Emergency Nurses Association Elected Vanessa Gorman
The international organization selected its first global president-elect to lead in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
Live Poll
Should professional associations prioritize global representation when electing their leadership?
Members of the Emergency Nurses Association have elected Vanessa Gorman to serve as the organization's 2027 president-elect. Gorman, who resides in Australia, is the first international member to hold the position in the association's history.
Why it matters
The election reflects the expanding global reach of the Emergency Nurses Association as it coordinates professional standards for thousands of practitioners. This transition ensures continuity in leadership as the organization prepares for the 2028 presidential term.
The association represents a base of 40,000 members worldwide. This election fills the president-elect position for 2027 and the presidency for 2028.
The players
Vanessa Gorman
She is the first global member elected as president-elect of the Emergency Nurses Association.
Chris Parker
He is the incoming 2027 president of the Emergency Nurses Association.
Tyler Babcock
He was elected to serve as the 2027 secretary/treasurer for the organization.
Heidi Gilbert
She was elected to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
Heather Knapp
She was elected to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
The details
During the Emergency Nursing 2026 conference in Phoenix, the organization also appointed Tyler Babcock as secretary/treasurer. Heidi Gilbert and Heather Knapp were elected to join the Board of Directors to help guide the group's ongoing professional initiatives.
Timeline
The Emergency Nurses Association was founded in 1970.
Election results were announced on October 1, 2026.
Vanessa Gorman will serve as president-elect in 2027.
Vanessa Gorman will serve as president in 2028.
Market Landscape
The organization's shift toward global leadership reflects the increasing internationalization of medical professional associations. This move positions the ENA to broaden its influence beyond its domestic roots to better support a diverse global membership base.
Members can expect the new leadership to begin steering the organization's policy and professional development goals starting in 2027. The shift in leadership indicates a potential change in the international outreach and support programs available to the association's 40,000 members.
The takeaway
The election of an international president-elect highlights the growing global nature of professional nursing standards. Nurses should monitor upcoming announcements from the organization to understand how this leadership transition will affect professional certification and support resources.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership roles and professional opportunities, visit the Nursing Jobs section.
Live Poll
Should professional associations prioritize global representation when electing their leadership?
