Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Twenty-two Funeral Professionals Selected for Prestigious NFDA Meet the Mentors Program
BROOKFIELD, Wisconsin, Feb. 19 -- The National Funeral Directors Association issued the following news release:
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Twenty-two Funeral Professionals Selected for Prestigious NFDA Meet the Mentors Program
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is proud to announce the 22 funeral professionals selected to participate in the 2026 Meet the Mentors program. This signature leadership experience, made possible through the generous support of the Funeral Service Foundation, will take place April 14-17 in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with NFDA's Advocacy Summit.
Meet the Mentors brings
... Show Full Article
BROOKFIELD, Wisconsin, Feb. 19 -- The National Funeral Directors Association issued the following news release:
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Twenty-two Funeral Professionals Selected for Prestigious NFDA Meet the Mentors Program
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is proud to announce the 22 funeral professionals selected to participate in the 2026 Meet the Mentors program. This signature leadership experience, made possible through the generous support of the Funeral Service Foundation, will take place April 14-17 in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with NFDA's Advocacy Summit.
Meet the Mentors bringstogether early-career funeral service professionals for an immersive experience focused on leadership development, mentorship and advocacy. Since its inception in 2011, the program has provided transformative opportunities for rising leaders in funeral service.
"Meet the Mentors continues to be one of NFDA's most impactful leadership development programs," said Sara Moss, MS, FT, LFD, NFDA associate director of Education. "This year's class represents an impressive cross-section of the profession. We are excited to welcome them to Washington, D.C., where they will gain invaluable career insights from accomplished mentors and experience firsthand the importance of advocacy."
The following funeral directors have been selected for this year's program:
* Calvin Amato, Jacob Schoen & Son, New Orleans, Louisiana
* Amanda Boyer, Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Howell, Michigan
* Logan Bryant, Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, Tennessee
* Emma Bullock, Whitham-Kanapaux Funeral Home, Rockaway, New Jersey
* Alicia Burns, Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville, Michigan
* Renee Childs, A.A. Rayner & Sons, Chicago, Illinois
* Kylee Crane, Pollock-Randall Funeral Home, Port Huron, Michigan
* Andrea Delap, Higgins Funeral Home, Fayetteville, Tennessee
* Desirae Delgado, Harrell Funeral Home, Austin, Texas
* Taylor Domsch, Roeder Mortuaries Inc., Omaha, Nebraska
* Aaron Franks, Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Howell, Michigan
* Royney Hazzard, Marcus D. Brown Funeral Home, Anderson, South Carolina
* Liana Holt, Holt & Holt Funeral Home, Boerne, Texas
* Emily Johns, Smith Family Funeral Home - Glenwood Chapel, Glenwood, Arkansas
* Matt Martin, Piasecki Funeral Home, Kenosha, Wisconsin
* Chrissy Matthews, Smith Family Funeral Homes - Benton Chapel, Benton, Arkansas
* Meg Nichols, Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, Peabody, Massachusetts
* Kandice Saulsberry, Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Inc., Toledo, Ohio
* Sydney Stephens, Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Garnett, Kansas
* Carolyn Tuff, Heritage Funeral Homes, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
* Phillip Vallelunga, Faulmann & Walsh Golden Rule Funeral Home, Fraser, Michigan
* Kelly Marie Walker, Anderson's Tribute Center, Hood River, Oregon
An Unparalleled Mentorship and Advocacy Experience
The 2026 Meet the Mentors class will be guided by three distinguished leaders in funeral service who bring decades of experience, innovation and professional leadership to the program. This year's mentors include:
* Amie LM Swenson, Owner, Funeral Director-Mortician at Farnsworth Mortuary and Crematory, Jerome, Idaho
* Tracy McAdams, Managing Partner and Funeral Director, Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Homes, Canal Winchester, Ohio
* Anna F. Zvirman-Nesbit, Owner, Licensed Funeral Director, CFSP, Soxman Funeral Homes, Ltd., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Through candid conversations and real-world discussions, these accomplished professionals will offer practical insights on leadership, navigating business challenges, engaging their communities and building meaningful, sustainable careers in funeral service.
