Why do you seek an officer position on the ENA Board of Directors?
This is my 30th year in nursing, with 29 years in emergency care with experience in clinical care, management, and leadership. Utilizing my experiences I can contribute effectively to ensuring a strong future for emergency nursing.
Having the privilege of serving members and emergency nurses globally through a professional organization such as ENA is humbling. I have valued my time gaining a greater understanding of the organization and then guiding and influencing strategies that have far-reaching consequences.
I lead by example which is evidenced by continuing my professional development and having high aspirations for achievement. My professional ambitions, which I have been working toward for the past four years, will be achieved by this officer position. I’ve made an investment in strengthening organizational knowledge and leading strategic planning, fostering deeper bonds with staff and members, and enhancing communication with our state leaders.
The Secretary/Treasurer is a position that requires the person to be of high integrity and have the trust of the board, members, internal and external stakeholders. I am a highly regarded trustworthy professional who maintains the highest of integrity.
I am prepared to take on the responsibilities of an officer to grow and support ENA’s strategic vision.
How does your academic, professional background and experience on the ENA Board make you a qualified officer candidate?
I demonstrate commitment, initiative, desire, and enthusiasm in the boardroom to make sure that our organization keeps striving for excellence. My leadership, teamwork, governance, and strategic thinking skills have supported strong board performance and culture. I have grown in my corporate governance knowledge and personally learnt more about my power of influence.
I have held senior leadership positions in State Government Health Departments, and have experience in the clinical area, education, projects, and quality improvement. My professional development, facilitated by all these roles, strengthens my broad knowledge and experience to seek an officer position with ENA.
I hold a Masters in Specialty Nursing and am completing my Doctor of Nursing Practice – Executive Leadership. I’m a published author on topics related to emergency nursing and have presented at conferences globally.
As the lead board director for financial management and oversight, collaborating with ENA's finance committee, I possess the experience, competence, and confidence needed to guarantee that board decisions—which depend on precise organization budget data to guide choices and set objectives—are made with assurance.
I currently manage a $200 million budget as the Director of Regional Operations, and I have a strong background in emergency department business and finance.
Outline the specific skills you bring, or contributions you hope to make as you continue your role on the Board as an officer position.
I will lead and strengthen the organizations practical, legal and ethical duties by defining and supporting the strategic vision, goals and purpose of ENA.
I will lead and influence in a positive way that steers ENA toward fulfilling our mission in the most effective way possible. To achieve this, I will use my ability and influence to engage, communicate, and build our stakeholder relationships through my innate ability to make connections. Bringing our stakeholders together in meaningful ways that benefit ENA.
I will lead in financial accountability and support others to develop and grow.
I will drive more person-to-person connectedness and show our members how the Board drives towards strategic goals and achieving our vision and mission.
I will lead and guide Board Directors through agenda items for discussion. I will ensure that all Board Directors are prepared for discussions and decisions, by giving more detailed tasks or direction and building accountability as required. I will focus on team success of the Board and how we represent members.
I value my effective communication skills and my ability to be organized and prioritize tasks. I will use my drive to plan for my successor and set them up for success.
Provide a narrative that exemplifies how you demonstrate the Board competencies.
Achieving the competencies outlined for ENA Board members requires a blend of intentional behaviors, continuous self-improvement, and a focus on both short- and long-term organizational success. To demonstrate Collaboration, I foster a team-oriented mindset by managing emotions and contributing positively to group dynamics. I invite feedback and focus on resolving conflicts effectively by supporting consensus-building.
Decision Making, gathering relevant data and key performance indicators is essential for informed choices. Being flexible and ensuring that decisions align with the association's strategic vision helps me maintain focus on the mission and long-term goals.
Strategic Thinking demands critical reflection on broader industry trends and a proactive approach to shaping the future of the association. I embrace independent thinking and base decisions on data-driven insights.
Professionalism is about integrity, accountability, and consistent ethical behavior. I commit to ongoing personal and professional development; I build trust and foster effective relationships within the organization.
Business Acumen, being prepared for meetings and articulating ideas clearly helps me to ensure strategic goals are aligned with business operations.
Leadership Planning involves participating in committees, representing the association positively, and fostering connections that encourage future leaders to step forward. This ensures the board remains strong and well-equipped for the future.
To reach Vanessa, contact her at Vanessa.Gorman@ambulance.vic.gov.au.