2026 Emerging Leaders Class Announced

Congratulations to the AARC 2026 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) mentors and mentees! This prestigious program helps participants build leadership competencies and skills to prepare them to become successful RT leaders who can support and advocate for their teams and the profession well into the future. The 2026 ELP cohort includes 20 RTs who were selected by the Emerging Leaders Program committee through a competitive application process.

“I am incredibly excited to welcome the 2026 Emerging Leaders Program cohort. Each year, I’m inspired by the passion, curiosity, and commitment these individuals bring to our profession. This program is more than leadership skills; it’s about cultivating confidence, connection, and purpose. I can’t wait to watch this cohort grow, challenge themselves, and help shape the future of respiratory care,” said Katlyn Burr, DSL, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC, Co-Chair, 2026 Emerging Leader Committee.

Activities that the ELP recipients will take part in 2026:

• Regular one-on-one meetings with their mentor and other ELP participants to achieve their goal for the program
• Participation in the AARC Advanced Leadership Institute
• Monthly Leadership Education offerings
• Presentations at Summer Forum and Congress

2026 Emerging Leaders

• Lindsay Albani, MBA, BS, RRT
• Renad Bahabri, MS, BHS, RRT
• Brittany Conley, MBA, BS, RRT, RCP, RRT-ACCS
• Sierra Coyle, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS
• Jessica Fields, RRT
• Leah Graham, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C
• Brianna Guerin, RRT
• Raquel Gutierrez, RRT
• Kristi Hack, RRT
• Rachel Jenkins, CRT, RRT, RRT-ACCS
• Crystal Lockard, BS, RRT, RRT-NPS
• Denise Marassigan, RRT, RRT-ACCS
• Julian Massey, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, B.S., M.S., FCCS
• Pia McEleney, MSc, RRT
• April Nopper, MSc, RRT
• Elthea Notah, RRT
• Desiree’ Poach, MRC, RRT, RRT-NPS
• Bishal Pradhanang, RRT
• Sarah Rodriquez, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS
• Isaiah Smith, MBA, BSRC, RCP, RRT

Mentors

• Chrysalis Ashton, MSRC, RRT
• Ryan Bellomy, RRT, FAARC
• Rodney Bevis, MBA, RRT
• Bill Cohagen, MS, RRT, FAARC
• Darcy Crayton, MS, RRT
• Ryan Echols, MBA, RRT, RRT-ACCS
• Pretrevis Ellison, RRT
• Ed Garcia, MBA, MS, RRT, FAARC
• Jessica George, MHA, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C
• Sara Hough, MBA, BS, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS
• Jerin Juby, DM, RRT
• Peter Kot, MBA, RRT
• Emilee Lamorena, MSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC
• Megan Leiker, MHSA, RRT
• Linda Nozart-Frierson, MPH, BSRT, RRT, AE-C
• Scott Reistad, BA, RRT, FAARC
• Brian Ring, PhD, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS
• Ken Thigpen, BS, RRT, FAARC
• Meliza Walsh, MHA, RRT-NPS, RRT, AE-C
• Lee Wisdom, PhD, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS

AARC thanks Draeger and Linde for their support of the 2026 Emerging Leaders Program.