Beyond the mentor sessions, the four-day program is designed to immerse participants in leadership development and professional connection. Mentees will collaborate with peers from across the country, expand their national networks and participate in experiences that encourage confidence, purpose and long-term engagement in the profession.
A hallmark of the program is participation in NFDA's Advocacy Summit. Mentees will join colleagues on Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and discuss federal issues impacting funeral service. By sharing their experiences and perspectives, participants will drive change by helping lawmakers understand how their decisions affect funeral professionals and the grieving families they serve.
Thanks to the exclusive support of the Funeral Service Foundation, selected participants receive registration for the Meet the Mentors program and Advocacy Summit, three nights of lodging and a $500 travel reimbursement stipend, ensuring this transformational opportunity remains accessible to the profession's next generation of leaders.
For more information about Meet the Mentors, visit NFDA.org/Mentors.
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NFDA is the world's leading and largest funeral service association representing 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit NFDA.org.
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Original text here: https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/9989/twenty-two-funeral-professionals-selected-for-prestigious-nfda-meet-the-mentors-program
[Category: Human Resources/Personnel]
National Black Nurses Association Honors Life and Legacy of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Feb. 19 -- The National Black Nurses Association issued the following news release:
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The National Black Nurses Association, Inc. Honors the Life and Legacy of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson
The National Black Nurses Association, (NBNA) joins those around the world in mourning the passing of civil rights icon Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, whose lifelong commitment to justice, equity, and human dignity extended deeply into the advancement of healthcare advocacy and the elevation of Black nurses.
During the formative years of NBNA, when the organization was building its voice in
... Show Full Article
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Feb. 19 -- The National Black Nurses Association issued the following news release:
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The National Black Nurses Association, Inc. Honors the Life and Legacy of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson
The National Black Nurses Association, (NBNA) joins those around the world in mourning the passing of civil rights icon Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, whose lifelong commitment to justice, equity, and human dignity extended deeply into the advancement of healthcare advocacy and the elevation of Black nurses.
During the formative years of NBNA, when the organization was building its voice innational policy discussions, Rev. Jackson stood with the association during its Black Nurses Day on Capitol Hill event. His presence brought national visibility and moral authority to the concerns of Black nurses and the communities they serve. He helped underscore that healthcare equity is inseparable from civil rights and encouraged lawmakers to recognize nurses as essential leaders in shaping public health policy.
"Rev. Jackson understood that nurses are not only caregivers, but advocates for justice in healthcare," NBNA Health Policy Committee Chair, Dr. Vivienne Pierce McDaniel stated. "At a critical time in our history, he gave our mission credibility and helped open doors that strengthened our impact for decades to come," said NBNA President, Dr. Sheldon D. Fields.
His legacy of service continues through his son, Congressman Jonathan Jackson, who like his father, has attended NBNA's annual Black Nurses Day on Capitol Hill throughout his tenure in Congress. His ongoing partnership reflects a generational commitment to advancing health equity and ensuring that the voices of Black nurses remain present in national policy conversations.
Today, the work of NBNA, to advance health, advocate for historically underserved communities, and to shape equitable healthcare policy, carries forward the spirit of Rev. Jackson's leadership. His influence lives on in the policies he improved, the communities he helped to strengthen, and the nurses he empowered to lead. The National Black Nurses Association extends its heartfelt condolences to the Jackson family and to all who were inspired by his exemplary life of service.
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About the National Black Nurses Association
Founded in 1971, the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) represents approximately 308,000 Black registered nurses, licensed vocational/practical nurses, and nursing students in 115 chapters across the United States, the Eastern Caribbean, and Africa. NBNA's mission is to serve as the voice for Black nurses and diverse populations, promoting equity in healthcare and advancing the professional and educational development of nurses worldwide.
