​​​​INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — (June 1, 2023) Following a distinguished career of public service and leadership, Mary Browning, CEO of the Indiana Organization for Nursing Leaders (IONL) (an affiliate of the Indiana Hospital Association), has announced her retirement effective this month. Cathy Wichman, MSN, RN, will be taking over as CEO upon Browning’s retirement.  ​

Browning was named to the leadership role at IONL in 2014 after serving as Vice President of Ambulatory Patient Services at Community Health Network (CHN). She held numerous roles at CHN throughout her career and also previously served as Chief Nursing Officer for the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana. Browning holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Purdue University, a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Ball State University, and a diploma from United Hospital School of Nursing.  

“It has been the honor of my career to work with IONL and advocate on behalf of Hoosier nurses,” said Browning. “Cathy is a natural leader and brings proven nursing experience to the role as CEO. I look forward to seeing everything she and the IONL team accomplish together.” 

​​​​​ Mary Browning, DNP, MSN, RN

​ ​Cathy Wichman, MSN, RN

Wichman brings 19 years of experience to IONL and has served on the Board of Directors for ten years. She started her career as a medical-surgical nurse and quickly grew into leadership roles across multiple hospital departments including nursing, pharmacy, behavioral health, lab, cardiopulmonary, sleep services, and wound care. She most recently served as Chief Nursing Officer for Decatur County Memorial Hospital. 

As CEO, Wichman will work with health care leaders and affiliates across the state and nation to serve the IONL mission, focusing on education, public policy, advocacy, career development, member engagement, and thought leadership.  

She holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern Indiana and an associate degree in nursing from Ivy Tech Community College.   

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ABOUT IONL 
The Indiana Organization for Nursing Leadership (IONL) is an affiliate of the Indiana Hospital Association and a Region 5 Affiliate (one of 49 affiliated state and metropolitan chapters) of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), an organization of nurses who design, facilitate and manage care. IONL is a state organization and consists of 8 Districts that have meetings at the local level to serve the needs of individual members.​ 

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