WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), the nation’s leading professional organization dedicated to improving the health of women and newborns, has officially announced the results of its most recent leadership elections. The newly elected Board of Directors, set to take office on January 1, 2027, represents a diverse cohort of clinical experts, academic researchers, and healthcare administrators tasked with navigating the increasingly complex landscape of maternal and infant healthcare in the United States.
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In addition to the leadership appointments, the organization confirmed the passage of nine critical amendments to its bylaws, signaling a strategic shift toward modernized governance and enhanced operational agility. As the healthcare industry grapples with a national maternal mortality crisis and a fluctuating nursing workforce, these leaders are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping policy, education, and clinical standards for years to come.
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Main Facts: The 2027 Leadership Roster
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The election results reflect a commitment to high-level expertise, with the incoming board members holding advanced degrees and specialized certifications that span the full spectrum of obstetric and neonatal care.
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The Executive Leadership
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Dixie K. Weber, MSN, RN, has been elected as the President-Elect. Her term will begin on January 1, 2027, serving a one-year term in this capacity before automatically ascending to the Presidency in 2028. Weber’s trajectory within the organization highlights a long-term commitment to clinical excellence and nursing advocacy. As President-Elect, she will work closely with the sitting 2027 President to ensure a seamless transition of organizational goals.
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Shellie Nelson, RN, PhD, RNC-OB, will assume the role of Secretary/Treasurer. Serving a three-year term from 2027 through 2029, Dr. Nelson will oversee the organization’s financial health and records. Given AWHONN’s status as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, the role of Secretary/Treasurer is vital for maintaining the fiscal transparency and sustainability required to fund research grants and educational programs.
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The Board of Directors
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Three distinguished professionals were elected to serve three-year terms (2027–2029) as Directors:
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- Amy Dempsey, DNP, RNC-OB, C-EFM: Bringing a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) and specialized certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM), Dr. Dempsey represents the bridge between advanced clinical practice and bedside nursing.
- Mary Dawn Koenig, PhD, RN, CNM, FACNM, FAWHONN, FAAN: A highly decorated scholar and Certified Nurse-Midwife, Dr. Koenig holds fellowships in the American Academy of Nursing and AWHONN itself. Her presence on the board ensures that academic research and midwifery integration remain at the forefront of the organization’s mission.
- Michele Woods, MSN, RNC-OB, NE-BC, C-EFM, C-ONQS, C-OBE, FAWHONN: With an extensive list of certifications including Nurse Executive (NE-BC) and Obstetric Quality and Safety (C-ONQS), Woods brings a deep understanding of hospital administration and patient safety protocols.
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Chronology: The Evolution of AWHONN and the Election Cycle
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The announcement of the 2027 board is the culmination of a rigorous democratic process designed to ensure that the voice of the membership—comprising tens of thousands of nurses—is reflected in the organization’s governance.
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A Legacy of Advocacy
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AWHONN’s roots trace back to 1969, when it was originally founded as the Nurses Association of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (NAACOG). In 1993, the organization evolved into its current form, becoming a fully independent entity focused specifically on the nursing perspective within the maternal-child health dyad.
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Over the decades, AWHONN has transitioned from a supportive arm of obstetric medicine to a powerhouse of independent advocacy. The election of the 2027 board marks a new chapter in this history. The timeline for this transition began months ago with a national call for nominations, followed by a vetting process conducted by the Nominating Committee, and finally, a month-long voting period where eligible members cast their ballots.
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The Strategic Implementation Timeline
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While the announcement has been made in the present, the "staggered" nature of the board ensures stability.
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- Late 2026: Outgoing board members will conduct orientation sessions for the newly elected officials.
- January 1, 2027: The new term officially commences.
- 2027–2029: The Directors and Secretary/Treasurer execute their three-year strategic plans.
- January 1, 2028: Dixie K. Weber succeeds to the Presidency, providing continuity of leadership.
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Supporting Data: The High Stakes of Maternal and Neonatal Health
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The incoming board does not take office in a vacuum. They inherit a healthcare landscape characterized by both significant challenges and opportunities for reform. The data surrounding the current state of nursing and maternal health underscores the importance of strong leadership.
