The Californer - Dr. Valerie J. Fuller Begins Term as President of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners®

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AUSTIN, Texas, June 26, 2025 ~ Valerie J. Fuller, a nationally recognized nurse practitioner (NP), educator, and health policy advocate, has officially taken on the role of president for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP). The AANP is proud to announce Fuller's assumption of this position, which she will hold for the next year.

Fuller's presidency began at the conclusion of the AANP National Conference in San Diego, California. This conference is the largest event of its kind in the world and draws thousands of NPs from across the United States. She succeeds Dr. Stephen A. Ferrara, who led the organization with professionalism and care during a significant time for the NP profession.

According to AANP Chief Executive Officer Jon Fanning, Fuller's extensive experience and passion for the profession make her an ideal fit for this role. "Dr. Fuller is a respected and authoritative voice in healthcare who combines deep clinical expertise with regulatory and policy experience," said Fanning. "Her dedication to advancing the NP profession and ensuring access to high-quality care for all communities will amplify our public voice and empower patients to choose NPs in nearly a billion patient visits per year."

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As president, Fuller will lead AANP's efforts to increase access to NP-delivered care, advocate for modernized health policies, and ensure that NPs can practice to their full potential based on their education and clinical preparation. Her journey towards this leadership position began in her hometown in rural Maine, where she was inspired by her grandmother who was also a nurse. Her firsthand experiences working in both full and restricted practice environments have shaped her commitment to improving healthcare.

"This is a deeply personal and profoundly meaningful moment," said Fuller upon assuming her role as president. "I step into this position not only as a leader but also as a storyteller - someone who has witnessed firsthand how powerful nurse practitioners are in transforming lives." Her top priorities include eliminating outdated barriers to practice, dispelling misinformation about the profession, and nurturing the next generation of NP leaders.

Fuller's leadership is rooted in her academic background and frontline experiences in Oregon and Maine. She is dual board-certified as a family nurse practitioner and adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner and holds both a PhD and DNP in nursing. Her dedication to underserved communities, workforce development, and modernizing regulatory frameworks has earned her national recognition.

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In her inaugural address at the AANP National Conference, Fuller reminded attendees that NPs are not a backup plan but rather the backbone of healthcare in the country. She urged NPs to use their stories to combat misinformation, maintain public trust, and build a stronger healthcare system. "This presidency is not a destination - it's a continuation of the journey we all share," she stated.

The AANP is the largest professional membership organization for NPs of all specialties, representing over 431,000 licensed NPs in the United States. As The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®, AANP advocates for legislative changes at local, state, and national levels to advance health policy. They also promote excellence in practice, education, and research while establishing standards that best serve patients and other healthcare consumers. To find an NP in your community or learn more about NPs, visit npfinder.com or aanp.org.

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