On October 28, 2017, the Georgia Nurses Association 2015 - 2017 board of directors will recognize two years of successful endeavors as it completes its term in office. Throughout the leadership of former CEO, Mr. Marcus Downs, association members have gained added value through active legislative participation, member engagement, and membership growth.

Georgia Nurses Association retained the branding and public relations firm, Impact Branding Consulting, Inc in December, 2016 to re-brand the organization. Since initiating the new branding strategy, active membership engagement has grown from 2,400 to 2,800. Member engagement increased by hosting monthly signature member outreach events, including the Pre-Legislative Workshop and Legislative Day at the Capitol.

GNA also attended nursing and healthcare events, including local nursing fairs, trade shows, conferences and expos. The association strengthened relationships with the American Association of Retired Persons, Georgians for a Healthy Future, and the Georgia Access Coalition. Member benefits were created with Mutual of Omaha, Allstate Roadside Assist and Jon Ric to name a few. The full roster of member benefits may be viewed online at www.GeorgiaNurses.org.

GNA passed and initiated several legislative initiatives, including the Nurses Licensure Compact, the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Study on Barriers to Practice, the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists’s authority to administer drugs, CVS’s expansion on the number of APRNs that a physician may enter into contract, and the Pre-Trial Intervention Program’s initiative to provide incentive to nurses in rural areas.

Other programs enacted in 2017 include a partnership with Gwinnett Technical College, Indiana Wesleyan University and Grand Canyon University, an internship program for high school seniors through Shiloh High School, a back-to-school book bag drive, an ongoing Domino’s Pizza Fundraiser and the Spring Family Expo. All programs’ revenue support GNA’s mission to shape the future of professional nursing.

Going forward, GNA will focus on adding value to members, increasing membership, and strengthening their relationships with corporations, healthcare organizations, industry associations, the public and schools of nursing. GNA also reinstated their accreditation status to approve Continuing Nursing Education credits, and soon to be an accredited provider.

The 2015-2017 board of directors include: Aimee Manion, President; Judy Malachowski, President-Elect; Thea Sullivan, Secretary; Jill Williams, Treasurer; Kathy Williams, Director Leadership Development; Mary Watson, Director Membership Development; Richard Lamphier, Director Legislation/Public Policy; Joanne Butler, Director Staff Nurse; Sherry Sims, Director Nursing Practice & Advocacy; Suzanne Staebler, Director Advanced Practice Registered Nurse; Catherine Futch, GNF President; Marcus Downs, Ex-Officio, GNA/GNF CEO.

Leadership for the approaching term will be announced October 28, 2017.