote Speaker at multiple high-impact events, including:
- SNA-SC Annual Convention
- Chi Eta Phi Southeastern Regional Conference
- Healthcare Heroes Awards by The Post and Courier
- Brittany Starks Oswell Foundation Annual Scholarship Luncheon
- Chi Eta Phi Capital Day
- Phi Phi Chapter Spring Meeting
- Fortis and South University Commencements
C. Education & Professional Development
- Launched a four-part educational webinar series with SC Student Loan Corporation (SC BOLD Program) to support workforce retention and student loan navigation.
- Continued collaboration on CE accreditation, supporting the CEAC Committee’s re-accreditation process and enhancing SCNA’s continuing education portfolio.
- Supported six community screenings of “Everybody’s Work,” increasing public awareness of nursing’s contributions.
- Hosted two APRN Town Hall meetings in collaboration with the Coalition for Access to healthcare; both of which had outstanding participation.
III. Operational Excellence
A. Office Relocation
- Successfully relocated SCNA headquarters to 220 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 403, reducing overhead by 50% and enhancing our professional footprint.
- Hosted a well-attended Open House attended by members, lawmakers, and key stakeholders.
B. Membership Growth
- 4.82% increase in SCNA membership from January to July 2025—reflecting strong outreach, visibility, and member value.
C. Staffing & Talent Development
- Welcomed Laken Robinson, summer intern from Furman University.
- Interviewed for the Director of Accreditation position (Allison Abernathy).
- Maintained a high-performing team and engaged leadership across all key initiatives.
IV. Strategic Partnerships
- Formalized a partnership with Grand Canyon University to offer tuition discounts to SCNA members.
- Attended strategic planning meetings in Phoenix, AZ, with GCU leadership.
- Ongoing work with The Imprint Source to launch an SCNA online store.
V. National Appointments & Leadership
- ANE Re-imagining ANE into 2040 Customer Engagement & Experience Workgroup
- ANA CEO Leadership Council (CSNA)
- American Nurse Journal Editorial Board
- ANA Enterprise CEO Advisory Panel
- SC Coordinating Council for Workforce Development (Standing Seat)
VI. Events, Meetings & Engagements (Selective Sample)
- March 13: ANA BOD Open Session
- April 21: SCNA Convention Site Visit – Sonesta Resort, Hilton Head
- April 22: Editorial Planning Meeting – American Nurse Journal
- May 6: MUSC Professional Organization Spotlight Day
- June 4-8: Dream Conference – Atlanta
- June 25-28: ANA Membership Assembly – Washington, D.C.
VII. Thank You & Gratitude
- Thank you to our Board Members, Chapter Chairs, and members who supported the office move, shared in National Nurses Week Events, and served as SCNA Delegates to the 2025 ANA Membership Assembly.
- A huge thank you to all who contributed via the Amazon Office Wishlist—our space now reflects the professionalism and spirit of SCNA.
- Thank you to our members! You are the reason we exist, and we are committed to representing you with passion and a commitment to excellence.
VIII. Ongoing & Emerging Priorities
- Finalizing plans for the 2025 SCNA Annual Convention (October 23–25 in Hilton Head) with our outstanding convention planning team
- Growing non-dues revenue through partnerships and strategic offerings
- Deepening SCNA’s role in health equity, education, and legislative leadership
- Supporting APRNs in their quest for full practice authority
- Building on SCNA’s momentum as the professional home for nurses in South Carolina
IX. Closing Reflection
- The first half of 2025 has been bold, energizing, and filled with meaningful progress. We are not just holding the line; we are setting the pace. From the halls of our new office to the halls of Congress, SCNA continues to lead with vision, voice, and unwavering commitment to the nurses and communities we serve.
- Thank you for your support and shared commitment as we continue forward—together!
