LAURA FOR AANA
Advocating for OUR Profession. Securing OUR Future.
Vote for Laura Wiggins for 2026 AANA Board of Directors
Why I’m Running for the AANA Board of Directors
My commitment to serve as a director for the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology is driven by a clear purpose: to strengthen our profession through strategic leadership, disciplined advocacy, and unwavering service to CRNAs and the patients who depend on us. Every chapter of my career: military, political, and organizational, has prepared me to lead at the national level with focus, integrity, and impact.
My military leadership shaped my core approach to service: mission-driven, team-centered, and grounded in accountability. I learned to lead diverse groups through complex challenges, communicate with clarity, and make decisions that balance urgency with long-term vision. These skills continue to guide how I show up for our profession.
Within the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA), I have served as president, vice president, and a member of the Board of Directors, giving me a comprehensive understanding of governance, member engagement, and the operational realities facing CRNAs across practice settings. These roles strengthened my ability to build consensus, navigate organizational change, and champion initiatives that elevate our professional identity.
As PANA’s Federal Political Director, I have worked at the intersection of policy and practice, advocating for legislation that protects CRNA autonomy, expands patient access, and strengthens the anesthesia workforce. I was instrumental in obtaining CRNA title designation in Pennsylvania. I have built bipartisan relationships, mobilized grassroots engagement, and ensured that CRNA voices are heard in federal decision-making. This experience has reinforced my belief that effective advocacy requires both strategic vision and persistent action.
I am seeking a Director role because I believe our profession needs leaders who can unite clinical expertise, political strategy, and organizational insight. I bring a proven record of service, a deep respect for the diverse needs of CRNAs, and a commitment to advancing our profession through collaboration, transparency, and forward-thinking leadership. I am ready to represent the region with purpose, elevate our collective voice, and help shape a future where CRNAs continue to lead, innovate, and thrive.
Laura Wiggins, DNP, MSN, CRNA, Lt. Col. (Ret), USAF
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT
UPMC/UPP
Clinical CRNA, Program Director OB Critical Scenario Course,
Program Director Pittsburgh CRNA Symposium, 2011–present
West Virginia University Nurse Anesthesia Program
Lecturer/Assistant Professor, 2026–present.
EDUCATION
University of Pittsburgh Nurse Anesthesia Program, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Doctor of Nursing Practice, 2017
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia, 2003
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 1994
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS & LEADERSHIP ACTIVITES
AANA Offices and Committees:
Continuing Education Committee, 2023–25; Committee Chair, 2024-25.
State Association Offices:
Vice President, Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA), 2024–25;
Past President, 2023–24; President, 2022–23;
President-elect, 2021–22;
Federal Political Director, 2016–22.
Other Leadership Activities:
Former Chief Nurse Executive, 911th Aeromedical Staging Squadron 2014-2018,
Assistant Professor/Lecturer, University of Pittsburgh, 2023–26;
CRNA of the Year 2025, Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists, 2025; Daniel D. Vigness Federal Political Director Award, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, 2022.
LISTEN TO SOME OF HER PODCASTS HERE:
Episode 120: The Secret Middle East Mission CRNAs Took Part In
Beyond the Mask
It’s like a story right out of a Hollywood blockbuster. One that involves predawn flights, heavy military ammunitions, and a Crown Prince from the United Arab Emirates. Most importantly, it’s a secret mission involving CRNAs. Join us as we get the first-hand account of this 2017 covert operation from Lt. Col Laura Wiggins, CRNA, who was a part of this flight into Yemen.
Episode 169: CRNA Advocacy in Pennsylvania and the Lessons Learned
Beyond the Mask
Today we want to shine the advocacy spotlight on the work being done by CRNAs in Pennsylvania, who have helped drive some significant changes in their state. Laura Wiggins, DNP, CRNA and Jessica Poole, DNAP, CRNA are two of the nurses involved in shaping the legislation and they join us to share the details on what’s happening in the Keystone State and what it means for all of us in the profession.