Nominations and Elections
This year ACHNE Members will be voting for Vice President, Secretary, Membership Chair/Member-at-Large, Midwest Region Member-at-Large*, Northern Region Member-at-Large*, and two candidates for the Nominating Committee.
*Reminder: You are only allowed to vote for North American Members-at-Large (MALs) for the region in which you live. If you do not live in the Midwest or Northern region, you will skip this step.
Northern Region: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont.
Midwest Region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin
Available Board Position responsibilities and job descriptions can be found below.
Cast Your Ballot
Ballots are due by April 30, 2023, at 11:59 pm ET.
Results will be announced during the 2023 Annual All Members Business Meeting.
Click here to download all Candidate Statements
Vice President
The Vice President shall serve as the Chairperson of the Program Committee. It shall be the responsibility of the Program Committee to obtain program ideas from the Association membership regarding program plans to be implemented by the Committee throughout the year.
Eligibility: Four (4) years as ACHNE member, former ACHNE committee member or office holder.
Responsibilities
- Assists in providing direction and structure for organizational activities through active participation on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
- Prepares written report for annual and midyear Board of Directors meetings.
- Maintains regular contact with the President to keep current on organizational issues and up-date President on program activities.
- Directs program planning for the organization:
- Serves as the chairperson of the Program Committee.
- Acts as a liaison between the Association and the PHN Section program chairperson for APHA. Coordinates and makes room reservations for midyear meeting of Board of Directors at APHA in conjunction with the PHN Section chairperson.
- Cooperates with the Annual Institute’s local member contact in developing a relevant educational program.
- Explores new opportunities for program development.
- Participates in long-range planning for conference/convention programming
- Notifies membership of program activities during Annual Membership Meeting and midyear meeting at APHA.
- Participates in the orientation of the newly elected Vice President.
- Serves on appropriate committees or task forces, which are established to address current and future organizational issues.
- Assembles relevant documents and materials for collection by Archivist after the Annual Institute.
- Performs other duties as identified by the President.
Candidate for Vice-President & Program Committee Chair
Dr. Scott Harpin PhD, MPH, RN, APHN-BC, FNAP
Why are you interested in this office?
ACHNE is my top-choice, primary nursing professional organization and has been for the past 8 years. I feel akin to the people I've met over the years. And for this role, I want to support the presidencies of Drs. Jones and Cygan and continue the amazing work of Dr. Dawson, the current VP. I developed and led a dual degree DNP/MPH program at the University of Colorado and have been living/working in the public health space for over 22 years.
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
I bring a long history of being an academic, focusing on community health nursing, 20 years this coming year. I am well-networked with others across the U.S. doing similar work. In terms of program committee work for the VP role, I have served on the program committee of a similar membership org (in adolescent medicine) on 3 occasions, total of 5 years, and currently serving on the Program Committee of the National Academies of Practice.
ACHNE Leadership Positions:
- Nominations Committee, 2022 to present.
- Sub-committee Chair for Strategic Planning Task Force, Mentorship pillar, 2021-2022
- Research Committee Member, 2015-2018, approx.
Additional leadership positions range from local non-profits to state commissions, to professional organization leadership. The most applicable was serving on the cabinet of the MN Public Health Association from 2006-2010 in various roles.
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
Growing membership, sticking to our mission, and enacting the strategic plan. I feel like volunteer membership organizations, especially sub-specialties within the nursing profession, are at-risk of losing too many members and needing to consider contraction/dissolution. ACHNE needs to be thoughtful about growing membership in the next 2-3 years, especially as pandemic-related cuts to academic budgets impact memberships. 'Sticking to our mission' is one way to consider this also by being the top, attractive membership org for educators in community health. This end can further be done by rolling out the strategic plan, which was thoughtfully developed and executed by the Board and membership these past couple years.
Secretary
It shall be the duty of the Secretary to maintain records of the Association’s proceedings and resolutions; to issue notice of meetings; to arrange details of meetings that are not otherwise delegated to others; and to perform in general functions commonly identified with such office.
Eligibility: Three (3) years as ACHNE member, former ACHNE committee member or office holder.
Responsibilities
- Assists in providing directions and structure for organizational activities through active participation on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee
- Acts as recorder at all Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings as well as yearly membership meetings.
- Records any official actions taken by the Executive Committee or Board of Directors between scheduled meetings, such as e-mail votes, including these in the minutes of the next official meeting.
- Distributes minutes to all members of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Management Company and identified others.
- Prepares summary of executive decisions from Board of Directors and Executive Committee for distribution to Board of Directors and general Membership via the members’ only website.
- Maintains official minutes and other correspondence of the Association.
- Provides the management company with official minutes and other correspondence of the Association.
- Serves as resource for all Association members.
- Participates in the orientation of the newly elected Secretary.
- Serves on appropriate committees or task forces.
