Newly elected leaders will represent and advocate for nearly 90,000 clinical nurse specialists across the country.
WAKEFIELD, Mass. – Dec. 29, 2025 – The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) announced the results of its 2026 leadership election, naming three incoming board members, four nominating committee members, and the 2026 president-elect. Their terms will begin following the NACNS Annual Conference in March 2026.
As the voice for nearly 90,000 clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) nationwide, NACNS advances the work of this essential group of advanced practice registered nurses. CNSs contribute deep clinical expertise across settings, support complex care decisions, and help strengthen patient outcomes through evidence-based practice and informed leadership.
Current President Rick Bassett, MSN, RN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, FCNS, LSSGB, welcomed the newly elected leaders and reflected on the responsibilities that lie ahead for the CNS community.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to our newly elected colleagues. Their commitment comes at a time when clinical nurse specialists are contending with significant pressures across practice environments, education pathways and workforce sustainability. Serving our membership remains central to keeping this role strong, and I’m confident that our new leaders will help advance that work with clarity and purpose.”
2026 President, Jackeline Iseler, DNP, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE, FCNS, added, “I am delighted to welcome our new representatives and am grateful for their willingness to step into these important roles. Working together, we will continue to reinforce the strength and visibility of the clinical nurse specialist profession. Their leadership will be instrumental in supporting CNSs nationwide and in advancing the standards of practice that our patients and health systems rely on.”
Alec Stone, MA, MPA, CNE, will continue to serve as the NACNS Executive Director. His role was introduced in 2025 to provide continuity, additional advocacy, and long term vision to the organization.
Newly elected leadership for 2026 includes:
2026 President-Elect
- Kayla M. Little, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, PCCN, FCNS
Board of Directors
- Mary Lawanson-Nichols, MSN, RN, CNS, NP, CCRN, FCNS
- David F. Bradley Jr., Lt Col (Ret.), USAF, DNP, MSN, AGCNS-BC, CNOR, FCNS
- Marcia S. Cornell, DNP, APRN-CNS, RN, ACNS-BC, NPD-BC, CEN, TCRN, FCNS
Nominating Committee Members
- Audrey Tran, MSN, RN, AACNS-N, Maj, USAF, NC
- Samantha DiBlasi, MSN, RN, NP-C, CNS, CEN
- Matthew Blake, DNP, RN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CNOR, DiMM, Maj, AN
- Christina Vejnovich, DNP, APRN-CNS, AGCNS-BC, CDP, CADDCT, PCCN-K
About The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
NACNS is the only national association in the U.S. representing the CNS. It is committed to showing the value of the CNS as an APRN, embracing full practice authority for all CNSs, providing support to individual CNSs, CNS programs, and entities employing CNSs, and achieving and maintaining organizational excellence. NACNS strives to meet its vision that every CNS is an APRN with a full scope of practice and is a transformative innovator leading improvement across healthcare environments. For more information or to join NACNS, click here.
Media Contact
Claudia Houde
NACNS Public Relations
Tel: (781) 876-6227
Email: choude@virtualinc.com