Dear Members, Colleagues, Partners, and Friends,

It is my honor to present the 2026 President’s Annual Report for the South Carolina Nurses Association (SCNA). This year has been marked by growth, innovation, advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the nursing profession throughout South Carolina. Together, we have strengthened our organization, expanded our reach, and positioned SCNA to better serve nurses, healthcare professionals, and the communities we serve.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, nurses remain at the forefront of improving health outcomes, advancing equity, and shaping the future of healthcare. SCNA has embraced these opportunities through strategic leadership, meaningful partnerships, and a renewed focus on member engagement and organizational sustainability.

Strategic Highlights

Advocacy and Professional Leadership

Advocacy remains at the heart of our mission. Throughout the year, SCNA continued to champion policies that support nurses and improve access to care for South Carolinians. The Association maintained active representation with the Coalition for Access to Health Care and participated in legislative advocacy efforts at both the state and national levels.

SCNA was represented at the American Nurses Association Membership Assembly and national leadership meetings, ensuring that the voices of South Carolina nurses were heard in discussions shaping the future of the profession. Additionally, SCNA continued its participation with the Advisory Committee on Nursing Education (ACONE) and the South Carolina Deans and Directors Council, strengthening nursing education and workforce development initiatives across the state. Nursing advocacy by SCNA and Coalition for Access to Health Care members and partners is promoted and recognized further in via the SCNA Legislative Day held annually at the South Carolina State House where nurses voices are empowered through presence, meetings, and collaboration with members of the SC Legislature. 

Governance and Organizational Advancement

One of the most significant accomplishments of 2026 was the continued strengthening of SCNA’s governance structure. The membership formally approved the Immediate Past President position as an official ex-officio role, enhancing leadership continuity and organizational sustainability. Members also approved bylaws revisions that allow the organization to plan for future inclusion of LPN/LVN membership, broadening opportunities for engagement and strengthening the nursing voice across the profession.

The Board further demonstrated its commitment to innovation by approving pilot leadership positions for Director of Communications and Social Media and Director of Transitions to Practice. These roles support organizational growth, improve member communication, and enhance support for nurses transitioning into professional practice.

To strengthen operational effectiveness, SCNA championed the transition from paper-based processes to electronic submission and communication systems, improving efficiency, accessibility, and member experience.

Member Engagement and Leadership Development

This year, SCNA focused on creating meaningful opportunities for engagement and leadership development. The Association reinstated the Midyear Board Meeting and Team-Building Retreat, providing dedicated time for strategic planning, collaboration, and leadership development among Board members.

Regular communication was maintained with Board members, chapter leaders, and chapter chairs to identify needs, provide support, and align organizational goals. SCNA also continued to mentor nursing students and graduate-level nurses, fostering the next generation of nurse leaders.

Through speaking engagements, public forums, webinars, and educational events, SCNA leaders shared expertise on legislative advocacy, leadership, and professional practice. These efforts reinforced our commitment to empowering nurses to become influential voices within healthcare and their communities.

Partnerships and Collaboration

SCNA continued to strengthen relationships with organizational affiliates and healthcare partners throughout the state. Quarterly meetings with affiliate organizations were established to enhance communication, collaboration, and shared initiatives. These partnerships have expanded opportunities for advocacy, professional development, and collective impact.

The Association was honored to engage with organizational affiliates, colleges and Universities, healthcare systems, and nursing leaders. Through these collaborations, SCNA continues to build a stronger, more connected nursing community across South Carolina.

We have continued to build strong relationships with the following organizational affiliates:

• Coalition for Access to Health Care
• SC Faith Community Nurses
• Midlands of SC Black Nurses Association
• SC Department of Public Health
• Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.
• National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, South Carolina
• NeoHero Foundation
• Center for Nursing Leadership

The Association has continued to cultivate support for growing the nursing profession through partnership with South Carolina Nurses Foundation, partnering in ex-officio membership to the Board of Trustees, committee service, and planning and implementation of the annual Miles that Matter Nurses 5K, supporting nursing scholars throughout the state.  

Organizational Sustainability and Growth

Significant progress was made in strengthening the Association’s infrastructure and preparing for future growth. Efforts were initiated to establish operational structures for the Ethics Committee and Membership Committee while supporting the continued development of a functional Finance Committee.

Membership growth remained a priority through initiatives such as the “SCNA 3000 Strong” campaign and the “Every Nurse Bring a Nurse” membership campaigns. These efforts reflect our commitment to expanding the reach and influence of SCNA while creating greater value for current and future members.

SCNA also enhanced accountability and organizational oversight by implementing processes to track Board representation on external councils, committees, and professional organizations, ensuring continued visibility and engagement throughout the healthcare community.

Challenges and Opportunities

Nurses continue to navigate complex challenges, including workforce shortages, healthcare access disparities, evolving regulatory environments, and increasing demands on healthcare systems. At the same time, these challenges present unprecedented opportunities for nursing leadership, innovation, advocacy, and collaboration.

SCNA remains committed to supporting nurses through these changes while advancing policies and initiatives that strengthen the profession and improve health outcomes for all South Carolinians. Through strategic partnerships such as the Coalition for Access to Healthcare and ongoing engagement with state and national policymakers, SCNA is uniquely positioned to influence meaningful change that benefits nurses, patients, and communities across South Carolina.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, SCNA will continue to focus on:

• Expanding membership growth and engagement initiatives. 
• Advancing legislative and policy priorities that support nurses and improve access to care. 
• Strengthening leadership development opportunities across all career stages.
• Enhancing communication, technology, and operational efficiency. 
• Expanding partnerships with organizational affiliates and healthcare stakeholders. 
• Supporting nursing workforce development and transitions to practice. 
• Building sustainable governance and operational structures that position SCNA for long-term success.

In Closing

I extend my deepest gratitude to our members, Board of Directors, chapter leaders, volunteers, staff, organizational affiliates, and partners. Your dedication, expertise, and commitment make the work of SCNA possible.

Together, we are strengthening the nursing profession, advancing healthcare, and improving the lives of the individuals and communities we serve. I am proud of all we have accomplished this year and inspired by the opportunities that lie ahead.

Thank you for your continued support, leadership, and commitment to the South Carolina Nurses Association.

2026 SCNA Annual Reports
Presented to SCNA Membership

The President and Executive Director reports summarize activities from the Annual Membership Meeting covering the period October 2025 through July 2026. Additional details, if required, will be presented at the Annual Membership Meeting on October 15, 2026. That meeting will take place at 4:00 PM on Thursday during the SCNA State Convention at the Hyatt Regency Greenville in Greenville, South Carolina.

To view all reports scnurses.org/page/2026AnnualReports