As we journey through a transition in seasons here in Western New York it is a time of great reflection and an opportunity for gratitude.  Having begun my year as President of the Professional Nurses Association I’d like to acknowledge a number of things I am grateful for.

I’d first like to acknowledge the mentorship I received as President-elect from Julie Woodworth.  Her leadership and guidance has set the association on a path for continued advancement and growth.  Working with the Board of Directors last year through a SWOT analysis and resetting the PNAs trajectory was exciting and has provided a framework for the future.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have worked with the 100th Anniversary Planning Committee.  As the chair of the committee, Michele McKay worked tirelessly for 18 months coordinating the many, many projects and fine details it took to put together an amazing event.  It has been an honor working with and learning from her past experience as President of the organization.  The other members of the committee also deserve a round of acknowledgement for their dedication and hard work.  Thank you to Diane Ceravolo, Mary Ann Deb, Mary D'Angelo, Janice Cooke Feigenbaum, Marilyn Fleischman, Donna Jones, Michele McKay, Eileen Nahigian, Linda Scharf, and Brittany Wilson.  For those who made it to the event know what a great celebration it turned out to be.  Please visit our website at wnypna.org for video and photos from the event.

I am excited and grateful to be working with our new Board of Directors for this upcoming year.  We have already begun planning some exciting new initiatives for the association that include partnering with other ANA-NY affiliates for networking and continuing education.  Going into the organization’s next century, we are also working towards a rebranding…new century, new look!  It takes a bit of work for these initiatives to be successful, so for that, we need your help. Please take moment and check out all the committees on our website and consider becoming an active member.  The membership committee led by Nicole Miller and Arlene Zawadzski is looking for volunteers to help reach out to new nurses and those who have yet been engaged with the PNA.  The legislative committee, led by Cyndy Curran is in frequent contact with ANA-NY and our representatives to keep us abreast of legislation that can impact healthcare and nursing in WNY.  In addition to those and others that are posted, we have created an ad hoc committee this year for Media & Social Networking.  This committee will work on developing new and increasing our current online presence as well as creating opportunities for ongoing social activities in the community.

It is with a heart full of gratitude that I enter this year’s holiday season.  Please enjoy time with friends and family and rejoice in all that you are grateful for.  I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events including the concerts from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in December.

Thank you,

Ron Oakes