For more information, visit www.nbna.org
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Original text here: https://nbna.org/the-national-black-nurses-association-inc-honors-the-life-and-legacy-of-rev-jesse-l-jackson/
[Category: Health Care]
HARDI Releases 2026 State of the Channel Report, Delivering Actionable Intelligence for HVACR Distribution and Manufacturing
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 19 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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HARDI Releases 2026 State of the Channel Report, Delivering Actionable Intelligence for HVACR Distribution and Manufacturing
Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) has released its 2026 State of the Channel Report, providing critical insights into the forces shaping wholesale HVACR distribution and manufacturing.
Now in its sixth edition, the report delivers a concise but comprehensive view of market performance,
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 19 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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HARDI Releases 2026 State of the Channel Report, Delivering Actionable Intelligence for HVACR Distribution and Manufacturing
Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) has released its 2026 State of the Channel Report, providing critical insights into the forces shaping wholesale HVACR distribution and manufacturing.
Now in its sixth edition, the report delivers a concise but comprehensive view of market performance,competitive shifts, and forward-looking demand trends--built on HARDI's proprietary data, industry surveys, and expert analysis.
"This report continues to evolve alongside the channel," said Tim Fisher, HARDI Research Director. "Each year, we refine our analysis to focus on the intelligence that matters most to decision-makers. Our goal is to equip distributors and suppliers with practical insights they can apply across sales, marketing, finance, and product strategy."
The 2026 edition provides:
* Residential and Nonresidential Market Outlooks
- Updated projections for contractor business purchase activity and the macroeconomic factors driving HVACR demand. Highlights in the 2026 report include residential unitary sales trends, by region, and a detailed update on the data center market.
* Distribution Channel Performance Benchmarks
- An assessment of the competitive dynamics at play among competing retail and distribution channels, and the threat these competing channels pose to traditional wholesale distributor businesses.
* Contractor Business Purchasing Trends
- Insights into needs and preferences of contractor businesses, as well as emerging market opportunities for wholesale distributors.
* Legislative & Regulatory Developments
- Updates on the most pertinent government actions and implications for the channel.
* Voice of Contractor and Voice of Supplier Survey Results
- The 2026 report includes the response summaries for both of HARDI's key annual survey initiatives, the results of which are woven throughout the report.
For HARDI members, the report serves as a strategic tool to align teams around customer-driven insights, while also offering outlooks - down to the regional level - of sales expectations for the year. HARDI encourages member companies to share the report across sales, marketing, finance, and product development teams to inform decision-making and long-term planning.
State of the Channel 2026 is available to HARDI member companies at exclusive member pricing and is also available for purchase by non-members. In addition to distributors and manufacturers, the report serves as a valuable resource for private equity firms and investors evaluating HVACR distribution and manufacturing opportunities, research and advisory firms conducting market analysis or benchmarking, and strategic planners, consultants, and suppliers seeking credible data to inform forecasting, due diligence, and channel strategy.
Whether used to support a specific transaction, inform a strategic initiative, or build a broader market research framework, the report provides credible, channel-specific intelligence not available in broader construction or macroeconomic reports.
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Original text here: https://hardinet.org/posts/press-release/hardi-releases-2026-state-of-the-channel-report-delivering-actionable-intel-for-hvacr-distribution
[Category: Air Conditioning/Refrigeration]
American College of Cardiology: Ancient Mind-Body Practice Proven to Lower Blood Pressure in Clinical Trial
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 (TNSjou) -- The American College of Cardiology posted the following news release on Feb. 18, 2026:
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Ancient Mind-Body Practice Proven to Lower Blood Pressure in Clinical Trial
Study shows traditional Chinese practice comparable to brisk walking and some medication trials at lowering BP
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A traditional Chinese mind-body practice that combines slow, structured movement, deep breathing and meditative focus lowered blood pressure as effectively as brisk walking in a large randomized clinical trial published in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 (TNSjou) -- The American College of Cardiology posted the following news release on Feb. 18, 2026:
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Ancient Mind-Body Practice Proven to Lower Blood Pressure in Clinical Trial
Study shows traditional Chinese practice comparable to brisk walking and some medication trials at lowering BP
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A traditional Chinese mind-body practice that combines slow, structured movement, deep breathing and meditative focus lowered blood pressure as effectively as brisk walking in a large randomized clinical trial published in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology.Blood pressure reductions were seen after three months and sustained for one year.
