Dear Nursing Colleagues, Welcome to IONL. It is an honor and privilege for me to be your 33rd President of IONL. As I look at the names of the past presidents, I am humbled to be given this opportunity and will strive to lead with the same spirit and vision of those great nurse leaders who has served before. Over the past decades, our country has weathered many storms and experienced challenges that have also impacted our healthcare industry. The increased threat of workforce shortages challenges effective recruitment and retention of talent. Increased attention on publically reported data and focus on patient safety necessitates investments in technology and human capital in an era of diminishing resources. Reimbursement reductions challenges providers to develop innovative care delivery models designed to improve quality outcomes while reducing costs. And the increased focus on patient satisfaction requires constant vigilance not just to deliver high quality care, but with high quality of service. It can feel like a daunting task and oftentimes overwhelming to be a nurse leader in today’s world. Skill sets that served us well before, may not be sufficient to serve us well going forward. But in crisis comes opportunity and this is where IONL can serve you. Being a member of IONL joins you with nurse leaders from across the state and through our parent organization, American Organization of Nurse Executives, across the country. Together we can lead the way to creating new possibilities for an exciting future for nursing and for healthcare. IONL exists to ensure your success as a nurse leader. Your membership is an investment in your development as well as the collective strengthening of nursing leadership across the state. IONL’s mission is dedicated to the advancement of excellence in nursing leadership. Last year under Susan Campbell’s Presidency, the Board of Directors developed a robust strategic plan replete with development and networking opportunities. Please look for the monthly webinars designed with your learning needs in mind, and plan on attending the spring and fall education sessions. Additionally, 2010 will be another critical year to make our presence known in Springfield. I am confident that through our collective voice we will be heard loud and clear as we participate in the dialogue to influence healthcare policy in Illinois. The 2010 Board of Directors is committed to better understanding and meeting your needs as leaders. Please feel free to contact me or any one of the Board members with any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you for your dedication to this wonderful profession of nursing and I look forward to an exciting year ahead. Marjorie A. Maurer, MSN,RN,NEA-BC President, IONL