ISTAP Announces 2026–2027 Board of Directors Following Successful Annual General Meeting
- ISTAP
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
The International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP) was pleased to host its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 27, 2026, bringing together members, partners, and healthcare professionals from around the world to celebrate another year of global growth, collaboration, education, research, and advocacy in skin tear prevention and management.
The AGM highlighted ISTAP's continued momentum as the leading global authority on skin tears, including significant membership growth, international educational initiatives, new evidence-based resources, strategic partnerships, and governance updates that will help guide the organization into its next chapter.
Watch the AGM Recording
Members and stakeholders who were unable to attend live, or who would like to revisit the presentations and discussions, can watch the AGM recording here:
A Year of Growth and Global Impact
During the AGM, members heard updates on ISTAP's accomplishments over the past year, including:
Surpassing 6,000 members worldwide, marking a significant milestone in ISTAP's global reach and influence.
Become a member: https://www.skintears.org/join-istap
Hosting the largest-ever A World Without Skin Tears Day 2026, which attracted 1,825 registrants and 845 live attendees from all five continents.
Providing live translation in 19 languages through Wordly to support accessibility and global participation.
Watch on-demand: https://www.skintears.org/wwstd2026
Launching the 2026 ISTAP Best Practice Recommendations for Understanding Dementia and Skin Tears.
Presenting the development of an Evidence-Based Skin Tear Assessment and Classification Tool for Indigenous Skin Tones.
Access them online: https://www.skintears.org/resources
Launching on the EWMA Living with Skin Frailty and Skin Tears project
Access online: https://www.skintears.org/living-with-skin-tears
Continuing to promote the ISTAP Data Collection Tool, educational modules, and other international initiatives.
Celebrating 10 years of partnership between ISTAP and NSWOCC, a collaboration that has helped advance skin tear prevention and management worldwide since 2016.
The organization also acknowledged the ongoing support of its Corporate Partners, including the continued partnership with Essity and the addition of HARTMANN as a Corporate Partner for 2026–2027.
Financial Update
Treasurer Steven Smet reported that ISTAP remains in a strong financial position.
The 2025 fiscal year concluded with a surplus, while year-to-date results for 2026 continue to demonstrate responsible stewardship and sustainable growth.
Class A Members also reviewed the projected 2026 budget, which includes investments in educational modules, translation services, global outreach, and new educational resources.
2026 Election and Acclamation Results
As outlined in the ISTAP nomination and governance process, all positions receiving a single eligible nomination were acclaimed.
President-Elect
Steven Smet (Belgium)
Clinical Nurse Specialist in Wound Care, Ghent University Hospital
Acclaimed as President-Elect (2026–2028).
Regional Director – Australia/New Zealand
Nicole Flannery (Australia)
Nurse Practitioner, Wound Management, Central Coast Local Health District
Acclaimed (2026–2028).
Regional Director – Latin America (Portuguese)
Cinthia Viana Bandeira Da Silva (Brazil)
CAPES Doctoral Fellow and PhD Student, University of São Paulo
Acclaimed (2026–2028).
Regional Director – Latin America (Spanish)
Mily Moreno Ramos (Colombia)
Postdoctoral Researcher and Professor, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG)
Acclaimed (2026–2028).
Regional Director – United Kingdom
Jeannie Donnelly (United Kingdom)
Lead Nurse – Tissue Viability, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust
Acclaimed (2026–2028).
Regional Director – Asia
No nominations were received for the Regional Director Asia position. In accordance with the ISTAP Bylaws, incumbent Regional Director Prof. Dr. Harikrishna KR Nair (Malaysia) will remain in office until a successor is elected, acclaimed, or appointed.
Treasurer Vacancy
With Steven Smet's acclamation as President-Elect, the Treasurer position became vacant with one year remaining in the current term. The ISTAP Board will convene a Special Meeting of Directors to appoint a Treasurer to complete the remainder of the 2025–2027 term in accordance with the ISTAP Bylaws.
Introducing the 2026–2027 ISTAP Board of Directors
Executive Officers
Ray Samuriwo (United Kingdom) – President
Steven Smet (Belgium) – President-Elect
Emmy Nokaneng (South Africa) – Secretary
Treasurer – To be appointed
Karen Ousey (United Kingdom) – Immediate Past President
Regional Directors
Johlene Sander (South Africa) – Africa
Harikrishna KR Nair (Malaysia) – Asia
Nicole Flannery (Australia) – Australia/New Zealand
Anika Fourie (Belgium) – Europe
Jeannie Donnelly (United Kingdom) – United Kingdom
Cinthia Viana Bandeira Da Silva (Brazil) – Latin America (Portuguese)
Mily Moreno Ramos (Colombia) – Latin America (Spanish)
Mary Hill (Canada) – North America (Canada)
Laura Swoboda (United States) – North America (USA)
Regional Director Middle East – Vacant
Recognizing Outgoing Board Members
ISTAP extends its sincere gratitude to the outgoing Board members whose dedication, leadership, and contributions have helped advance the organization's mission:
Jennifer Prentice – Regional Director Australia/New Zealand
Pía Molina Chailán – Regional Director Latin America (Spanish)
Their service and commitment to advancing skin tear prevention and management around the world have been greatly appreciated.
As ISTAP enters another exciting year, the Board remains committed to its vision of A World Without Skin Tears through global collaboration, evidence-based practice, education, research, and advocacy.
We thank our members, partners, volunteers, and supporters for helping make 2025–2026 another successful year and look forward to continuing this important work together.
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