Two American Nurses Association Leaders Serve in Prestigious Roles with the International Council of Nurses
Josephine Agyei, BSN, RN and Rebecca Graystone, PhD, MBA, NE-BC appointed to global leadership roles
SILVER SPRING, MD – The American Nurses Association proudly celebrates the appointment of two of its leaders to influential roles with the International Council of Nurses (ICN), reinforcing the global impact and leadership of nurses across the organization.
The ICN is the world’s largest federation of national nursing associations, representing over 140 member associations and more than 30 million nurses worldwide. The council works to advance the nursing profession, shape global health policy, and strengthen healthcare through advocacy.
Josephine Agyei, BSN, RN, appointed Chair of Alliance of Student and Early Career Nurses Steering Committee
Josephine Agyei, BSN, RN, Director-at-Large, Staff Nurse of the American Nurses Association (ANA) Board of Directors, has been appointed Chair of the ICN Alliance of Student and Early Career Nurses Steering Committee. In her role, Agyei chaired the committee during the ICN meeting in Helsinki, Finland and will continue to help shape the alliance’s strategic direction and advocate for increased leadership opportunities for nursing students and early-career nurses around the world.
“It’s an incredible honor to serve in this position,” said Agyei. “I believe early-career nurses are not just the future of healthcare. They are already leading in their communities and care settings every day. This Alliance is a powerful platform to elevate their voices, foster global collaboration, and ensure that the next generation of nurses is equipped to shape the policies and systems that impact our profession and the people we serve.”
ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, praised Agyei’s appointment, noting its significance to the profession:
“Josephine’s appointment reflects her exceptional leadership, passion for empowering nurses, and commitment to the future of our profession. Her voice will be instrumental in shaping a global platform that ensures early-career nurses are not only heard, but actively leading.”
Rebecca Graystone, PhD, MBA, NE-BC, named to Global Nursing Leadership Institute cohort
Rebecca Graystone, PhD, MBA, NE-BC, Senior Vice President of Accreditation and Organizational Credentialing at the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), has been selected as one of 31 nurse scholars from around the world to serve in the 2025 cohort of the International Council of Nurses’ (ICN) Global Nursing Leadership Institute (GNLI).
GNLI is a prestigious, yearlong leadership program that equips senior nurse leaders to advocate for systemic change and influence health policy at national and global levels. Participants are chosen for their outstanding leadership, commitment to health equity, and proven ability to transform healthcare through nursing innovation.
The 2025 GNLI cohort includes leaders from 27 countries, all dedicated to tackling critical health challenges and shaping the future of nursing through collaboration, innovation, and policy engagement.
“Dr. Graystone’s selection is a powerful recognition of her leadership and the impact of the work we do at ANCC,” said Bradley Goettl, DNP, DHA, RN, FNP-C, FAAN, Chief Nursing Officer of the American Nurses Enterprise. “She is a tireless advocate for advancing the nursing profession, and her voice will be a valuable asset to this global cohort of changemakers.”
As an international leader in accreditation, credentialing, and organizational excellence, Graystone oversees ANCC’s flagship programs, ensuring that healthcare organizations uphold the highest standards in patient care and nursing leadership.
“I’m deeply honored to join this global community of nurse leaders,” said Graystone. “This opportunity is not only a personal milestone, but also a platform to strengthen nursing’s role in shaping policy, advancing equity, and improving outcomes for patients worldwide.”
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American Nurses Association
As the oldest organization representing more than 5 million registered nurses, the American Nurses Association stands at the forefront of advancing nursing excellence. The association harnesses The Power of Nurses™ to champion the profession and drive transformation in healthcare. Through legislative and political advocacy, comprehensive educational services, and the profession’s leading Code of Ethics and Scope and Standards, the association empowers nurses across every specialty and practice setting. The association is committed to ensuring healthy work environments, shaping pioneering policies, and cultivating partnerships that enhance both the nursing profession and the broader healthcare experience.
MEDIA CONTACT: newsroom@ana.org