Candidate for Board of Directors (Four to be Elected)

Read Candidate Q&A

Elizabeth J. Williams, MSN, RN, CNOR, is a Nurse Manager and Supervisor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee, and a Master of Science in nursing from Capella University, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Williams has been a perioperative nurse for 12 years and a member of AORN for 12 years. She is a member of

• AORN of Middle Tennessee (2017-present)
• the Leadership Specialty Assembly (2019-present)
• the RNFA Specialty Assembly (2019-present)

Williams has attended Congress four times in the past 10 years, three times as a delegate.

Williams has received

• a Mentor Award from Vanderbilt University Medical Center (2018, 2019)
• a Preceptor Award from Vanderbilt University Medical Center (2018, 2019, 2020)

Highlights of Williams’ service to AORN include that she is

• chair of the Global Surgical Conference Education Committee (2024-present)
• a member of the Global Surgical Conference Education Committee (2020-present)
• a member of the AORN of Middle Tennessee Board of Directors (2023-present)

She has been

• volunteer coordinator for the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo 2024 (2023-2024)
• chair of the RNFA Specialty Assembly (2020-2021)
• communications chair of the RNFA Specialty Assembly (2019-2020)

In other leadership roles, Williams is

• a member of the Vanderbilt Professional Advancement and Recognition of Excellence Committee (2024-present)
• a member of the Massive Transfusion Protocol (MTP) Quality Review Committee (2023-present)
• a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing - Omicron Phi (2015-present)

She has been

• chair of the MTP Process Policy Review Committee (2023-2024)

In her community, Williams is

• a tutor for Capella University Master of Health Administration (MHA) students (2022-present)
• a volunteer with the Second Harvest Food Bank (2015-present)
• a nurse volunteer for the Pregnancy Care Center (2024-present)

She has been

• an adult volunteer for the 4-H Junior High Camp (2024)
• an adult volunteer for the 4-H Day Camp (2024)

Election Statement

Being an OR nurse is more than just a calling. It is a passion. Being a leader who advocates for and supports her staff, and all surgical patients is ingrained in my nature. I am incredibly thankful for AORN being the organization that provides invaluable information, resources, support, and networking opportunities. The unwavering enthusiasm of our members for helping each other grow and exchange ideas fuels my energy. We must keep that energy flowing to develop and empower the next generation to continue our legacy.

AORN has grown and changed significantly in recent years. A change fueled by the demands of a waning workforce, generational gaps, health care disparities, pandemics, and the ever-changing horizon of medicine. It’s vital for our organization and us as nurses to continue growing, embracing diverse perspectives, mentoring each other, fostering change and innovation, and thinking outside the box. Our Board of Directors carries the responsibility to represent our members while making strategic decisions for the future of our organization. I will always advocate for our patients, nurses, and the nursing profession. I pledge to maintain that commitment for our members and organization as we continue this journey together.

My promise to our members is as sacred to me as our profession. I humbly ask for your vote to represent our united voice with clarity and integrity as a member of the AORN Board of Directors.