Four Years of Leadership Realized

Arizona Nurse,  May 2005  by Frimel, Theresa

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As the AzNA board of directors and the search committee proceed with interviews and discussion about the upcoming transition to a new executive director, Maria Weston's dedication to AzNA and accomplishments over the last four years are evident in many ways.

When Maria took her position four years ago her primary goals were to increase the visibility of the association and strengthen its already prominent role in advocating for nursing practice. Almost immediately she realized that the association was well organized and performing great work, but few members and nonmembers were aware of the association and its contributions. She focused initially on building relationships with the media, educating herself and members on strategies for highlighting nursing's contribution to healthcare.

She also recognized that although a number of organizations were focused on impacting the nursing shortage by increasing the number of nurses, no one was taking the lead in improving the work environment for nurses-a role for which AzNA was perfectly suited. Working with Jill Rissi, then president of the association, as well as the existing board, she obtained a grant to assess the perception of the working environment of Arizona nurses working in hospitals. This study became the foundation of several initiatives designed to improve the working environment including Maria's contribution to the Governor's Nursing Shortage Taskforce and AzNA's Professional Issues Steering Committee's work on position papers.

Maria continued AzNA' s focus on advocating for nursing practice in partnership with other associations and organizations. For example, in recognizing that an important strategy for improving nurses' work is strengthening leadership skills, she worked in collaboration with faculty from the University of Arizona, the leadership of the Arizona Organization of Nurse Executives, the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association and local hospital human resource executives to develop the Arizona Healthcare Leadership Academy.

Weston also utilized her business skills to strengthen the financial infrastructure and business operations of the association. She worked with the board to implement a number of new programs including the Nurses Lobby Day where novice grassroots lobbyists are partnered with experienced nurse lobbyist to learn to meet with legislators, the Promise of Nursing celebration which has transitioned into an annual celebration and fundraiser for the Foundation, and a number of timely workshops on subjects as diverse as integrative healing to managing your career.

Rory Hays, AzNA's lobbyist also describes the impact that Maria has made on legislative and regulatory issues of relevance to nursing. Hays describes that Maria's ability to "cut to the chase" on issues coupled with her ability to "develop relationships with other stakeholder groups and articulate the AzNA goals" helped focus legislative priorities and result in timely decisions that were favorable to nurses. Mary Griffith, RN, MN, Director of Governmental Affairs, echo's Rory's perception of Maria's legislative prowess, "She moved into the lobbyist's role with poise, energy and a no-nonsense approach to upholding AzNA's positions in the face of many efforts to force her into a compromise". Through collaborative efforts with Mary and Rory, Maria has been able to represent AzNA at the legislature regarding important bills like whistle blower protection, rights of conscience, BSN at community colleges-all bills that effect not only the nursing profession, but the safety and welfare of our communities. Her tenacity almost single handedly resulted in Arizona nurse practitioners being able to sign death certificates. As a recognized figure at the legislature and public policy venues, Maria further augments a positive image for nursing and AzNA.

Through her savvy management of human resources, the staff has grown to meet the needs of a very active association. Over the past four years, the efficiency of the office has been enhanced with a new telephone system, networked computers, and relocation of supplies.

Jacque Edwards, AzNA's treasurer reports on Maria's fiscal finesse, "It has always been a priority of Maria's to consistently be thinking of fiscal responsibility. Her understanding of budgets and investments has made sure that we are serving nurses while remaining fiscally sound".

Through these efforts, Maria was instrumental in facilitating a 20% increase in membership. This, she describes, is largely due to letting nurses know about the good work of the association. Maria, along with many board members, regularly talks with students and practicing nurses about professional practice and the important contribution of the association.

As she leaves the AzNA executive director position, Maria describes, "As a long time member I was only aware of a fraction of what AzNA was accomplishing when I started this role. As I leave this position, I am in awe of the work that is done in the association by you, the nurses, the members, the volunteers. It has been an unbelievable honor, privilege, and gift to work along side of you."