High blood pressure is one of the leading preventable risk factors for heart disease. Clinical guidelines recommend regular physical activity, yet long-term adherence to exercise programs is challenging for many people, particularly when routines require equipment, dedicated space, gym memberships or ongoing supervision.
Baduanjin is a widely practiced, standardized eight-movement sequence that integrates aerobic, isometric, flexibility and mind-body components. Practiced for centuries and commonly performed in community settings across China, the routine typically takes 10-15 minutes and requires no equipment and only minimal initial instruction, allowing it to be performed in a wide range of settings. Because it is low- to moderate-intensity, it is considered safe and accessible for many adults.
"Given its simplicity, safety and ease at which one can maintain long-term adherence, baduanjin can be implemented as an effective, accessible and scalable lifestyle intervention for individuals trying to reduce their blood pressure," said Jing Li, MD, PhD, senior author of the study and Director, Department of Preventive Medicine, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases in Beijing, China.
In the first large, multicenter randomized trial to look at the impact of baduanjin on blood pressure, researchers followed 216 participants across seven communities to determine changes in 24-hour systolic blood pressure from baseline to 12 and 52 weeks. Participants were 40 years old or older and had a systolic blood pressure of 130-139 mm Hg, which according to the ACC/AHA High Blood Pressure Guideline is considered stage 1 hypertension. They were randomly assigned to one of three arms: baduanjin, self-directed exercise alone, or brisk walking for the 52-week intervention.
Compared to self-directed exercise, practicing baduanjin five days a week reduced 24-hour systolic blood pressure approximately 3 mg Hg and office systolic blood pressure by 5 mg Hg at both three months and one year, which is comparable to reductions seen with some first-line medications. Baduanjin showed comparable results and safety profile to brisk walking at one year.
Notably, the benefits were sustained even without ongoing monitoring, a key challenge for many lifestyle interventions that struggle to maintain long-term adherence outside structured programs.
"Baduanjin has been practiced in China for over 800 years, and this study demonstrates how ancient, accessible, low-cost approaches can be validated through high-quality randomized research," said Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, FACC, Editor-in-Chief of JACC and the Harold H. Hines, Jr Professor at the Yale School of Medicine. "The blood pressure effect size is similar to that seen in landmark drug trials, but achieved without medication, cost or side effects. This makes it highly scalable for community-based prevention, including in resource-limited settings."
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The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is a global leader dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. For more than 75 years, the ACC has empowered a community of over 60,000 cardiovascular professionals across more than 140 countries with cutting-edge education and advocacy, rigorous professional credentials, and trusted clinical guidance. From its world-class JACC Journals and NCDR registries to its Accreditation Services, global network of Chapters and Sections, and CardioSmart patient initiatives, the College is committed to creating a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or connect on social media at @ACCinTouch.
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The ACC's JACC Journals rank among the top cardiovascular journals in the world for scientific impact. The flagship journal, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) -- and specialty journals consisting of JACC: Advances, JACC: Asia, JACC: Basic to Translational Science, JACC: CardioOncology, JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging, JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions, JACC: Case Reports, JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology and JACC: Heart Failure -- pride themselves on publishing the top peer-reviewed research on all aspects of cardiovascular disease. Learn more at JACC.org.
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Original text here: https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2026/02/18/14/58/Ancient-Mind-Body-Practice-Proven-to-Lower-Blood-Pressure-in-Clinical-Trial
[Category: Medical]
American Academy of Neurology: Prenatal Lead Exposure Related to Worse Cognitive Function in Adults
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Feb. 19 (TNSjou) -- The American Academy of Neurology issued the following news release on Feb. 18, 2026:
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Prenatal lead exposure related to worse cognitive function in adults
Baby teeth examined for lead levels decades later
Highlights
* Lead exposure before birth is associated with lower performance on cognitive tests 60 years later.
