KNA CEO Delanor Manson Selected for the Inaugural Fellowship of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing

The Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA) is pleased to announce that Delanor Manson, MA, BSN, RN, and chief executive officer for the KNA, has been selected as a 2024 inaugural Fellow in the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing (FADLN).  The new fellowship, established by the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA), recognizes nurse leaders for their significant and sustained contributions to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in nursing and healthcare.

Manson’s more than 45 years of experience in nursing and her continuing efforts to open doors for greater JEDI in nursing earned her distinction as a Luminary Fellow.  She will officially be inducted at the NBNA conference in San Francisco, CA on Thursday, July 25, 2024, along with 175 other distinguished nurses from across the nation selected for this inaugural FADLN class.

“The Fellows of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing (FADLN) was established to recognize, support, and promote the astounding work that has been done to diversify the nursing profession by advancing health equity, creating anti-racism policies, and strengthening antiracism healthcare practices in an intentional way,” stated Sheldon D. Fields, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, CRNP, AACRN, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN 14th President & CEO National Black Nurses Association, Inc.  

Dr. Fields added, “Cultivating this distinguished group of respected thought leaders with expertise in JEDI is our way of ensuring access to high quality, evidence-based knowledge and interventions that will support the health of all people.”

“I am so honored to be inducted as a fellow in the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing alongside these prominent individuals who are committed to the nursing profession and who have created so many innovative JEDI initiatives in nursing.” Manson said.  “Being a part of this Fellowship will provide resources and collaborations that will strengthen KNA’s mission to be the voice for all nurses in Kentucky and to work for a healthier Kentucky.”

Appointed as KNA’s CEO in 2017, Manson is the first Black person to lead the KNA since it was founded in 1906. Delanor also currently serves as the CEO for the Kentucky Nurses Foundation (KNF), and the Kentucky Nurses Action Coalition (KNAC).

As a front-line leader in advancing social justice, Manson co-authored an implicit bias training course for nurses across Kentucky -- with over 35,000 individuals completing to date; spearheaded the social justice movie night program for the KNA; activated JEDI activities within KNA’s social justice commitment; and co-chaired the Kentuckiana Health Collaborative Principles of Advancing Healthcare Equity committee.  In her role as KNA’s CEO, Manson urges Kentucky’s healthcare organizations to promote recruitment of African American nurses and other nurses of color to serve on boards, commissions and in other leadership roles, and promotes the recruitment and mentoring of nurses of color in nursing programs.

Prior to joining the KNA, Delanor was the associate vice president of research and design at Hosparus Health. She also served as deputy secretary for the Kentucky Cabinet for Healthcare Services and in various leadership roles within hospitals and healthcare organizations nationwide. With 27 years of service, Delanor retired as a captain in the U.S. Navy.  During her military career, she applied her nursing education to various positions throughout the country, as well as in Japan, Great Britain, Germany, Italy and Puerto Rico.

To read the NBNA's press release announcing the inaugural class of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing (ADLN), please refer to: https://www.nbna.org//Files/FFINAL%20Inaugural%20ADLN%20fellows%20Announment%20Press%20Release%2006102024.pdf.  For more information about the KNA and CEO Delanor Manson, please visit https://kentucky-nurses.nursingnetwork.com/ or call 502-245-2843.

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About the Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA)
Established in 1906, the Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA) is the only full-service professional organization representing the needs of 90,000 nurses in the Commonwealth. In addition to promoting the essential role of nurses in the healthcare delivery system, the KNA advocates for quality patient care in all settings. From the halls of Frankfort and state agencies to boardrooms, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, the KNA is the voice for the nursing profession throughout the Commonwealth. Learn more at www.kentucky-nurses.org.

About the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)
Founded in 1971, the mission of NBNA is “to serve as the voice for Black nurses and diverse populations ensuring equal access to professional development, promoting educational opportunities and improving health.” NBNA represents over 350,000 Black registered nurses, licensed vocational/practical nurses, nursing students and retired nurses from the USA, Eastern Caribbean, and Africa, through 111 chartered chapters, in 34 states and the District of Columbia. Learn more at www.NBNA.org.