#76 From Bedside to Boardroom: A Conversation With Kathy Ward, APIC's 2026 President
From 5 Second Rule by Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)
January 13, 2026 · 23 min · Episode 76
About this episode
Kathy Ward shares her journey from bedside support to leading national infection prevention efforts as APIC's 2026 President.
What inspires an RN to lead national infection prevention efforts? In this episode, Kelly Holmes welcomes 2026 APIC President Kathy Ward to share her journey from bedside support to infection prevention powerhouse. Hear how mentors shaped her career, what she envisions for the future of IPC, her advice for rising leaders, and her vision for APIC in 2026! Hosted by: Kelly Holmes About our Guest: Kathy Ward, 2026 APIC President Kathy Ward has been an Infection Preventionist for more than 20 years. She is currently an Infection Preventionist, Team Lead, at Roper St. Francis Healthcare in Charleston, SC. As a member of APIC-Palmetto Chapter, she has served as President, President-Elect, Program Chair and Co-chair as well as member and Chair of Governmental Affairs. Currently, she is a member of the SC Healthcare Infections Disclosure Advisory Council and has served as Chair of the APIC Palmetto LASIC. Kathy has also served at the National level as Member/Chair of Nominating and Awards Committee, Board of Directors in addition to Member and Chair of Practice Guidance Committee.
People in this episode
Host: Kelly Holmes
Guest: Kathy Ward
Topics covered
- infection prevention
- leadership
- healthcare
- mentorship
- APIC
Keywords
- infection prevention
- Kathy Ward
- leadership
- healthcare
- mentorship
- APIC
- 2026
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: APIC, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, SC Healthcare Infections Disclosure Advisory Council, APIC-Palmetto Chapter, APIC Palmetto LASIC
More episodes of 5 Second Rule
- #79 A Voice on Vaccines with Dr. Demetre Daskalakis · April 14, 2026 · 42 min
- #78 Getting to Know Your 5 Second Rule Hosts! · March 10, 2026 · 43 min
- #77 Industrial Hygienists and Infection Prevention: A Powerful Partnership · February 10, 2026 · 47 min
- #75 Cross-Border Lessons: How Canada Is Advancing Infection Prevention in Long-Term Care · December 9, 2025 · 19 min
- #74 A Conversation With APIC's CEO Devin Jopp: Navigating Infection Prevention Through Misinformation and Policy Shifts With Future-Focused Solutions · November 11, 2025 · 28 min
- #73 Inside APIC's Research Network · October 14, 2025 · 32 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the 5 Second Rule podcast page.