Message from our President ~

We had a blast in Winston- Salem, NC as we were “Bouncing Back, Wound, Ostomy, Continence and Foot Care.” The SER WOCN® board assisted our fabulous Director of Conference Planning, Angela Graham with setting the tone for a grand affair.  The 2023 conference chair, Susan Dunzweiller and the NC planning committee, did an awesome job with over 140 registered attendees and 51 exhibitors. A very sincere gratitude to all exhibitors to include 1 diamond, 3 gold and 3 silver sponsors.  The Renee -Epting poster session included 15 posters for judging.  SER WOCN® awarded 6 conference scholarships, 1 scholarship for advance practice and 1 for WOC education.  This year’s Rookie of the Rear (ROY) is Kristen Cowperthwait, – UNC Rex Healthcare, NC.  The Nurse of the Year (NOY) is Lauren Mixson, – Northside Forsyth Hospital, GA.  The State Honoree Award selected by her NC peers was presented to Cordelia Lucas- Sherrod, President- Elect SER WOCN®. In addition to the recognition, the ROY, NOY and State Honoree, were presented with $250 as part of the award.   

Our newly elected board members starting January 2024 are Hannah Cleveland- Secretary, Deborah Nelson-Treasurer, Bryan Duttman- Director of Conference Planning and Sonya Hicks- Director of Special Projects.  The 2024 conference planning committee is “Building Bridges in the Scenic City: Expanding WOC practice” August 22-24, 2024 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Holly Brellenthin will serve as conference chairperson.  Contact her at hbrell85@gmail.com for volunteer opportunities. 

I did bring forth the latest reorganization updates during the business meeting.  The focus of the reorganization is an “opportunity to introduce new technologies, practices and methods to increase operational efficiency & provide equal distribution of resources for the benefit of all members.” Visit wocn.org/membership/regions-affiliates/ for more information.

As we navigate through the changes, I want you to know we are a strong community of members who remain united as the best region/chapter of WOCN® Society.

Cynceré Neal, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CWCN
President SER WOCN^®