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The Maternal Health Crisis
The United States continues to face a maternal mortality crisis that disproportionately affects women of color. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. maternal mortality rate remains the highest among developed nations. Data indicates that approximately 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. The 2027 board will be tasked with promoting AWHONN’s "Postpartum Discharge Education Program" and other initiatives aimed at reducing these statistics through standardized nursing protocols.
The Nursing Shortage and Workforce Retention
The nursing profession is currently experiencing a "silver tsunami" of retirements coupled with high rates of burnout following the global pandemic.
- Projected Shortage: Recent studies suggest a shortage of nearly 200,000 to 450,000 registered nurses in the U.S. by 2025.
- Specialty Impact: Obstetric and neonatal nursing require high-acuity skills. The loss of veteran nurses in these fields creates a "knowledge gap" that AWHONN’s new leadership must address through enhanced mentoring and educational resources.
The Role of Certification
The credentials held by the new board members—such as RNC-OB (Inpatient Obstetric Nursing) and C-EFM (Electronic Fetal Monitoring)—are more than just titles. Data shows that units with higher percentages of certified nurses often see better patient outcomes, including lower rates of birth trauma and improved neonatal resuscitation success. By electing a board heavy on certified experts, the AWHONN membership has signaled a desire for a "clinical-first" approach to leadership.
Official Responses and Organizational Mission
In a statement following the announcement, AWHONN reaffirmed its commitment to its core mission: to empower and support nurses caring for women, newborns, and their families through research, education, and advocacy.
Analyzing the Bylaws Amendments
The approval of nine amendments to the bylaws is a significant move for the organization’s internal health. While the specific details of the amendments were handled through internal member communications, such changes typically involve:
- Digital Integration: Updating voting and meeting protocols to reflect modern technology.
- Inclusivity: Ensuring that the language of the organization reflects a diverse membership and patient base.
- Efficiency: Streamlining the decision-making process to allow the board to respond more quickly to legislative changes or public health emergencies.
The Voice of Leadership
Though the board members will not officially speak for the organization until their term begins, the mission of AWHONN serves as their guiding light. The organization’s focus on 501(c)3 nonprofit work means that every decision made by Weber, Nelson, and the Directors must align with the public good.
Shannon Doolin, a key contact for the organization, emphasized that AWHONN remains the premier source for professional resources. "Through its programs, publications, and professional resources, AWHONN supports healthcare professionals and advances the health of women, newborns, and families nationwide," the organization stated.
Implications: What This Means for the Industry
The election of this specific board has several long-term implications for the nursing profession and the patients they serve.
1. Advocacy at the Federal Level
With leaders like Dr. Koenig and Michele Woods, who have deep ties to both academia and hospital administration, AWHONN is likely to increase its presence on Capitol Hill. The organization has historically been a strong supporter of the "Momnibus Act," a series of bills designed to address the maternal mortality crisis. The 2027 board will likely continue this push, advocating for federal funding for nursing education and maternal health equity.
2. Standardization of Care
The diverse certifications of the new board suggest a focus on "evidence-based practice." In the world of labor and delivery, variability in care can lead to adverse outcomes. Under this new leadership, the industry can expect updated "Position Statements" on critical issues like continuous labor support, neonatal skin-to-skin contact, and the management of obstetric hemorrhage.
3. Focus on Health Equity
As the healthcare industry moves toward a more equitable model, the 2027 board will be responsible for ensuring that AWHONN’s educational materials address social determinants of health. This includes training nurses to recognize implicit bias and advocating for better care in rural "OB Deserts"—areas where maternity wards have closed, leaving pregnant women without local access to care.
4. Professional Development in a Digital Age
With the approval of the new bylaws, there is a clear mandate for the organization to evolve. This likely means a greater investment in "micro-learning" modules, webinars, and digital toolkits that provide nurses with real-time access to the latest clinical guidelines at the bedside.
Conclusion
The announcement of the 2027 AWHONN Board of Directors is a landmark moment for the association. By selecting a group of leaders who embody the highest standards of clinical, academic, and administrative excellence, the membership has prepared itself for the challenges of the late 2020s.
As Dixie K. Weber prepares to lead the organization into 2028, the focus remains clear: supporting the nurses who serve as the backbone of maternal and neonatal health. In an era where healthcare is rapidly changing, the stability and expertise of this newly elected board will be essential in ensuring that every woman and newborn receives the highest quality of care.
For more information, please contact:
Shannon Doolin
202-261-2410
[email protected]
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)
