AORN Congress: Second House of Delegates

Outgoing AORN President Darlene Murdock, MSN, BBA, RN, CNOR, CSSM, wrapped up her year-long term of office at the House of Delegates Tuesday, extending her appreciation to members, chapter officers, committees and task forces, board members, and the entire staff for their dedication and support.

Murdock said AORN's power lies in its member-focused approach, and this year AORN's volunteers and staff moved their priorities forward in significant ways by elevating clinical excellence, advancing health equity, and supporting the safe and ethical integration of AI into perioperative practice.

Murdock, whose speech ended with a standing ovation, highlighted several initiatives she's proud of, including the Transgender Position Statement and the launch of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Center of Excellence program.

"Our Research Committee's symposium reinforced the importance of research in advancing perioperative nursing and elevating patient care," she said.

"From the Change Agent Toolkit and AI Position Statement to the forthcoming AI Recommended Practice and updated perioperative explications, our committees and task forces have laid a strong foundation shaping the next era of perioperative practice that ensures our profession continues to evolve with clarity, integrity, and innovation."

Election Results

Before the rousing closing ceremony, members at the House of Delegates heard the national election results for new officers, board, and nominating committee members. Here are the results:

• President: Jamie Wrenshall-Ridout, MSN, MBA, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC, CASC
• Vice-President: J.D. Buchert, MSN, MEd, MS, RN, CNOR
• Secretary: Rebecca Vortman, DNP, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC
• Board of Directors:
  • Stephanie Battiste, BSN, RN, CNOR
  • Richard Dorritie, PhD, RN, CNE, CNOR
  • Natalie B. Jones, DHA, MBA, BSN, RN, CNOR
• Nominating Committee
  • Stephanie Ayala, MSN, RN, CNOR
  • Kristy Gottschalk, MSN, RN, CNOR, PHN
  • Ray-an Talatala, DNP, RN, CNOR, NPD-BC, FAORN

Treasurer's Report

Treasurer Laura A. Gayton, MHCA, BSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, reported that the company is no longer in a turnaround. Final combined revenues (AORN, The Foundation, and Syntegrity) for 2025 were $38.5 million. AORN reported $32.8 million in total revenue for 2025, which was slightly lower than the previous year. She also noted that:

• Management and the board worked tirelessly to execute the turnaround plan.
• In the fourth quarter of 2025, the turnaround ended (profits were generated and reserves grew).
• Leaders expect the momentum to continue in 2026 with expectations of profits and stronger reserves.

Report from the Executive Director

AORN CEO and Executive Director, Dr. David Wyatt, took the podium and called it "an extraordinary year" for AORN. He said the year wasn't without its challenges, but the president, board, and team at headquarters have responded with outstanding resolve.

He said the Expo theme of, "Lighting the Pathway," proved especially meaningful, because it reflects the role perioperative professionals play every day in providing excellent care.

"And when I think about that, I am reminded that pathways don't illuminate themselves, they are illuminated by leaders," he said. "Our profession moves where its leaders choose to guide it."

Dr. Wyatt outlined AORN's 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, built around three priorities aimed at guiding the future of the profession. They include:

• Elevating the perioperative nursing profession
• Empowering perioperative leadership
• Expanding the association's audience and reach across three key groups: perioperative nurses, healthcare organizations, and industry partners.

He closed his speech by acknowledging membership, which he said truly represents the core of AORN.

"Our strategic plan was intentionally built to engage members in the discussion about our future and what matters most to the practice of perioperative nursing," he said.

"None of these priorities happen automatically. They happen when we choose to raise the expectation, support one another, and advocate for the future of our profession."

New President Takes the Gavel

The meeting closed on Tuesday with President Murdock passing the gavel to David Reinhart, DNP, MBA, RN, CNOR, and a new Board of Directors.

Reinhart arrived at the podium to loud applause, as he unveiled his presidential theme for 2026-2027, "Building with Purpose."

"It is a theme that honors where we have come from, calls intention into what we do today, and challenges us to shape the future of our specialty with clarity and conviction," he said.

He outlined some of his goals for the upcoming year, including advancing the work of the FAORN Impact Task Force (with a deliberate examination of the purpose/future direction of the AORN Fellowship), and assessing the needs of military perioperative nurses.

"We will elevate professional growth as a strategic priority, investing in mentorship and development pathways that empower every OR nurse to pursue their aspirations and strengthen their expertise," he said.

"And throughout this work, we will remain steadfast in supporting AORN's strategic plan, ensuring that our organization remains strong, resilient, and future-focused for the next 76 years and beyond."