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

I think there’s a lot excitement in the future. There’s some things that we might grieve or mourn that we had before, but I think the best thing to do is to take what we have now and renovate it and make it work for us today and in the future.

Kathy Ward

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.