AORN Announces 2025 Class of Distinguished Fellows (FAORN)

Denver, Co., Dec. 6, 2024 – The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) is proud to announce the 2025 inductees into the Fellowship of AORN (FAORN), an esteemed recognition awarded to perioperative nursing leaders who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. This year’s honorees are:

• Kay Ball, PhD, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, FAORN, FAAN
• Julie Cahn, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CNS-CP, NPD-BC, CNOR, FAORN
• Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, FAORN
• Rodney W. Hicks, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN
• Hung-Fu “Charlie” Lin, MSN, APRN, NP-C, CRNFA, CNOR-PEDS, CNAMB, FAORN
• Ray-an B. Talatala, DNP, RN, CNOR, NPD-BC, FAORN

The FAORN distinction was established to recognize and celebrate perioperative nurses who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and leadership in the field. This prestigious honor acknowledges those who have made sustained and significant contributions to perioperative practice, education, and research through exemplary service to the profession, their impact on surgical patient outcomes, and their commitment to advancing perioperative nursing globally.

“The FAORN designation represents the highest level of achievement in our profession, and we are thrilled to welcome these six outstanding leaders to this esteemed group,” said Linda Groah, MSN, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC, FAAN, CEO and Executive Director of AORN. “Their contributions have not only advanced perioperative nursing but have also set a standard of excellence that inspires others.”

Inductees into the FAORN are expected to continue their involvement with AORN by mentoring future leaders, contributing to research and policy initiatives, and promoting best practices in perioperative care. Their continued engagement will further AORN’s mission to support safe surgery and foster professional growth within the nursing community.

“The FAORN Fellowship is more than an honor—it recognizes a lifelong commitment to leadership and service,” Groah added. “These distinguished individuals are also entrusted with the future of our profession, helping guide and shape the next generation of perioperative nurses.”

The 2025 FAORN class will be formally honored at AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo in Boston, April 5 – 8, 2025, where they will be celebrated for their contributions and ongoing commitment to excellence in perioperative nursing.

For more information about the FAORN program and the 2025 inductees, please visit https://www.aorn.org/get-involved/fellowship.

About AORN

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), founded in 1949 and headquartered in Denver, Co., represents the interests of more than 200,000 perioperative nurses by providing evidence-based research, education, standards, and practice resources. AORN unites and empowers perioperative nurses, healthcare organizations, and industry partners to support safe surgery for every patient, every time.