* The study does not prove that lead exposure is the cause of the lower scores; it only shows an association.
* The study looked at baby teeth donated decades earlier to determine lead levels.
* The association between lead
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Feb. 19 (TNSjou) -- The American Academy of Neurology issued the following news release on Feb. 18, 2026:
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Prenatal lead exposure related to worse cognitive function in adults
Baby teeth examined for lead levels decades later
Highlights
* Lead exposure before birth is associated with lower performance on cognitive tests 60 years later.
* The study does not prove that lead exposure is the cause of the lower scores; it only shows an association.
* The study looked at baby teeth donated decades earlier to determine lead levels.
* The association between leadexposure in the second trimester of pregnancy and cognitive function decades later was primarily found in female participants.
* Each one part per million increase in second trimester tooth lead concentration was associated with lower test scores equal to three years of additional aging in female participants.
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Exposure to lead before birth is associated with lower performance 60 years later on tests of thinking and memory skills in female participants, according to a study published on February 18, 2026, in Neurology(R), the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study does not prove that lead exposure is the cause of the lower scores on tests of thinking and memory skills; it only shows an association.
"Lead exposure in the United States peaked during the 1960s, '70s and '80s, and children born during those years are now entering midlife and older adulthood, when these early-life exposures could have long-term effects on their cognitive health," said study author Ruby C. Hickman, PhD, who conducted the research while at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts.
Researchers tested lead levels in an unusual way. For a study of radiation exposure, parents in the St. Louis, Missouri, area donated their children's baby teeth from 1958 to 1972. The study team at Harvard Chan School worked to track down these children six decades later and asked them to take cognitive tests on their home computers or devices.
Researchers still had the baby teeth and tested them for lead levels. Because teeth pick up lead as they are forming, baby teeth can show what levels of lead someone was exposed to before they were born and in early life.
A total of 715 people with an average age of 62 were located, took the tests and had their baby teeth analyzed for lead.
Participants had a median tooth lead concentration of 1.34 parts per million.
For female participants, each one part per million higher concentration of lead during the second trimester was associated with test scores that were lower by 0.16 of a standard deviation, which was the equivalent of three years of aging in their data.
These results took into account other factors that could affect test scores, such as parents' education level and their family's financial status.
"While lead exposure has declined over recent decades, the Flint water crisis and recent lead contamination in cinnamon applesauce marketed to young children are examples of ongoing exposure problems in the United States, and lead exposure remains an issue globally as well," Hickman said.
A limitation of the study is that participants were mainly white people with high levels of education and higher socioeconomic level as children, so the results may not apply to other groups.
The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Discover more about brain health at Brain & Life (R), from the American Academy of Neurology. This resource offers a website, podcast, and books that connect patients, caregivers and anyone interested in brain health with the most trusted information, straight from the world's leading experts in brain health. Follow Brain & Life(R) on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world's largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 40,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN's mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.
Explore the latest in neurological disease and brain health, from the minds at the AAN at AAN.com.
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Original text here: https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5313
[Category: Medical]
AI Skills Enhancement is a High Priority for Active Job Seekers, New CompTIA Report Reveals
DOWNERS GROVE, Illinois, Feb. 19 (TNSrep) -- CompTIA posted the following news release:
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AI skills enhancement is a high priority for active job seekers, new CompTIA report reveals
3 in 10 workers are actively exploring their employment options
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Active job seekers are striving to build their artificial intelligence (AI) skills to strengthen their qualifications for new career opportunities, according to new research by CompTIA, the leading global provider of vendor-neutral information technology (IT) training and certifications.
