Emergency Nurses Association Elected New Leadership
The 40,000-member organization has named its first global president-elect to lead nursing strategy.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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Members of the Emergency Nurses Association elected Vanessa Gorman as the 2027 president-elect, marking the first time the global nursing organization has selected an international leader for this role. The results were announced on October 1, 2026, during the Emergency Nursing 2026 conference in Phoenix.
Why it matters
The election of an international president-elect reflects the shifting composition of a group that represents 40,000 members worldwide. This transition signals potential changes in advocacy and professional standards for global nursing operations as leadership prepares for Gorman to assume the presidency in 2028.
The organization represents 40,000 members worldwide across its professional network. Gorman will begin her term as president-elect in 2027 before moving into the role of president in 2028.
The players
Vanessa Gorman
An Australia-based nurse who has been elected as the first global president-elect of the Emergency Nurses Association.
Emergency Nurses Association
A professional membership organization headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, that represents 40,000 nurses worldwide.
Chris Parker
The incoming 2027 president of the Emergency Nurses Association.
The details
The Emergency Nurses Association concluded its annual election cycle with members casting votes for several key leadership positions. In addition to the president-elect, the organization selected a secretary/treasurer, two directors, and four committee members to oversee its administrative and regulatory agenda. These leaders are responsible for governing the professional association that has functioned since its 1970 founding.
Timeline
The Emergency Nurses Association was founded in 1970.
Election results were announced on October 1, 2026.
Vanessa Gorman will serve as president-elect in 2027.
Vanessa Gorman will serve as president in 2028.
Market Landscape
The election marks a departure from the historical domestic-only leadership model of the Emergency Nurses Association. This move suggests an effort to expand the influence of the organization as it grows its footprint among international nursing practitioners.
Operators managing clinical staffing should monitor upcoming policy shifts from the association regarding global certification standards. Watch for strategic announcements as the new leadership team prepares to transition into their 2027 and 2028 terms.
The takeaway
The elevation of an international leader to the association's top ranks suggests a strategic pivot toward a more global membership focus. Stakeholders should track professional standard updates in 2027 as the incoming leadership begins to formalize their administrative goals.
Further reading
For broader trends in professional nursing credentials and organizational representation, visit the Nursing Jobs section.
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Should professional associations prioritize global representation when electing their leadership?
