DENVER, Dec. 20, 2024 ~ The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) has announced the appointment of David Wyatt, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNOR, FAORN, FAAN, as its new Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. This decision was made effective as of February 10th.

Wyatt brings over 20 years of experience in surgical services and healthcare management to his new role. As a career perioperative nurse, he is well-equipped to lead AORN in its mission to improve surgical patient care through excellence in nursing.

Nakeisha Tolliver, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, CNOR, CSSM and AORN's 2024 President expressed her excitement about Wyatt's appointment. "After an extensive and thoughtful search process," she said, "we are thrilled to welcome David Wyatt as AORN's new CEO." Tolliver believes that Wyatt's deep understanding of perioperative patient care and dedication to fostering professional growth and practice innovation make him the ideal leader for the organization.

Wyatt has held numerous senior roles throughout his career. Currently serving as Chief Nursing Officer at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, he is responsible for the operational and clinical leadership of inpatient, procedural and hospital-based ambulatory departments and 3,000 staff members. He has also previously served as Vice President of Perioperative Enterprise at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vice President of Perioperative Services at HCA Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center and Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children in Denver.

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As a member of AORN for over 25 years, Wyatt has been actively involved in various task forces and committees covering national issues such as the nursing shortage and strategic governance. He has also conducted research on clinical practice improvement and presented at numerous healthcare conferences on leadership and management.

Wyatt's dedication to advancing the role of nurses in healthcare leadership is evident through his involvement with organizations such as the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) and AORN (FAORN). He has also served two terms on AORN's board of directors and was elected as President for the 2020-2021 term, during which he oversaw the organization's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expressing his gratitude for his new role, Wyatt said, "It is an incredible honor to join AORN as CEO and Executive Director." He also commended AORN's commitment to perioperative nurses and promoting safe, evidence-based surgical care. Wyatt looks forward to working with staff, members, healthcare systems, and partners to expand AORN's impact and ensure that perioperative nurses have the necessary resources, education, and advocacy to thrive.

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In his new position, Wyatt plans to focus on key priorities such as workforce development, advancing evidence-based practices, and championing equity and inclusion in the nursing profession. "Together," he added, "we will build on AORN's strong foundation to address today's complex healthcare challenges and shape the future of perioperative nursing."

Tolliver believes that Wyatt's leadership will ensure that AORN continues to elevate the voices and needs of its members. She looks forward to collaborating with him to drive innovation and excellence in perioperative nursing. With David Wyatt at the helm, AORN is poised for continued success in fulfilling its mission of improving surgical patient care through excellence in nursing.

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