WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a move that signals a continued commitment to clinical excellence, advocacy, and professional development, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) has officially announced the results of its most recent elections. The newly elected leaders, set to take their seats on January 1, 2027, represent a diverse cross-section of the nursing profession, bringing together experts in clinical practice, academic research, and healthcare administration.
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This announcement comes at a pivotal time for the nursing profession, particularly in the sectors of obstetrics and neonatology, as the United States continues to grapple with maternal mortality challenges, nursing workforce shortages, and the evolving landscape of reproductive healthcare. The 2027 Board of Directors will be tasked with navigating these complexities while advancing AWHONN’s mission to improve the health of women and newborns.
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Main Facts: A New Chapter in Organizational Governance
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The election results highlight a leadership team characterized by high-level academic credentials and extensive frontline experience. Leading the incoming cohort is Dixie K. Weber, MSN, RN, who has been elected as the President-Elect for 2027. Under AWHONN’s leadership structure, Weber will serve a one-year term in this capacity before automatically ascending to the role of President in 2028. This "succession-style" leadership model is designed to ensure organizational stability and a smooth transition of strategic priorities.
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Joining Weber in the executive ranks is Shellie Nelson, RN, PhD, RNC-OB, who will serve as Secretary/Treasurer for a three-year term spanning 2027 through 2029. Nelson’s dual background in clinical practice and doctoral research positions her as a key steward of the organization’s fiscal and administrative health.
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The Board of Directors will also be bolstered by three new Directors, each serving three-year terms (2027-2029):
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- Amy Dempsey, DNP, RNC-OB, C-EFM
- Mary Dawn Koenig, PhD, RN, CNM, FACNM, FAWHONN, FAAN
- Michele Woods, MSN, RNC-OB, NE-BC, C-EFM, C-ONQS, C-OBE, FAWHONN
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In addition to the personnel changes, AWHONN confirmed that its voting membership approved nine amendments to the organization’s bylaws. These amendments are intended to modernize the association’s governance and ensure that its foundational rules remain aligned with the contemporary needs of its 22,500+ members.
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Chronology: The Path to the 2027 Leadership Term
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The selection of the 2027 Board is the culmination of a rigorous, multi-month democratic process. In the nursing association world, the path to leadership is rarely a quick one; it involves a series of steps designed to vet candidates for their dedication to the field and their ability to represent a national membership.
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- Call for Nominations: The process began over a year in advance, with a nationwide call for nominations. Members were encouraged to identify peers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in maternal-child health.
- Candidate Review: AWHONN’s Nominating Committee reviewed dozens of applications, assessing candidates based on their clinical contributions, previous service to the association (at local or national levels), and their vision for the future of nursing.
- The Election Period: Following the vetting process, a final slate of candidates was presented to the general membership. Voting took place via a secure digital platform, allowing nurses from across the country to have their voices heard.
- The Announcement: The results were tabulated and verified, leading to the official announcement from Washington, D.C.
- The Transition Phase: Between now and January 1, 2027, the electees will undergo an orientation period. They will shadow current board members, participate in strategic planning sessions, and prepare to take over the governance of the association.
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This chronological lead time is essential. It ensures that by the time Dixie K. Weber and her colleagues officially take office, they are fully integrated into the ongoing legislative and educational initiatives that AWHONN champions.
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Supporting Data: The Expertise Behind the Titles
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The 2027 board is notable for its high concentration of specialized certifications and advanced degrees. To understand the significance of this leadership team, one must look at the "alphabet soup" of credentials following their names, which represent thousands of hours of specialized study and practice.
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- Clinical Specialization: Several board members, including Dempsey, Woods, and Nelson, hold the RNC-OB (Inpatient Obstetric Nursing) and C-EFM (Electronic Fetal Monitoring) certifications. These are the gold standards for nurses working on labor and delivery units. The inclusion of leaders with these credentials ensures that AWHONN’s policies remain grounded in the realities of bedside care.
- Academic Rigor: With three PhDs and a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) on the incoming board, the leadership team is heavily weighted toward evidence-based practice. Mary Dawn Koenig, for instance, is not only a PhD but also a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) and a Fellow of AWHONN (FAWHONN). These designations are reserved for the top tier of nursing scholars whose work has had a national impact on health policy and clinical outcomes.
