Bresney Fanning Assumes Presidency of the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS)

The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) is pleased to share that Bresney A. Fanning, MSN, Med-MESA, NNP-BC, C-NNIC, C-ELBW, has officially assumed the role of president as of July 1, 2026.

Bresney Fanning brings to this role a distinguished career defined by leadership, innovation, and advocacy within nursing certification and clinical practice. Beginning her professional journey as a neonatal nurse practitioner, she witnessed firsthand the transformative influence of specialty certification on nursing practice and patient outcomes. This early experience ignited a lasting commitment to advancing certification as a cornerstone of healthcare excellence.

Currently serving as the executive director for the National Certification Corporation (NCC), Bresney has dedicated her career to elevating the role of certification across the healthcare continuum. Her leadership has consistently emphasized the importance of validated expertise in ensuring high-quality care, strengthening professional development, and enhancing public trust in the nursing profession.

As president of ABNS, Bresney is poised to lead with a vision centered on:

• Expanding recognition of specialty nursing certification
• Strengthening collaboration among member boards
• Advocating for certified nurses as essential contributors to healthcare quality and innovation

In her own words:

“Specialty nursing certification is an essential milestone that empowers nurses and protects the public. As ABNS President, my goal is to continue to advocate for the value of this milestone, making sure the dedication of certified nurses is recognized, celebrated, and deeply integrated into the future of healthcare. Certification doesn't just validate knowledge—it instills trust, drives professional growth, and elevates the entire standard of care.”

Bresney’s ascension reflects not only her professional achievements but also the broader commitment of the nursing community to excellence, accountability, and lifelong learning.

Please join us in congratulating Bresney Fanning on this important leadership role and in supporting her continued efforts to advance the impact and recognition of specialty nursing certification.

About ABNS

The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) is dedicated to promoting the value of specialty nursing certification to improve patient outcomes and advance the nursing profession.