How time flies when your having fun!!! It has been my pleasure to serve as President of FCNI for the last two years, actually a little longer, as I assumed the position a little early. Although there was a plan to accomplish more for FCNI, I believe that some foundational work needed to be accomplished. As I transition in the month of December out of this leadership position, there are many people I would like to thank.

The President Elect, Mary Lynne Knighten has been a tremendous support to me in this work. All FCNI members can be comfortable as Mary Lynn takes leadership of the organization. She is an amazing critical thinker and will keeps everyone on their toes while providing continuous spiritual leadership for the organization. My hope is that the membership will support Mary Lynne in her leadership role by getting more involved in FCNI. Thank you MaryLynn for your support, critical thinking and dedication to FCNI!

Teri Darnell has served two full terms as Treasurer and leaves FCNI in a very solvent position going forward. Teri has provided solid financial recommendations to the Executive Committee and Board of FCNI during her terms of office. Membership has remained steady with some growth. Most of all Teri provided the leadership to secure the 501C 3 status for FCNI. That has positioned the organization to secure donations and other external funding for projects and conference development. Thank you Teri for your hard work and service to FCNI!!

Kathey Sanchez Nelson remains a strong anchor for FCNI through her meticulous minute taking. She provides an archival history of the internal work that has been done to put FCNI in a very solid position going forward. Both the Executive Committee and Board work have been made so much easier by Kathey’s diligence and accurate documentation of the work, both of the Executive Committee and the FCNI Board. Kathey will now be assuming both the Treasurer and Secretary positions for FCNI. Thank you!!

Linda Garner (Education Committee), Eugenia Graves (Co Chair of Marketing Committee) and Donna Callaghan (Research Committee) as well as Esther Brown (Spiritual Resources Committee), and Katrina Goodrich (Technology Committee) have demonstrated long term service to FCNI that have provided a stability in leadership that allows for ongoing services to the membership. Please consider joining them in this work of advancing faith community nursing by joining a committee of the FCNI Board.

I would also like to thank the newer members to the Board that have provided dedication and enrichment to the stabilization of FCNI: Mary Martin (Practice Committee), Paula Staab Polk (Fund Raising Committee) Bob Kentner ( Membership Committee) Debbie Duke (Co-Chair of the Marketing Committee, Karen May (Governance Committee) and Liz Sturgeon (Journal Committee). Each in their own way is bringing their expertise to FCNI making the organization a better resource for Faith Community Nurses. Your time, talent and dedication is appreciated.

You can see that I am blessed in having all of these faith-filled dedicated nurses to work who believe in faith community nursing. It has been my joy to be part of a bigger effort and I am grateful for having had this opportunity.