"CompTIA Job Seeker Trends", a biannual report that takes
... Show Full Article
DOWNERS GROVE, Illinois, Feb. 19 (TNSrep) -- CompTIA posted the following news release:
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AI skills enhancement is a high priority for active job seekers, new CompTIA report reveals
3 in 10 workers are actively exploring their employment options
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Active job seekers are striving to build their artificial intelligence (AI) skills to strengthen their qualifications for new career opportunities, according to new research by CompTIA, the leading global provider of vendor-neutral information technology (IT) training and certifications.
"CompTIA Job Seeker Trends", a biannual report that takesa broad-based look at career exploration, finds that 87% of active job seekers believe digital fluency skills are important in today's workforce. Learning the fundamentals of AI tops the list of skills to develop.
About 31% of the U.S. labor market reported pursuing a new job or career change during the past three months (November 2025 - January 2026). That percentage translates to approximately 53 million active job seekers. Younger workers (age 18-34) are the most active, with 61% reporting they are seeking a new job.
The healthy level of activity is occurring at a time where a higher percentage of job seekers (43%) believe the job market is weak, compared to 24% who feel the market is strong and 33% average.
"This pattern points to a split in the labor market, a 'K-shaped' economy, where some job seekers feel confident about hiring and career change prospects, while others are stepping up their search out of concern for stability and a desire for greater job security," said Amy Carrado, senior director, research and market intelligence, CompTIA.
All types of workers, whether they are actively seeking a new job or staying where they are, have clear expectations for employer support in using AI on the job. They want training on how to use AI tools effectively in their job role; clear guidance and policies on the use of AI in the workplace; reassurance that responsible use will not put their job at risk; and time during work hours to practice and build their AI skills.
Why workers are (or are not) in the job market
Factors prompting workers to look for new jobs include a change in their financial situation (more prevalent among workers earning less than $50,000 annually and those in the $50,000-$100,000 range); changes in life priorities; feeling stuck in a rut and wanting something new; and burnout or stress (a slightly higher factor among workers in the 18-34 age segment).
Workers not currently seeking new opportunities cite several life factors. They can't leave their current job without securing a new job; they do not have a financial cushion to look for or consider a new job; they can't relocate for a new job; and they can't sell or buy a house for a job change. Younger workers, especially Gen Z, report higher rates of mobility and housing constraints.
Active job seekers are considering a mix of career fields, with these as their top options.
1.Sales, marketing, retail, real estate or related
2.Hospitality, food, travel, tourism
3.Healthcare or medical
4.Technology, IT, cybersecurity, data, software, AI or IT project management
5.Business, financial, accounting, analyst or operations
Those who are considering technology jobs may be doing so at an opportune time. Recent CompTIA research finds that employer job postings for tech occupations totaled more than 465,000 in January, a 4% increase from the prior month.[1]
A confidence gap - a belief that working in technology is not possible due to real or perceived barriers - remains a challenge to drawing more people into the tech workforce. Yet job seekers see clear onramps into tech job roles. Earning a technical industry recognized certification is the top strategy they cite for pursuing a tech career, followed by training in an in demand technical skill.
Interest in technology careers remains solid and consistent with the prior wave. In the January 2026 survey, tech roles again rank 4th among career fields under consideration. Among the Skills Intent segment, digital fluency, project management, and technical skills such as cybersecurity, cloud, and coding are among the most valued skills for career growth.
Please note this is an excerpt, and the full report contains more details.
Download the full report (https://lecbyo.files.cmp.optimizely.com/download/516cc720008511f1b485a2d0603f56f0)
Methodology
CompTIA's Job Seeker Trends study was conducted via a quantitative survey fielded online during January 9-15, 2026. The data was weighted to approximate a target sample of U.S. adults based on gender, educational attainment, age, race, and region. The full survey sample of n=2,296 was evenly segmented between active job seekers and non-seekers. The n=1,000 segmentations have an approximate margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points.
The survey was administrated by the research firm Morning Consult.
