WSNA Executive Director Judy Huntington receives Distinguished Membership Award from ANA

On June 23, Judith Huntington, MN, RN, Executive Director of the Washington State Nurses Association, will accept the 2016 Distinguished Membership Award from the American Nurses Association at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The Distinguished Membership Award, established in 1967, recognizes outstanding leadership and contributions to the mission of ANA.

"The American Nurses Association believes it is important to honor the unwavering commitment of nurses who are transforming health care," said ANA President Pamela F. Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC in announcing this year’s winners of 11 awards. "We are honored to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of these nurses, who are exemplary leaders and advocates, and whose contributions have advanced nursing and demonstrated the impact of ANA in improving health care for all."

Judy assumed the position of Executive Director of WSNA in January 1999 after nearly 10 years on the executive staff of ANA. In her years with ANA, Judy served as Director of Governmental Affairs, Director of the Department of Field Services and the Center for Labor Relations and Workplace Advocacy, and as Director of the Office of Strategic Planning.

Judy has been an elected leader or staff member at the local unit, district, state, or national level consecutively since her graduation from nursing school in 1968, including 4 years as President of WSNA from 1979-1983, Interim WSNA Executive Director in 1983-1984, Chair of the ANA Constituent Forum 1982-1985 and as ANA Second Vice President from 1985-1989. ;

Judy returned to Washington state in 1999 to lead WSNA. As Executive Director, Judy oversees and sets the vision for staff working to improve health standards and availability of quality health care for all people, promote high standards for the nursing profession, and advance the professional and economic development of nurses.Judy has overseen a thriving WSNA with an ever-growing membership. Under her leadership, WSNA has more than doubled in size, going from approximately 6,700 members 1998 to nearly 14,000 members today.

In 2010, WSNA received the Membership Growth Award from ANA, which is given to the ANA constituent member association (CMA) with the highest percentage of growth over the previous two years. There are four awards given each year in different size categories; WSNA received the award for CMAs with membership greater than 4,000.

Additionally, under Judy’s leadership, WSNA has strengthened the position and voice for nurses in Washington state, both in their careers and workplaces as well as in the legislature. During her tenure, WSNA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of nurses and patients have been remarkably successful, with numerous new laws and rules enacted to protect nurses and ensure patient safety. She has also guided WSNA as it has grown in staff, with experts in the fields of nursing practice, labor, law, communications, government relations and political action under her direction.