TNF PRESIDENT'S NOTE

TEXAS NURSES FOUNDATION

A Night of Excellence

Kristin Starnes-Ott, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, FNAP

President, Texas Nurses Foundation

Join Us at the 2026 Texas Nurses Foundation Gala

The Texas nursing community will come together for an unforgettable celebration on June 11, 2026, as the Texas Nurses Foundation (TNF) Gala returns to the Gaylord Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. Held in conjunction with the Texas Nurses Association Annual Conference, this signature event honors the dedication, leadership, and impact of nurses across the state.

This year’s gala will shine a spotlight on Texas nursing’s Leaders & Legends, as well as the 25 Outstanding Texas Nurses whose contributions continue to elevate the profession and strengthen the health of communities statewide. Among the distinguished 2026 Leaders & Legends honorees are:

  • Joyce Batcheller, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
  • Cindy Diamond, PhD, RN, PMH-BC
  • Margie D. O’Donnell, MSN, MBA, RN
  • Sarah J. Williams, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF

These remarkable leaders embody excellence in practice, education, and advocacy, leaving lasting imprints on healthcare and on TNA’s mission.

Guests will enjoy an evening thoughtfully curated to honor the spirit of nursing, featuring:

  • A formal dinner and entertainment
  • Inspiring presentations and recognition moments
  • Networking with nursing leaders and trailblazers from across Texas
  • Opportunities to support TNF initiatives that advance nursing education, leadership, and advocacy

The gala is more than a celebration; it is a gathering grounded in appreciativeness and the shared commitment to advancing the future of healthcare. It serves as a reminder of the extraordinary work nurses do every day and the leaders who pave the way for the next generation.

We hope you will join us for this meaningful and memorable evening. Your presence enriches the celebration and helps strengthen the ongoing mission of the Texas Nurses Foundation. TN