This past year has been one of remarkable momentum for ALSN, marked by collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to advancing nursing leadership science with purpose and impact. Across every corner of our organization, members and leaders have leaned into bold ideas that are expanding our reach, strengthening our science, and shaping the future of nursing leadership, locally and globally.
One of the most exciting signs of this momentum is the growing international footprint of ALSN. Many of you challenged ALSN to fully lean into our identity as a global organization. You asked us to think bigger, reach wider, and lead boldly beyond boarders. I am thrilled to say: that vision is becoming reality.
This momentum comes alive most visibly through our International Ambassadors Program, launched in 2025, and our upcoming 2026 ALSN Virtual Global Nursing Leadership Science Conference (May 29, 2026), our first-ever virtual global conference. This gathering will bring nurse leaders, scholars, and innovators from around the world together to learn, connect, and collaborate, because the future of nursing leadership science is, unquestionably, global.
That same spirit of collaboration was on full display this past month with our international webinar, “Navigating the Future Together: Shaping Global Nursing Leadership through Collaborative Science and Practice.” Envisioned, developed, and implemented by the International Membership Committee, the response was extraordinary—over 300 registrations and 99 live attendees, making it the largest webinar ALSN has ever hosted. Featuring Dr. Pam Cipriano and Dr. Joyce Fitzpatrick, the conversation explored the current state of global collaboration in nursing leadership science and practice, why it matters now more than ever, and strategies to strengthen our collective work. This success speaks to both the relevance of the topic and the appetite within our community for global engagement.
I also want to recognize and celebrate the tremendous efforts of our Programs Planning Committee, whose leadership has shaped a bold and inspiring vision for this year’s ALSN Annual Conference in Los Angeles. Centered on collaboration and leading with purpose, this theme reflects what nursing leadership science demands of us today, and what our members are uniquely positioned to deliver. Behind the scenes, the committee is now hard at work reviewing abstracts for the conference, and I’m thrilled to share that we received one of the largest numbers of abstract submissions in ALSN’s history. This extraordinary response reflects the vitality of our field and the trust our members place in ALSN as a home for innovative, high‑impact nursing leadership science.
Over the past year, the Professional Development Committee has worked tirelessly to increase the frequency, reach, and impact of ALSN webinars, delivering outstanding educational offerings that continue to grow our community and strengthen our influence. Of particular note is their commitment to deepening our partnership with the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC). Through co‑sponsored webinars spanning topics such as finance from the bedside to the boardroom, the epidemiology of compassion, and the nurse leader as coach, we have brought the best of both organizations to life. These collaborative efforts have created greater value for ALSN and NOBC members than either organization could have achieved alone.
A special thank you to Dr. Todd Tussing, Director of Programs and Professional Development, whose leadership, dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit are generating new learning opportunities for our members (stay tuned!) and shaping what promises to be an outstanding conference this September. Todd, you exemplify the values of leadership, service, and collaboration that define the very best of nurse leaders.
To every board member, committee chair, and committee member who has given time, talent, and vision to ALSN: you are making a meaningful difference. Your work is elevating our collective knowledge, expanding our networks, and amplifying our influence, globally.
I encourage each of you to stay engaged, take advantage of these opportunities, and register for both our 2026 Los Angeles (in-person) Conference and the 2026 Virtual Global Conference. I look forward to seeing each of you there! Together, we are leading with purpose and shaping the future of nursing leadership science.
Together in leadership,
Heather Nelson‑Brantley, PhD, RN, NEA‑BC, CNE, FAAN
President, ALSN
