American Nurses Association\California and Nurses on Boards Coalition Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Nurse Leadership and Community Impact
Updated: 14 hours ago
October 6th, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The American Nurses Association\California (ANA\C) and the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership dedicated to expanding nurse leadership, increasing nurse representation in governance, and amplifying the voice of nursing in decisions that shape the health and well-being of communities across California.
The partnership brings together two organizations with a shared mission: to empower nurses to lead, influence policy and organizational decision-making, and improve outcomes for the communities they serve. By bringing together their expertise, networks, and resources, ANA\C and NOBC will create new opportunities for nurses to serve on corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, education, and community boards throughout the state.
Nurses have been ranked among the most ethical and trusted professionals for 24 consecutive years and possess unique skills in strategic thinking, healthcare, population health, problem-solving and quality improvement, advocacy, ethics, communications, and systems leadership. Through this collaboration, ANA\C and NOBC will work to ensure these perspectives are represented in boardrooms and leadership spaces where critical decisions are made.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to developing and elevating nurses as leaders,” said Cole Edmonson, CEO of the Nurses on Boards Coalition. “When nurses serve on boards, organizations benefit from their expertise, lived experience, and unwavering focus on improving outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.”
Through the partnership, ANA\C and NOBC will:
Promote board service as a meaningful pathway for nursing leadership and civic engagement.
Connect nurses with opportunities to serve on governing and advisory boards.
Provide education, resources, and mentorship to prepare nurses for successful board service.
Advocate for greater inclusion of nursing perspectives in organizational and community decision-making.
Strengthen the influence of nurses as leaders within healthcare and beyond.
“ANA\C is proud to partner with NOBC to advance our shared vision of nurses leading at every level,” said Dr. Marketa Houskova, ANA\C CEO. “Together, we will support nurses in translating their existing expertise into broader community impact and help ensure that decisions affecting health and well-being are informed by the nursing perspective.”
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, nurses are increasingly called upon to serve as innovators, advocates, and strategic leaders. This partnership reflects a mutual commitment to preparing and positioning nurses to serve wherever decisions are being made, from healthcare institutions and nonprofit organizations to businesses, foundations, and public boards.
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About the American Nurses Association\California
The American Nurses Association\California is the professional association representing the interests of registered nurses in California. ANA\C advances the nursing profession through advocacy, leadership development, professional excellence, and efforts to improve health outcomes for all Californians.
About the Nurses on Boards Coalition
The Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) is a national movement dedicated to increasing the presence and influence of nurses on governing boards and other decision-making bodies. NOBC works to prepare, support, and connect nurses with board service opportunities, recognizing the vital role of nursing leadership in creating healthier communities.
Media Contacts -American Nurses Association\California
Chelsea Gianna, Senior Communications Coordinator
Jared Fesler, Director of Programs and Communications
Nurses on Boards Coalition
Cole Edmonson, DNP, RN, FAAN
CEO, Nurses on Boards Coalition
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