2021 Wyoming Nursing Summit & Convention

2021 WYOMING NURSING SUMMIT & CONVENTION
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Welcome to the Annual Convention and Summit! We are finally gathered together
again in Casper after a long hiatus from face to face contact. Wyoming Nurses
Association quickly and flawlessly kept up with the momentum of our trying times
through Covid-19.
Marianne Madariaga,
MSN, RN
Ngage responded to our needs by developing monthly support groups online.
Although they we attended in small numbers, they were profoundly important to
those in attendance. We were able to share our deepest concerns and get a feel for
what was going around us in the state. Many people were busy truly working the
“trenches” and our thoughts and prayers were with them each step of the way.
The solidarity was and still is what makes us a unique organization. It is comforting
to know we have each other’s backs, then and now.
We have seen spikes and dips in our membership over the past year. This has been a nationwide trend.
As one friend pointed out, even though the nurse in the family was still earning an income, many
spouses suffered loss of income throughout the pandemic. It has taken many months for households
to recover the loss and for some, business altogether was lost. We celebrate and acknowledge the
numerous sacrifices that have been made as we faced this crisis together. Words of gratitude are not
enough to express our deepest apperception for the dedication to humanity and the care of others.
What would the world be without nurses!
It is with great sadness that Tobi Lyon Moore will be leaving us as Executive Director this fall. She has
built our organization through blood, sweat, and tears (and a few voo-doo dolls) for over twenty years.
We would not be where we are today if it were not for her. Please take time to express your gratitude to
her. Ngage will continue to be our management corporation, with the professional and knowledgeable
lead of Andrea Starmer. Please welcome her with open arms and we know she has the strength and
fortitude to bring us forward.
I would like to thank the Executive Board for their hard work over the past year. They have proven their
tenacity and leadership beyond measures. I would also like to thank the Region Board members for your
dedication. Your backbone has proven to be invaluable to our organization. May we all continue to lead
with foresight, enthusiasm, belief, and responsibility.
33