Within the context of this study, job seekers are defined as adults who have looked for a new job within their current or most recent career field or explored new jobs in a different career field in the past 3 months. Note: the data suggests some respondents interpreted 'new career' pathway as a new job role within an existing field (e.g. transitioning from an IT support role to a cybersecurity role). Overall, this had little effect on the key themes of the findings.
CompTIA, Inc. is a member of the market research industry's Insights Association and adheres to its internationally respected Code of Standards. Any questions regarding the study should be directed to CompTIA Research and Market Intelligence staff at research@comptia.org.
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Original text here: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/about-us/news/press-releases/AI-skills-enhancement-is-a-high-priority-for-active-job-seekers-new-CompTIA-report-reveals/
[Category: Computer Technology]
ACC Announces Inaugural Fellow for the Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The American College of Cardiology posted the following news release on Feb. 18, 2026:
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ACC Announces Inaugural Fellow for the Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship
The new award provides up to $70,000 in funding to a Fellow-in-Training or an early-career cardiologist
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The American College of Cardiology will recognize Plicy Perez-Kersey, MD, as the first recipient of the Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship Award. Perez-Kersey will be honored at American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26)
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The American College of Cardiology posted the following news release on Feb. 18, 2026:
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ACC Announces Inaugural Fellow for the Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship
The new award provides up to $70,000 in funding to a Fellow-in-Training or an early-career cardiologist
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The American College of Cardiology will recognize Plicy Perez-Kersey, MD, as the first recipient of the Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship Award. Perez-Kersey will be honored at American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26)taking place March 28 - 30, in New Orleans.
The Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship was funded through Thad F. Waites, MD, MACC, in honor of his wife Gerry. It reflects their commitment to combating cardiovascular disparities and uplifting underserved populations through evidence-based clinical interventions and innovative research. The fellowship provides up to $70,000 in research funding to a Fellow-in-Training or an early-career cardiologist who demonstrates a commitment to rural cardiovascular care, community engagement and health equity.
"I've always believed in the power of giving back. Over the years, I've witnessed the barriers many face to achieving good health. I envision our fellowship will help break down those barriers and move us closer to improving heart health for all," Waites said.
Perez-Kersey is an advanced cardiac imaging fellow at Seattle Children's Hospital and an acting instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington.
Guided by a commitment to equity, advocacy and service, Perez-Kersey has consistently sought opportunities to support underserved communities. As a medical student, she co-managed a free clinic in Harlem that provided medical care for people without health insurance and those experiencing homelessness. During pediatric residency at the University of Washington, she provided culturally conscious health care to Alaska Native communities through the Alaska Medical Track program. Perez-Kersey's research seeks to identify and address social drivers of health that impact outcomes for children and adults with congenital heart disease.
"Throughout my training, I have developed a deep awareness of the barriers that prevent vulnerable populations from receiving optimal care - and an enduring commitment to addressing them so that circumstance no longer dictates cardiovascular outcomes," Perez-Kersey said. "The Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship is an extraordinary opportunity to advance this mission, and I am honored and excited to be selected as the inaugural fellow for this innovative program."
Through this research fellowship, Perez-Kersey will investigate gaps in maternal and fetal cardiac care in rural communities and establish a community-based screening program for pregnant patients.
"The ACC is honored to recognize Dr. Perez-Kersey and the legacy of Thad and Gerry Waites with the inaugural Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship Award," said Cathy Gates, CEO of the American College of Cardiology. "This fellowship embodies the heart of the ACC's mission to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health for all."
To learn more about the Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship, visit here.
ACC.26 will take place March 28 - 30, 2026, in New Orleans, bringing together cardiologists and cardiovascular specialists from around the world to share the newest discoveries in treatment and prevention. Follow @ACCinTouch, @ACCMediaCenter and #ACC26 for the latest news from the meeting.
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The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family ofJACCJournals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring aworld where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or follow @ACCinTouch.
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Original text here: https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2026/02/18/14/41/ACC-Announces-Inaugural-Fellow-for-the-Thad-and-Gerry-Waites-Rural-Cardiovascular-Research-Fellowship
[Category: Medical]
