American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)

At yesterday's evening keynote, Christi Zuber, PhD, MHA, RN, FAAN challenged nurse leaders to reclaim creativity, curiosity and reflection as essential leadership skills in an AI‑accelerated world. Her message was both timely and inspiring. During the keynote we celebrated Amany Farag PhD, RN as the Foundation Nurse Researcher of the Year and UKG and David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, FAONL, FAAN as the Foundation Friends of the Year. We’re also proud to share that the AONL Foundation has officially raised $50,000, with a stretch goal of $60,000 to further support nurse leadership research and innovation. Heartfelt thanks to Tina Mammone, PhD, RN, CENP, NEA-BC, FACHE and the AONL Foundation, and to Johnson & Johnson for hosting this powerful and forward‑thinking keynote. The next revolution is being led by nurses. https://lnkd.in/gEXuTNjq #NurseLeaders #AONL2026 #AONLFoundation

A look inside AONL’s future. During the AONL Business Meeting & AHA update keynote at the AONL Inspiring Leaders Conference 2026, our executive leaders shared progress on our strategic plan, the strength of our member-led committees and the impact of a passionate community driving change across health care. Featuring insights from Claire M. Zangerle, Ena M. Williams, Stuart Downs, and Jacqueline Herd, with moderation by Stacey Chappell.

This afternoon’s keynote underscored a simple truth: health care advances faster when nursing and system leadership are aligned. American Hospital Association President & CEO Rick Pollack and AHA EVP & COO Michelle Hood shared national insights on the forces shaping health care and why partnership with nurse leaders is essential. Key takeaways: ✅ Strong AHA–AONL synergy amplifies impact, from workforce optimization to leadership development. ✅ Dyad leadership matters. Collaboration between CNOs and CFOs strengthens decisions and outcomes. ✅ Collective voice drives influence. AONL benefits from AHA’s advocacy and resources, while AHA gains insights as the nursing perspective provides guidance. ✅ Membership strength counts. Growth and engagement help AONL better understand needs and deliver value. The session closed with AONL updates and a clear message: alignment, collaboration and shared purpose are our greatest strengths.

This morning's opening session brought energy, inspiration and showed leadership from the inside out. ✨ Saul Blinkoff didn’t just speak—he stepped into the audience, igniting the room with powerful storytelling and a challenge to lead ourselves first. The session was a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t a title, it’s a daily choice. From cinematic moments to deeply human reflections, the room was filled with connection and courage. The keynote was made even more memorable as we honored the Prism awardee BRIDGEPORT HOSPITAL/YALE NEW HAVEN HEALTH and Pamela Austin Thompson Emerging Leader awardee Tiffany Burton. AONL celebrates leaders who are boldly stepping into their own “Life of Awesome.” 🎬🌟 Special thanks to Diane Regan DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CEN, Anthony Watkins, and Vitalize for guiding this keynote session!

Yesterday's afternoon session spotlighted the power of nurses as policymakers, featuring nurse legislators and expert facilitation by Lisa Summers of Healing Politics, who shared how clinical expertise and leadership experience shape effective advocacy. We shared the meaningful recognition of this year’s FAONL inductees, awarded by President‑Elect Stuart D. Downs DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, CPHQ, FACHE, FAONL, FAAN, President Ena Williams, PhD, MBA, RN, CENP, FAAN, FADLN, and CEO Claire Montgomery Zangerle, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, FAAN.

A powerful opening day that centered joy, purpose and the evolving voice of nurse leadership. Meaningful moments on stage, transformational conversations and a community coming together with intention set the tone from the very beginning. From inspiration and advocacy to connection and celebration, the energy carried from morning through the evening—culminating in a Chicago welcome that brought the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and sense of place to the conference. Just the beginning of an impactful week ahead! #AONL2026 #NurseLeaders #LeadershipInAction #JoyInLeadership #Chicago

What a powerful way to kick things off! With a packed house, our opening keynote set the tone for an unforgettable week—starting with the high-energy performance by the Leo High School Choir and moving into heartfelt recognition of the leaders who have shaped AONL’s legacy. We were proud to welcome CEO Claire Montgomery Zangerle, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, FAAN to the stage, followed by Ena Williams, PhD, MBA, RN, CENP, FAAN, FADLN in her first appearance as AONL President. A truly special moment: honoring our CEO Emeritus Robyn Begley DNP RN FAAN with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her legacy on nursing leadership. Underwritten by AMN Healthcare, our keynote conversation with Hoda Kotb reminded us that joy often lives in the simplest moments—and that resilience, reinvention and connection are leadership skills in their own right. Through her personal and professional journey, Hoda shared powerful lessons on showing up with heart, even in life’s most challenging seasons. We were also thrilled to host an intimate meet-and-greet following the session. An inspiring start, a full house and a packed week ahead. Let’s go! #AONL2026 #NurseLeaders #ResilientLeadership #JoyInLeadership

Tomorrow’s the day—visit us at AONL Booth #751 at #AONL2026. Explore AONL tools and resources during our power sessions, step into our recording booth to share your story, and embrace some western flair at the #AONL2027 Photo Booth. 
AONL and our many vendors look forward to seeing you on the show floor!