Nonprofit executive brings strategic experience to the 100-year-old organization
INDIANAPOLIS— Following an extensive candidate search, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) today announced Lucas M. “Luke” Davis, MEd, CAE, as the organization’s new chief executive officer effective 19 August 2024. Mr. Davis is the former vice president and chief staff officer at the International Coaching Federation in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, where he served as a key innovator in organizational growth, global expansion, and transitioning governance models.
About Luke Davis
A respected association leader, Mr. Davis brings more than 20 years of executive and education experience to the Sigma CEO role. While at the International Coaching Federation, he was a catalyst for strategic growth, successfully managing global operations and overseeing the administration of an international workforce. Prior to that role, he served as an executive leader at nonprofit organizations and associations where he earned a reputation for organizational expertise and developing talent.
Mr. Davis holds a Master of Education degree in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Missouri and a Bachelor of Science from Western Kentucky University. He is also a Certified Association Executive (CAE) with the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and was named to the Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) scholars’ cohort in 2024. In addition, Mr. Davis maintains certifications and credentials from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP) and the Human Resources Certification Institute (SPHR), as well as credentials from the International Coaching Federation (ACC) and the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE-CCP).
“Sigma’s mission to develop nurse leaders and its vision for transforming global healthcare truly inspire me,” said Mr. Davis. “Throughout my career, connecting and empowering professionals has been a core passion of mine. I look forward to working with the Sigma International Board of Directors, staff, and members worldwide as we celebrate, support, and sustain the nurses impacting global healthcare.”
Sigma Leadership and Direction
Sigma has long been governed by an international board of elected nurse leaders and established a chief nursing officer position in 2022. Selecting a non-nurse as chief executive officer signals Sigma's focus on operational expertise as the organization implements its newly revised strategic plan. This direction is comparable to recent appointments by other nursing organizations and large membership associations.
Current Sigma President Sandra C. Garmon Bibb, DNSc, RN, FFNMRCSI, FAAN, chaired the CEO search committee. Washington, DC-based Sterling Martin Associates assisted in the CEO search.
Dr. Bibb said, “Luke Davis brings a wealth of operational and leadership experience to the chief executive officer position, along with an infectious energy and enthusiasm. I look forward to seeing his impact as Sigma continues its tradition of excellence under his leadership.”
About Sigma
The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of developing nurse leaders anywhere to improve healthcare everywhere. Founded in 1922, Sigma has more than 100,000 members and 600 chapters at institutions of higher education and healthcare partners from Armenia, Australia, and Botswana to Thailand, the United States, and Wales. Sigma members include clinical nurses and administrators, academic nurse educators, nursing students, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others working to fulfill the organization’s vision of connected, empowered nurse leaders transforming global healthcare. Learn more at SigmaNursing.org.