Four elected MNA representatives, President Dr. Nayna Philipsen, Immediate Past President Dr. Lou Bartolo, Past President Dr. Charlotte Wood, and Dr. Dinah Price, made Maryland proud at the ANA Membership Assembly, bringing our state’s voice directly into ANA’s highest decision‑making arena. As voting delegates, they elected national ANA leaders, determined the outcome of bylaw amendments, and cast votes on proposals that will shape the direction of nursing across the country. Their presence ensured Maryland nurses weren’t just watching the future unfold; they were part of the decisions driving it.

Presidential Perspectives

In an unprecedented moment for the American Nurses Association, eight former ANA Presidents gathered alongside Dr. Mensik Kennedy for a historic Former Presidents’ Luncheon, Presidential Perspectives: Legacy, Leadership, and Shaping the Future of Nursing.

What unfolded was an awesome living archive of nursing’s past speaking directly to its future. Each former ANA President has an inspiring and distinct vantage point shaped by the era they led:

• The reformers who fought for professional recognition and legislative authority.
• The advocates who expanded the voice of nurses in national policy.
• The innovators who pushed the profession into new models of care, technology, and equity.
• The bridge‑builders who strengthened ANA’s role in unifying nurses across specialties, generations, and states.

The former ANA Presidents spoke from eras defined by legislative battles, workforce transformation, public health crises, and the relentless pursuit of professional recognition. Their perspectives revealed how each generation of leaders confronted challenges that ultimately expanded the influence and authority of nurses nationwide. Their reflections offered a panoramic view of the evolution of nursing. They spoke candidly about the responsibility of legacy, the weight of leadership, and the urgency of preparing nurses for a rapidly shifting health care landscape. The luncheon became a powerful exchange among the ANA Presidents. Their wisdom and vision represented a shared commitment to nursing, while shaping a future that is bold, resilient, and uncompromisingly patient-centered.

ANA Elections

The voting representatives of the Assembly elected the following leaders, who will take office on January 1, 2026:

• President: Anita Girard, DNP, RN, CNL, CPHQ, NEA‑BC; Secretary: Heidi Sanborn, DNP, RN, CNE
• Directors-at-Large: Ahnyel Burkes, DNP, RN‑BC, NEA‑BC; Nelson Tuazon, DNP, DBA, RN, NEA‑BC, CENP, CPPS, CPHFH, CNE, FACHE, FNAP, FAMSN, FAAN; and Josephine Agyei, BSN, RN.

The Power of Networking

MNA representatives made Maryland shine at the ANA Membership Assembly, turning a national forum into a powerful networking arena. Throughout the event, they connected with colleagues from across the country, exchanged insights into the profession’s most pressing issues, and elevated Maryland’s presence on the national stage. They also proudly promoted the upcoming MNA Convention, spotlighting its keynote speaker, ANA President Dr. Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, which generated excitement and curiosity among attendees. With a photo capturing the MNA delegation alongside the ANA President, each holding the MNA 123rd Annual Convention marketing postcard, their engagement showcased Maryland’s energy, visibility, and commitment to shaping the future of nursing.