Leading with Purpose: A Talk with Delanor Manson, CEO of the Kentucky Nurses Association

What's your truth? In this episode of the Clinician Voice podcast, host Dr. Robin Geiger sits down with Delanor Manson, CEO of the Kentucky Nurses Association, to explore her powerful nursing journey, her vision for nursing leadership, and the critical role of advocacy in shaping the future of healthcare. From her military background to her impact on policy and professional development, Delanor shares insights into leading a statewide nursing organization and driving change that uplifts clinicians across all levels. Tune in to hear about the upcoming Advocacy Summit, the KNA annual conference, and Delanor’s thoughts on tackling today’s most pressing challenges in nursing—including workforce retention, safety, and the value of nurses’ voices in shaping healthcare systems.

 

Delanor Manson, MA, BSN, RN, FADLN is the CEO of the Kentucky Nurses Association and a retired Navy Nurse Corps Officer with over 45 years of nursing experience. She has held leadership roles in healthcare, government, and philanthropy, including work with the U.S. Department of State and serving as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Louisville. Delanor is a passionate advocate for health equity, policy change, and supporting nurses through education, leadership, and innovation. Delanor is, among many things, a jewelry designer entrepreneur and owner of Koi Gallery, in Louisville, Kentucky.