Ready to make a difference and help shape the future of ANNA? Consider running for the Board of Directors. Nominations are now open!

Candidate for Director

James Thoms

James Thoms, MSN, RN, CDN

Job Position and Professional Responsibilities:

Hello, my name is James Thoms.  I am a hemodialysis nurse from Watertown, South Dakota. I am running on common sense.  In my opinion, ANNA is going in the wrong direction, and I would like to course correct by removing the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion agenda. I understand that this may be an unpopular view, but the DEI agenda is very divisive and will destroy the "House of ANNA". I would be proud to aid the membership as a servant leader working to keep ANNA a place where networking can happen as professionals without censorship of ideas.

Describe your qualifications for this role, and include past ANNA leadership positions:

First, and formost, I am dedicated to this organization and want the best for it.

I have been a dialysis nurse for over 20 years and an active participant in ANNA leadership for 15 of them. I have fulfilled chapter and national positions since 2008: 

  • Chapter Treasurer, Greater MN #329 2022- Curent
  • Chapter President, Greater MN #329 2021 – Apr. 2022
  • ANNA Chapter Support Team (ACST) Chair, Apr. 2020 – April 2021
  • ANNA Chapter Support Team (ACST) Chair-designate Apr. 2019 – Apr. 2020
  • ANNA Chapter Support Team Leader (ACST), Apr. 2018 – 2019
  • Chapter President, Greater MN #329 2016 – Apr. 2017
  • Chapter President-elect, Greater MN #329 2015- Apr. 2016
  • Health Policy Representative, Greater MN #329 2014- Apr. 2015
  • VLW Planning Taskforce- 2014- Dec. 2015
  • Health Policy Representative, Greater MN #329 2013 – Apr. 2014
  • Chapter President, Greater MN #329 2012 – Apr. 2013
  • Chapter President-elect, Greater MN #329 2011- Apr. 2012
  • Health Policy Representative, Greater MN #329 2010 – Apr. 2011
  • Chapter President, Greater MN #329 2009 – Apr. 2010
  • Chapter President-elect, Greater MN #329 2008- Apr. 2009

I have my Masters Degree in nursing with a focus on leadership and management. While I did want a management position in dialysis, my aspiration is to help lead and direct the organization that I love, and restore it to the professional networking fellowship.

Describe your role in three ANNA projects/activities which support(ed) ANNA’s mission, goals, and objectives:

As a chapter officer I have been involed in implementing all day conferences, in-person, and virtual meetings to promote scholarship, education and networking.

In the ACST role, I assisted chapters in meeting recharter requirements and encouraged them to keep communication lines open both up and down stream to maximize participation.

As the chair of the ACST team,  I was also able to mentor leaders to develop skills and encourage these leaders through a time when stress was high and the world was shut down.