Bridget Walsh Appointed as New CEO of the Emergency Nurses Association
On August 31, 2026, the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) announced the appointment of Bridget Walsh as its new chief executive officer, effective September 8. Walsh, a native of Crystal Lake, Illinois, has been part of the ENA since 2004. Over her 22-year tenure, she has advanced through the organization to hold various leadership positions, culminating in her recent role as the interim executive director since early 2025.
In her acceptance of the new position, Walsh expressed deep gratitude, stating, "Working at ENA gives me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. For 22 years, the mission-driven approach to supporting the ENA community has energized and inspired me." She emphasized her commitment to preserving the legacy of the ENA while simultaneously embracing innovation and collaboration to shape its future.
Walsh was selected from an extensive pool of nearly 130 candidates during a thorough national search conducted by the ENA Board of Directors. The board highlighted her extensive institutional knowledge and previous achievements in her interim role as pivotal factors in their decision-making process. ENA President Dustin Bass remarked, "This role is pivotal to the long-term success of our association. After conducting a comprehensive national search, we returned to someone who already knows ENA, its amazing members, and its tremendous future potential."
Moreover, the chair of the CEO Search Committee, Tyler Babcock, stated, "This thorough and rigorous search brought us a diverse group of talented candidates, but Bridget's experience leading key ENA teams and initiatives solidified her as the board's choice."
ENA partnered with Spano Pratt, a national search firm that specializes in recruiting for non-profit organizations, to facilitate this process. The firm engaged key stakeholders and staff members, creating a search process that was deeply rooted in the values, culture, and mission of the ENA. Lindsey Kriete, the practice leader at Spano Pratt, applauded Walsh as the outstanding candidate who embodied the leadership skills and strategic vision required to elevate ENA.
The Emergency Nurses Association was founded in 1970 and has established itself as the premier professional organization for emergency nursing. With a member base of approximately 40,000 worldwide, the ENA is committed to advocating for patient safety, developing industry-leading practice standards, and influencing effective public policy in emergency healthcare. The association has proven to be an invaluable resource for the global emergency nursing community, offering support in areas ranging from triage and patient care to disaster preparedness and emergency health policy.
With the appointment of Bridget Walsh as CEO, the ENA looks poised to continue its upward trajectory and innovate in the field of emergency nursing. As members eagerly await the next steps under Walsh's leadership, one thing is clear: the ENA is preparing for a bright future under the guidance of a leader who embodies the spirit of emergency nursing advocacy and professionalism.
In her acceptance of the new position, Walsh expressed deep gratitude, stating, "Working at ENA gives me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. For 22 years, the mission-driven approach to supporting the ENA community has energized and inspired me." She emphasized her commitment to preserving the legacy of the ENA while simultaneously embracing innovation and collaboration to shape its future.
Walsh was selected from an extensive pool of nearly 130 candidates during a thorough national search conducted by the ENA Board of Directors. The board highlighted her extensive institutional knowledge and previous achievements in her interim role as pivotal factors in their decision-making process. ENA President Dustin Bass remarked, "This role is pivotal to the long-term success of our association. After conducting a comprehensive national search, we returned to someone who already knows ENA, its amazing members, and its tremendous future potential."
Moreover, the chair of the CEO Search Committee, Tyler Babcock, stated, "This thorough and rigorous search brought us a diverse group of talented candidates, but Bridget's experience leading key ENA teams and initiatives solidified her as the board's choice."
ENA partnered with Spano Pratt, a national search firm that specializes in recruiting for non-profit organizations, to facilitate this process. The firm engaged key stakeholders and staff members, creating a search process that was deeply rooted in the values, culture, and mission of the ENA. Lindsey Kriete, the practice leader at Spano Pratt, applauded Walsh as the outstanding candidate who embodied the leadership skills and strategic vision required to elevate ENA.
The Emergency Nurses Association was founded in 1970 and has established itself as the premier professional organization for emergency nursing. With a member base of approximately 40,000 worldwide, the ENA is committed to advocating for patient safety, developing industry-leading practice standards, and influencing effective public policy in emergency healthcare. The association has proven to be an invaluable resource for the global emergency nursing community, offering support in areas ranging from triage and patient care to disaster preparedness and emergency health policy.
With the appointment of Bridget Walsh as CEO, the ENA looks poised to continue its upward trajectory and innovate in the field of emergency nursing. As members eagerly await the next steps under Walsh's leadership, one thing is clear: the ENA is preparing for a bright future under the guidance of a leader who embodies the spirit of emergency nursing advocacy and professionalism.
Topics Health）
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