#United States #AANA #Nurse Anesthesiology #Rosemont #Tracy Young

Tracy Young Appointed as AANA President for 2026-2027

The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) proudly announced on August 25, 2026, that Tracy Young, MSNA, MBA, CRNA, has been elected as the president for the upcoming term, spanning 2026 to 2027. This prestigious role crowns Young's extensive journey in the realm of nurse anesthesiology and showcases his commitment to advancing the profession. With over 69,000 members, AANA serves as a vital organization for Nurse Anesthetists, championing their interests and advocating for high-quality care.

Tracy Young is not just a figurehead; he brings a wealth of experience, having spent more than twenty years navigating the intricacies of anesthesia practice, operations, and leadership. Currently, he serves as the co-founder and chief operating officer of Essential Anesthesia Management, a company that provides critical services to over 130 healthcare facilities across five states, employing more than 1,400 anesthesia providers.

In expressing his goals as president, Young said, "Anesthesia leadership is about protecting those in our care. I am honored to continue serving the profession of nurse anesthesiology and look forward to working alongside the AANA Board of Directors, our incredible staff, and our members to advance the CRNA profession. The need for advocacy has never been more critical as we aim to break down barriers and enhance access to safe, high-quality anesthesia care for all patients."

Young’s affiliation with the AANA dates back to 1999, reflecting his long-standing commitment to the field. His national roles have been extensive; before rising to the presidency, he held the position of president-elect, served as the director for Region 7, and participated on numerous committees ranging from governance to finance.

He leads the AANA Innovation Panel and has held various leadership roles within the Louisiana Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. His influence includes acting as a state reimbursement specialist and government relations chair, along with two terms as its president. This diverse experience has afforded him deep insights into the challenges facing the anesthesia workforce today.

Young is lauded for his expertise in anesthesia care and his dedication to supporting the anesthesia workforce amidst unprecedented challenges. Under his leadership, the focus will be on establishing scalable clinical operations, fortifying workforce sustainability, and enhancing access to top-notch anesthesia care for patients.

Educationally, Young holds a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia, which he obtained from Texas Wesleyan University in 2001. He transitioned to practice as an independent Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in Louisiana. Later, he fortified his qualifications by securing a Master of Business Administration with a health care emphasis from George Washington University in 2008.

With Tracy Young at the helm, the AANA is set to embark on a transformative journey aimed at equipping nurse anesthetists with the necessary tools and resources to excel in their professions and ensure patient safety across the board. As Young takes up this significant mantle, all eyes will be on his leadership to introduce progressive changes and continued engagement with advocacy efforts crucial to the profession's evolution.

The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology welcomes this new era of leadership, confident in Young's commitment and vision to strengthen the anesthesia community and elevate the standards of care nationally.