Leadership Announcements for the ENA Foundation's 2026 Board of Trustees
Kimberly Russo takes the helm to drive funding and research for emergency nursing.
In a significant development, the ENA Foundation has unveiled its Board of Trustees for 2026, bringing Kimberly Russo, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, to the forefront as chairperson. Russo, who excels as an emergency department nurse manager at University Hospital, is set to pave the way for new initiatives aimed at supporting emergency nurses.
Having benefited from a graduate scholarship from the ENA Foundation back in 2016, Russo's personal experience propels her motivation to give back to the community. As the Foundation gears up to celebrate 35 years of impactful service, she emphasizes the critical opportunity to share its mission effectively. "We need to elevate the visibility of our programs, to tell the stories of nurses whose lives have changed with our support, and to strengthen the crucial relationships that empower our mission," Russo stated.
The ENA Foundation plays a pivotal role as the philanthropic partner to the Emergency Nurses Association, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1991. Throughout its history, the Foundation has remained steadfast in its commitment to enhance the lives of emergency nurses through scholarships, funding for urgent needs, and research grants aimed at improving health outcomes. To date, the Foundation has allocated over $7 million in scholarships and grants benefiting over 3,000 emergency health care professionals.
For those interested in applying for the Foundation's grants and scholarships in 2026, detailed information is available on the ENA website. Currently, the application process for scholarships to attend the upcoming Emergency Nursing 2026 conference in Phoenix is open.
Comprehensive Overview of the 2026 Board
The newly formed Board of Trustees in 2026 also comprises several notable individuals committed to advancing the Foundation's mission:
Chairperson-Elect and Past Chairs
- CherylAnn MacDonald-Sweet, BS, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, from Pennsylvania, will serve as Chairperson-Elect.
- Immediate Past Chair Christine Russe, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, FAEN, represents Texas.
Members-at-Large
- Neko Gilbert, RN, from Arkansas
- Kelsea Heiman, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, from Texas
- Nycole Oliver, DNP, RN, APRN CEN, ACNPC-AG, FNP-C, FAEN, from Arkansas
- Sara Daykin, DNP, RN, CPEN, TCRN, CNEcl, FAEN, from New Mexico
- Tyler McCulloch, MSN, RN, MICN (FC), from California
- Jaime Stephens-Davenport, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, CCRN, NE-BC, CFRN, CTRN, NRP, from Florida
Corporate Trustees
- Amy Mills, BSN, RN, associated with Teleflex
- Rebecca Paalman, MHA, RN, from Stryker
- Christie Susko, MBA, RPLU, representing Aon Affinity Healthcare
Adding to this team is ENA President Dustin Bass, DNP, MHA, RN, CEN, NEA-BC, hailing from North Carolina, along with ENA Immediate Past President Ryan Oglesby, PhD, MHA, RN, CEN, CFRN, NEA-BC, from Florida.
About the ENA and Its Mission
The Emergency Nurses Association stands as the leading authority in emergency nursing, committed to shaping its future through advocacy, education, and research. Since its inception in 1970, ENA has emerged as a vital resource in the global emergency nursing arena. With a robust member base of approximately 40,000 professionals, the association actively promotes patient safety and designs industry standards to optimize emergency care practices. ENA members bring a wealth of expertise, addressing triage, disaster preparedness, and various aspects of patient care in emergency situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the chairperson for the ENA Foundation's 2026 Board?
The chairperson of the ENA Foundation's 2026 Board is Kimberly Russo, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN.
What has been the Foundation's financial impact on emergency nursing?
The ENA Foundation has awarded over $7 million in scholarships and grants to more than 3,000 emergency health care professionals.
How can individuals apply for scholarships through the ENA Foundation?
More information and application details are available on the ENA Foundation's official website.
What is the mission of the ENA?
The mission of the ENA is to advocate for emergency nurses while focusing on education, research, and advancing the profession.
How many members are part of the ENA?
The Emergency Nurses Association has approximately 40,000 members worldwide, forming a large network of emergency nursing professionals.
