Why do you seek an officer position on the ENA Board of Directors?
I am seeking the role of President-elect to help guide ENA through a time of transition with clarity, purpose, and momentum. As we continue to evolve following our restructuring earlier this year and prepare for new executive leadership, the need for steady, strategic governance is paramount. I am committed to supporting this process while ensuring ENA remains focused on its core mission: advocating for and advancing emergency nursing.
Emergency nurses are facing unprecedented challenges—and ENA must continue to lead with relevance, responsiveness, and results. I bring experience in systems-level leadership, financial stewardship, and professional development that aligns with ENA’s strategic priorities. I believe in strong partnerships, transparent communication, and fostering a culture where innovation and accountability thrive.
This role is about more than representation—it's about setting direction. I want to help shape ENA’s next chapter by strengthening our impact, aligning our resources, and creating pathways for future nurse leaders to thrive. Serving as President-elect is not only an honor—it’s a responsibility I am ready to fulfill.
How does your academic, professional background and experience on the ENA Board make you a qualified officer candidate?
Throughout my career, I have been guided by a passion for advancing emergency nursing and strengthening the teams who deliver lifesaving care. My academic achievements, including an advanced degree and multiple specialty certifications, have provided a strong foundation in leadership, clinical excellence, and organizational strategy.
Professionally, I bring experience spanning prehospital care, emergency department leadership, aeromedical transport, academia, and professional development. Each role has deepened my understanding of operations, strategic planning, and the vital role emergency nurses play across the healthcare continuum.
My service on the ENA Board, including my current role as Secretary/Treasurer, has allowed me to work collaboratively to drive strategic initiatives, uphold strong financial stewardship, and shape priorities that support ENA’s long-term success. Together with my board colleagues, I have helped ensure ENA remains responsive to emerging needs while staying grounded in our mission.
As a President-elect candidate, I am committed to combining experience with heart—bringing disciplined leadership, transparent communication, and a future-focused mindset to guide ENA’s next chapter. I believe the strength of emergency nursing lies in the unity of our voices, and I am ready to lead in a way that ensures every emergency nurse is heard, supported, and empowered.
Outline the specific skills you bring, or contributions you hope to make as you continue your role on the Board as an officer position.
As President-elect, I aim to contribute a steady, strategic voice focused on advancing ENA’s operational excellence, leadership continuity, and long-term relevance. In a time of organizational change, I bring experience in leading through uncertainty—balancing short-term needs with long-term vision.
I will focus on enhancing member engagement and retention by ensuring that ENA delivers consistent value through high-quality education, accessible leadership development, and timely, impactful resources. Listening to members is critical but so is aligning their needs with the organization’s strategic priorities and governance responsibilities.
I also see an opportunity to expand ENA’s influence through stronger interdisciplinary and cross-association collaboration. By aligning with other healthcare organizations and professional groups on shared challenges, we can amplify our advocacy, strengthen emergency nursing’s role in the broader healthcare landscape, and drive solutions that no single profession can achieve alone.
As President-Elect, I will strive to foster a culture of accountability, cohesion, and trust—within the board, across our volunteer structure, and with ENA staff. My goal is to contribute to a forward-looking board that is focused, adaptable, and prepared to lead ENA confidently into its next chapter.
Provide a narrative that exemplifies how you demonstrate the Board competencies.
As Secretary/Treasurer, I’ve had the opportunity to support ENA’s financial stewardship while actively contributing to our governance and strategic priorities. This role has strengthened my business acumen—ensuring that budgets, investments, and planning decisions align with ENA’s long-term vision. I prepare intentionally, communicate clearly, and consistently show up to board meetings engaged, informed, and ready to contribute to thoughtful, mission-aligned decisions.
Professionally, I lead an interdisciplinary team as Clinical Professional Development Manager, where I guided a systemwide review of onboarding practices. By collaborating with stakeholders across departments, we identified inefficiencies and developed standardized processes that improved outcomes and reduced variability—demonstrating collaboration, decision-making, and strategic thinking.
At the national level, I represent ENA on the Pediatric Readiness Steering Committee, where I advocate for ENA’s priorities while working alongside strategic partners. This appointment reflects not only professionalism but also the trust placed in me to carry ENA’s voice forward in influential spaces.
I bring a future-focused mindset to the boardroom—asking critical questions, encouraging innovation, and supporting the development of new leaders. Whether mentoring colleagues or helping shape ENA’s next chapter, I remain committed to advancing our mission with integrity, purpose, and a collaborative spirit.
To reach Chris, contact him at clparker2008@gmail.com.