#United States #Schaumburg #Emergency Nurses #ENA Foundation #Kimberly Russo

ENA Foundation Appoints New Board of Trustees for 2026

The ENA Foundation, an integral philanthropic partner of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), has unveiled its Board of Trustees for 2026, set to lead the organization towards a transformative year. This year's board will be under the leadership of Kimberly Russo, who brings her extensive experience as an emergency department nurse manager from University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey.

Kimberly Russo, who previously benefitted from the Foundation's graduate scholarship in 2016, shared her intent to inspire change as the new Chair. Her journey from scholarship recipient to board leader exemplifies the impact of the ENA Foundation’s efforts in promoting the professional development of emergency nurses. As she steps into this role, Russo emphasizes the Foundation’s upcoming 35th anniversary and the need to reestablish its presence and mission in the community. "We have a unique opportunity to elevate the visibility of our programs, share transformative stories from nurses, and strengthen our essential relationships," Russo stated.

The ENA Foundation, which has been operational since 1991, dedicates itself to advancing the field of emergency nursing through its extensive support programs, including scholarships and research grants. To date, it has allocated over $7 million in funds, benefiting more than 3,000 emergency health care professionals. These initiatives are pivotal in driving innovation and improvements in emergency services across the country.

For those interested in applying for scholarships and grants in 2026, detailed information can be accessed on the ENA's official website. The application period for scholarships aimed at attending the Emergency Nursing 2026 conference in Phoenix is currently open, creating further opportunities for professional development among emergency healthcare workers.

Reflecting on the composition of the new board, the organization welcomes several distinguished members:

• - Chairperson-Elect: CherylAnn MacDonald-Sweet, an accomplished nurse from Pennsylvania.
• - Immediate Past Chair: Christine Russe, a veteran emergency nurse from Texas.
• - Members-at-Large include individuals from various states, enhancing the diversity and breadth of experience on the board, such as:

- Neko Gilbert from Arkansas
- Kelsea Heiman from Texas
- Nycole Oliver from Arkansas
- Sara Daykin from New Mexico
- Tyler McCulloch from California
- Jaime Stephens-Davenport from Florida.

The board also includes Corporate Trustees representing major healthcare organizations, which will reinforce the professional ties that are crucial for sustaining the ENA Foundation’s mission. Among them are:

• - Amy Mills from Teleflex
• - Rebecca Paalman from Stryker
• - Christie Susko from Aon Affinity Healthcare.

The ENA Foundation remains devoted to addressing the challenges emergency nurses face while nurturing the next generation of leaders in this vital field. With this new board in place, the Foundation is well-positioned not only to continue its legacy of support but also to embrace new challenges and opportunities in the realm of emergency care. The overarching aim is to extend the reach and impact of their mission through scholarship funding and increased research initiatives.

As the ENA Foundation prepares to kick off its new chapter, it's clear that the collective experiences, insights, and dedication of its board members will illuminate the path forward for emergency nursing. This new leadership will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the future of emergency care and advocating for the needs of professionals in this crucial sector.