AADNS names Grachek and Hurley to exec team of new DON association

The American Association of Directors of Nursing Services (AADNS) has named its first two executives. Marianna Kern Grachek, MSN, RN, NHA, and Mary Rita Hurley, RN, MPA, will take on key leadership roles within the newly created professional nursing association set to launch in Spring 2016 as a sister-organization of the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination (AANAC).

Grachek (photo, left), a former president and CEO of the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA), joins AADNS as vice president. Prior to ACHCA, she was the executive director of long-term care accreditation for the Joint Commission. In her role at AADNS, Grachek will lead the development of content for the association’s education and certification programs and will represent AADNS nationally.

Hurley (photo, right) will take on the role of vice president of government affairs at AADNS. Hurley is the immediate past president of the National Gerontological Nurses Association and has served as the executive director of the Oregon Center for Nursing. Her responsibilities will include overseeing the strategy and execution of AADNS's advocacy efforts on the federal level in Washington, D.C. She also represents the interests of AADNS’ sister organization, the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination (AANAC).

“I’m pleased to be in a role that directly impacts nurses and nurse leadership,” said Grachek. “We know that when nurses have the resources, education and certification to do their jobs well, they can rise above the day-to-day challenges of their work to lead their organizations and serve residents better.”

Hurley agreed, tying her role to nurse leadership and empowerment: “I look forward to advancing the priorities of our profession and to ensuring that LTC nurses have a voice and become proactive instead of reactive to important legislative and policy discussions.”

Diane Carter, RN, MSN, RAC-CT, C-NE, FAAN, will serve as president and CEO of AADNS and AANAC. “The experience and expertise these women bring to the association are unmatched and will benefit members greatly,” she said. “They have a rich history of contribution to our profession. Their decision to join our organization mirrors the enthusiasm I have heard when I’ve talked with nurse leaders across the country about this new organization.”

The AADNS organization also revealed its new logo (right), which emphasizes nursing teamwork and collaboration.

Related news story:
AANAC to launch new association for LTC DONs

Pamela Tabar

Pamela Tabar was editor-in-chief of I Advance Senior Care from 2013-2018. She has worked as a writer and editor for healthcare business media since 1998, including as News Editor of Healthcare Informatics. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Kent State University and a master’s degree in English from the University of York, England.