- Assembles relevant official documents and materials, including all minutes with attachments and official correspondence, provides to incoming Secretary and sends to the Archives at the Barbara Bates Center after the Annual Institute. Can be sent digitally to current Archives Committee chair.
Barbara Bates Center for the Study of the History of Nursing
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Barbara Bates Center for the Study of the History of Nursing
Claire M. Fagin Hall
418 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4217
- Prepares written report for annual and midyear Board of Directors meetings.
- Performs other duties as identified by the President.
Candidate for Secretary
Dr. Lisa Turner PhD, RN, PHCNS-BC
Why are you interested in this office?
ACHNE is the professional nursing organization that I value the most. I would like an opportunity to give back to this organization that has given me so much. I have been an active member for the past 14 years, holding several leadership positions in recent years. I enjoyed being an active member of the executive committee when I served as vice president and would be honored to serve the organization again at that level. The office of the Secretary is appealing to me because I pride myself on being a highly organized person and a team player, both skills that I think are integral to the duties of the Secretary.
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
I served as member of the 2016-2017 Nominating Committee, and then stepped into the role of Chairperson for the 2017-2018 Nominating Committee. I was appointed by the Board to serve as interim Vice President for the 2018-2019 year, and then elected to the position for 2019-2021. I currently serve as co-chair of the Research Committee (since 2022). At the 2018 institute, I was honored to receive the first Past Presidents Award, which recognizes the recipient’s leadership qualities, and at the 2021 AI, I was honored to receive the President's Award for Exemplary and Extraordinary Service as Vice President and Program Committee Chair. I would like to continue to develop my leadership skills with this nursing organization that has been integral to my career development over the years.
Additional Leadership Experience:
I served as faculty secretary for the Berea College Nursing Department for AY 2020-2021 and AY 2021-2022. I am also the Berea College Faculty Counselor for Delta Psi Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International (since 2017). I currently chair the Faculty Status Council at Berea College (member AY 2021-2022; chair AY 2022-2023), which deals with questions of faculty status, including policy review and reviewing and recommending individual cases of promotion or tenure.
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
I see the major priorities for ACHNE are (1) to continue to provide leadership and guidance on community and public health nursing education, research, and practice; (2) to communicate and respond to public health issues; and (3) to strategize on how to best incorporate and promote community/public health nursing within an ever-changing health care system. I would contribute to these priorities through active participation in the ACHNE Executive Committee meetings, Board of Directors meetings, and strategic planning meetings.
General Member-at-Large: Membership Committee Chair
It shall be the responsibility of Members-at-Large to serve as the link between membership in regions and the organization for the purposes of communication and recruitment of new members.
Eligibility: One (1) year ACHNE member
Responsibilities: The Members-at-Large serve as the contact person for the members of the ACHNE regions. The Members-at-Large serve on the Board of Directors and as the Membership Committee. The general Member-at-Large serves as the Chairperson of the Membership Committee. Member-at-Large functions include but are not necessarily limited to:
- Monitoring the membership activities of the organization and submitting to the Executive Committee as requested.
- Writing a column for each ACHNE Newsletter including a member highlight.
- Actively recruiting members at all ACHNE meetings and at other nursing organization meetings.
- Developing and recommending to the Board of Directors a plan of action for recruitment and retention of members.
- Preparing written reports for the Executive Committee meetings, Annual meeting, and midyear Board of Directors meeting.
- Creating materials necessary for the recruitment and retention of members as needed, approved, and budgeted.
- Monitoring and recommending changes in member benefits.
- Maintaining a list of graduate PHN programs for the ACHNE website.
- Assembling relevant documents and materials for collection by Archivist after the Annual Membership Meeting.
Candidate for Membership Committee Chair / Member at Large
Rebecca (Becky) A. Geist, DNP, RN
Why are you interested in this office?
The General Member At large Committee Chair is challenged to identify members who would best represent the interests of ACHNE. Current trends in nursing and the next generation of leaders must be ready to advocate for the important role registered nurses play in all types of practice settings, promote the vision identified by ACHNE and promote long-term members. If elected to serve, I will collaborate with the other members to identify nurse leaders that will make the ACHNE goals a reality.
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
I have a diverse background in hospital nursing management (17 years), public school nursing (7 years), and academia (13 years) with a specialty in community, population, and public health nursing; I have a working knowledge of many specialties in the nursing profession. As nursing faculty, I emphasize teaching students’ diversity, equity, and inclusion within themselves, their peers, and the patients and families they serve. With the various nursing and advanced practice specialties, we see the spreading out again by working in silos and not harmonizing as one. ACHNE has countless governance and has made impactful changes over the years, providing outstanding support and leadership. As the Member at Large committee chair, I can support the ACHNE mission and promote qualified and dedicated leaders for the organization. I am excited to be a part of such a dynamic organization that positively impacts our practice and expertise.
