Tonka Williams

Tonka Williams, DNP, MHA, MSN, RN, CMSRN, serves as president of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Board of Directors from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, after completing a term as president-elect from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. She was a director on the AACN Certification Corporation board from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, and completed a three-year term as a director on the AACN board from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024. Williams held a concurrent one-year term on the AACN Certification Corporation board from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. She also served as treasurer on the AACN board from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

As senior nursing director for practice and innovation at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., Williams advances clinical excellence, innovation and quality outcomes while championing environments where nurses can thrive. Her leadership has earned numerous honors, including the 2026 Civic Engagement Award, the 2025 Nurse Executive Leadership Excellence Award, the 2025 Dr. Virginia Allen Humanitarian Nursing Practice Award, and the 2024 CMSRN of Distinction Award.

The AACN theme for her year as president is Every Voice. Every Story. Every Table. Inspired by her journey and those of the nurses she serves, Williams believes every nurse's voice matters, every story has purpose, and every table should have room for those whose experiences, perspectives and expertise help shape the future of healthcare. She invites nurses to help create spaces where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, lead and belong.

Committed to lifelong learning and leadership, Williams earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing from James Madison University, a Master of Health Administration from Pfeiffer University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

At the heart of Williams' journey are her greatest inspirations: her daughters, Thai and Mya. Their love, encouragement and unwavering belief in her continue to fuel her passion for leadership, service and creating opportunities for others to grow, lead and succeed.