- Administrative Oversight: Michele Woods brings the NE-BC (Nurse Executive-Board Certified) and C-ONQS (Obstetric Nursing Quality and Safety) credentials. In an era where hospital systems are increasingly focused on "High Reliability" and patient safety metrics, having a board member specialized in quality and safety is a strategic advantage for AWHONN.
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The approval of nine bylaws amendments also provides critical data regarding the organization’s health. While the specific text of the amendments was not detailed in the brief, such changes typically involve updating membership categories to be more inclusive of various nursing roles or streamlining voting procedures to increase member engagement.
Official Responses: A Vision for Empowerment
While the press release serves as a formal notification, the underlying message from AWHONN is one of empowerment and advocacy. The association has long maintained that nurses are the backbone of the maternal-child healthcare system, and the selection of this board reinforces that stance.
In a statement reflecting the organization’s mission, AWHONN emphasized that these leaders are chosen to "empower and support nurses caring for women, newborns, and their families through research, education, and advocacy."
Representatives for the association indicate that the 2027 board will focus on three primary pillars:
- Research: Funding and promoting studies that lead to safer birthing practices and improved neonatal outcomes.
- Education: Providing nurses with the continuing education needed to stay current with rapidly changing medical technologies and protocols.
- Advocacy: Working with federal and state legislators to pass laws that protect maternal health, address racial disparities in birth outcomes, and support the nursing workforce.
"The Association is thrilled to welcome these distinguished professionals to the Board," a spokesperson noted. "Their collective expertise is exactly what is needed to lead AWHONN into the latter half of the decade, ensuring that every woman and newborn receives the highest standard of care."
Implications: What This Means for the Future of Nursing
The election of the 2027 Board has implications that extend far beyond the boardroom in Washington, D.C. The decisions made by these individuals will influence the clinical guidelines used in thousands of hospitals across North America.
Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis
The United States currently faces a maternal mortality rate that is higher than almost any other developed nation, with significant disparities affecting Black and Indigenous communities. The 2027 board, with its strong emphasis on quality, safety (C-ONQS), and research (PhD/DNP), will be responsible for spearheading AWHONN’s "Postpartum Support" and "Respectful Care" initiatives. These programs aim to reduce preventable deaths by training nurses to recognize early warning signs of complications like hemorrhage and preeclampsia.
Workforce Retention and Mental Health
The nursing profession is currently navigating a period of high burnout. By 2027, the long-term effects of the post-pandemic nursing shortage will still be a primary concern. The incoming board will need to advocate for safer staffing ratios and better support systems for neonatal and obstetric nurses, who often face high-stress environments and secondary traumatic stress.
Advancing Neonatal Care
With experts like Mary Dawn Koenig and Amy Dempsey on the board, there is a clear signal that neonatal health remains a top priority. As medical technology allows for the survival of increasingly premature infants, the role of the neonatal nurse becomes more complex. The 2027 board will likely oversee the development of new standards for "Small Baby Pods" and neuroprotective care in the NICU.
Legislative Influence
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, AWHONN’s advocacy arm is a powerful force on Capitol Hill. The 2027 board will be the "face" of the organization when meeting with lawmakers. Their credentials and clinical stories will be used to lobby for the "Momnibus" Act and other legislation aimed at expanding Medicaid coverage for postpartum care and funding nursing education.
Conclusion
The announcement of the 2027 AWHONN Board of Directors is more than a routine administrative update; it is a strategic positioning of the organization to meet the healthcare challenges of the future. By electing a mix of clinical experts, researchers, and administrative leaders, AWHONN has ensured that it possesses the intellectual and professional capital necessary to protect the health of women and newborns.
As Dixie K. Weber prepares to take the mantle of President-Elect, the nursing community looks forward to a period of stability, innovation, and fierce advocacy. For the families served by these nurses, the 2027 board represents a promise: that their care will be guided by the best evidence, the strongest advocates, and the most dedicated leaders the profession has to offer.
About AWHONN
The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit membership organization. Our mission is to empower and support nurses caring for women, newborns, and their families through research, education, and advocacy. Through its programs, publications, and professional resources, AWHONN supports healthcare professionals and advances the health of women, newborns, and families nationwide.
Media Contact:
Shannon Doolin
202-261-2410
[email protected]
