#United States #Schaumburg #Emergency Nurses Association #Chris Parker #ENA Board

Chris Parker: Future Leader of Emergency Nurses Association

Chris Parker has been elected as the President-elect of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) for 2026, marking a significant milestone in his career dedicated to emergency nursing. His election was announced during the annual ENA conference, Emergency Nursing 2025, held in New Orleans. Having joined the ENA Board of Directors in 2023, Parker has served as the organization's secretary/treasurer and has held various key roles, both at the local and state levels, effectively pushing forward the mission of the ENA.

Parker expressed his excitement about his new role, sharing, "Being elected as ENA's president-elect is both humbling and deeply personal, and it strengthens my commitment to our shared mission to ensure every emergency nurse has the advocacy, resources, and supportive environments they need to deliver exceptional care." His statement reflects a strong resolve to balance advocacy and support while aiding emergency nurses in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare.

Personal Journey and Professional Experience

Parker's journey in emergency nursing began not just out of academic interest but was deeply personal. Driven by the experiences of his father as a patient, he was inspired to transition from a prehospital provider to an emergency nurse. This personal insight propelled him into a career that now spans various roles including rapid response nurse, flight nurse, and more recently, the clinical professional development manager at Centra. He began his journey in the medical field as an ED technician within the same organization, showcasing a unique and extensive understanding of the challenges and rewards faced by emergency healthcare professionals.

His academic achievements include a Bachelor's degree in nursing and a Master's degree in nursing as a Clinical Nurse Leader from the University of Lynchburg. Parker's educational background combined with his on-ground experience equips him with the insight necessary to lead and advocate for emergency nurses.

Teaming Up for Emergency Care

In addition to Parker's election, the ENA Board welcomed new members including a Secretary/Treasurer and several directors. Vanessa Gorman was elected as the 2026 Secretary/Treasurer, alongside new members Rachael Smith and Leslie Kees on the Board of Directors. The team, along with Jason Carter from Oklahoma in the Leadership Development and Elections Committee, will work collaboratively under the guidance of the current ENA President-elect, Dustin Bass.

The Emergency Nurses Association plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA continually strives to enhance the practice of emergency nursing, ensuring that its nearly 45,000 members worldwide have access to the necessary resources and advocacy to provide exceptional patient care.

As Parker steps into this leadership role, the ENA is positioned to continue its mission, propelling emergency nursing forward while ensuring that nurses are equipped to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

Conclusion

Chris Parker's election as the ENA President-elect signifies a recommitment to the vital role emergency nurses play in healthcare. His experiences and vision for the future lay a strong foundation for a leadership that prioritizes the needs and advocacy of nurses, ensuring they are prepared to provide the highest level of care to patients in urgent need. The upcoming years will be critical as Parker and the new board members embark on initiatives focused on building supportive environments for nurses in the emergency healthcare system, laying down pathways for innovation and improvement in patient care.