Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health is proud to announce that Trish Baise, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAONL, chief nursing executive, has been named to the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) 2025 class of fellows (FAONL). The honor recognizes exceptional contributions to nursing leadership and will be celebrated at AONL’s annual conference in Chicago this March.
“Nursing leadership has shaped my career and my sense of purpose, and this recognition reflects the mentors, colleagues and teams who have supported and challenged me along the way,” Baise said. “Being named an AONL fellow underscores that high-quality leadership and forward-thinking care are thriving here in eastern North Carolina, even in a complex and rapidly changing health care environment. It strengthens my commitment to advancing nursing practice, developing future leaders and contributing to the broader dialogue about how nursing can lead meaningful change in health care.”
AONL is the national professional organization of more than 12,000 nurse leaders and is the voice of nursing leadership across the nation. AONL advances the professional development of nurse leaders through innovative and competency-based learning experiences as well as advocates for the perspective and needs of nurse leaders are addressed in public policy issues related to nursing and patient care. Nurse leaders who attain AONL Fellow Designation are committed to shaping the future of nursing leadership through expert leadership practice, mentoring developing leaders and contributing to AONL at the regional and national levels.
Baise, who joined ECU Health in 2023, brings more than 30 years of health care experience to her role, overseeing all nursing functions across the health system. Under her leadership, ECU Health achieved its third Magnet recognition, underscoring the system’s commitment to nursing excellence. She also championed the Advancing Nursing Practice and Excellence (APEX) initiative, which focuses on innovation, research and collaboration to advance nursing in rural health care. Through partnerships with East Carolina University and regional colleges, ECU Health invests in the future of nursing by offering residency programs that equip new nurses with essential skills.
“ECU Health is proud to have Trish as a nursing leader whose commitment to excellence reflects the collective work happening across our organization,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “Our nurses and leaders consistently demonstrate innovation, compassion and a deep dedication to serving our communities while also caring for one another, which is why ECU Health continues to be recognized as a national model for rural health care. Under Trish’s leadership, nursing at ECU Health has thrived, advanced and continued to innovate in ways that strengthen the future of care for eastern North Carolina.”
Baise’s achievement reflects not only her personal dedication but also the collective efforts of ECU Health to define a new standard for nursing in eastern North Carolina and beyond.
“This recognition sends an important message that nursing leadership excellence is not limited by geography,” Baise said. “Rural communities face unique challenges, but they are also places of innovation, deep relationships and meaningful impact. I hope this inspires nurses in rural communities to see themselves as leaders and change agents and reinforces the importance of continuing to advocate for resources, education and opportunities that strengthen rural health care.”