I can’t believe how 2023 has flown by in the blink of any eye! NOVA has had a very busy and productive year. The 43rd Annual Meeting in Las Vegas last month was a huge success thanks to all of you. One of the biggest benefits of being a NOVA member is the networking and I saw networking in full force during the meeting. Our theme focused on the stars of healthcare-all of you! The speakers were fantastic and our sponsors and exhibitors really helped to make this one of NOVA’s best events. 

I am excited to see all of you in March at our Hill Day event in Washington, DC, and then again in Virginia Beach, VA, for the 44th Annual Meeting in October. These meetings and events wouldn’t be possible without our engaged committee members bringing ideas to the table. If you aren’t involved in one of NOVA’s committees, please consider joining one. That’s where the work gets done.

As 2023 comes to an end, I will be handing the gavel to NOVA’s next President, Cathy Giasson. I know you are in good hands and I am excited to watch NOVA continue to grow under her leadership.

I will move into the role of Immediate Past President and I want to thank NOVA’s current Immediate Past President, Kelly Skinner, for her years of leadership and commitment to NOVA. She led the organization through some tough times during her tenure including the height of the COVID pandemic. I know she will continue to be one of NOVA’s biggest champions.

Being part of NOVA’s Board of Directors has been one of the best experiences of my life. I have learned so much more about caring for Veterans, advocacy, and VA in general than I would have without NOVA. NOVA is the only nursing organization that advocates for VA nurses and I am so proud to be surrounded by the best nurses in the business.