Additional Leadership Experience:
- Texas School Nurse Organization Nomination Committee
- Texas Nurse Association Nomination Committee, Parliamentarian, House of Delegates, and Leadership Succession Committee
- Texas Nurse Organization Leaders Social Media Committee
- National League of Nursing Nominations Committee
- School Health Advisory Committee- Health Chair
- Nursing Made Incredibly Easy, Reviewer, Journal Articles.
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
After serving on the ACHNE Nominations Committee, I recognize the need to rejuvenate commitment and dedication to our organization. Nurses and student nurses have challenges today, such as flexibility, feeling unheard by their organizations, being overworked, and facing shortages while prioritizing patient safety. By staying connected to ACHNE, we can continue to advocate and prioritize as professionals.
Midwest Member-at-Large
It shall be the responsibility of Members-at-Large to serve as the link between membership in regions and the organization for the purposes of communication and recruitment of new members.
Midwest Region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin
Eligibility: One (1) year ACHNE member, member of the Midwest Region
Responsibilities: The Members-at-Large serve as the contact person for the members of the ACHNE regions. The Members-at-Large serve on the Board of Directors and as the Membership Committee. The general Member-at-Large serves as the Chairperson of the Membership Committee. Member-at-Large functions include but are not necessarily limited to:
- Monitoring the membership activities of the organization and submitting to the Executive Committee as requested.
- Writing a column for each ACHNE Newsletter including a member highlight.
- Actively recruiting members at all ACHNE meetings and at other nursing organization meetings.
- Developing and recommending to the Board of Directors a plan of action for recruitment and retention of members.
- Preparing written reports for the Executive Committee meetings, Annual meeting, and midyear Board of Directors meeting.
- Creating materials necessary for the recruitment and retention of members as needed, approved, and budgeted.
- Monitoring and recommending changes in member benefits.
- Maintaining a list of graduate PHN programs for the ACHNE website.
- Assembling relevant documents and materials for collection by Archivist after the Annual Membership Meeting.
Candidates for Midwestern Member at Large
Prof. Janelle L Francis MSN, RN
Why are you interested in this office?
After being in the organization for four years, I am ready for a leadership position. I have just completed my doctor of nursing practice degree which will allow me time to serve on the leadership board.
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
I have been teaching community health nursing for the past ten years. I am constantly learning more about community/ public health as we all know that community health and nursing is in a constant state of change. I have served in leadership positions in other National organizations such as the American Blood Centers and American Heart Association, Nebraska Region. This would be my first opportunity to serve on the ACHNE Board. I am passionate about Community Health Nursing Education and would like the opportunity to serve.
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
After being in the organization for four years, I am ready for a leadership position. I have just completed my doctor of nursing practice degree which will allow me time to serve on the leadership board.
Dr. Jody Spiess PhD, RN, GCPH
Why are you interested in this office?
I have been a member of the Education Committee for the last several years. I have participated in the planning and carrying out of the Education Committee Plenary at the Annual Meeting each year of my membership. I am currently on a small working group revising/updating the ACHNE Disaster White Paper and previously worked on the Scholarship and Research Task Force to create a report focused on strengthening collaborative scholarship for ACHNE and its members. I have learned so much from my ACHNE colleagues! I have received tremendous mentorship and support since becoming a member of ACHNE and through my work on the Education Committee. To work with leaders in community health, who love the specialty as much as I do, is incredibly fulfilling. I have noticed how much time, dedication, and effort ACHNE's leadership puts into making the association run smoothly. Over the last few years so much has changed in nursing education and community health. I would like to assist the organization’s efforts as we navigate this "new normal" together. I want to meet more members from the Midwest and collaborate on projects and plans on behalf of ACHNE. Most importantly, I would like to give back to the organization that has provided so much for me. I am committed to the advancement of community health nursing education and will work hard to provide solid leadership for the Midwest region and ACHNE. Thank you so much for your consideration!
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
Professionally, I have experience in board leadership and collaborative innovation for community. I have been a full-time faculty member at Webster University since 2016. I teach community health at all levels of nursing programs (RN-BSN, MSN, DNAP) and love this specialty of nursing! I started my career in community health as a Nurse Family Partnership home visitor through the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. I then moved into the Public Health Nurse Supervisor Position and worked as a Community Educator. I assisted the health department in the PHAB's accreditation process. Now that I work in education, I remain in contact with the local health departments. I have been on several COVID teams with health department and DHSS leaders. My dissertation research focused on community health nurse educators’ perspectives on disaster preparedness, and I plan to continue to build upon that data and topic. I hope to do that with my ACHNE colleagues!
I have been a member of the Education Committee for about 5 years. I have participated in the planning and carrying out of the Education Committee Plenary at the Annual Meeting each year. I am currently on a small working group revising/updating the disaster white paper and previously was a member of the Scholarship and Research Task Force to create a report focused on strengthening collaborative scholarship for ACHNE and its members.
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
As many nurses begin to retire, we will need to recruit a new group of community health nurse educators and leaders. I think recruitment is an important priority for our organization. I hope to use my passion for the field and association to get the Midwest members excited about community health again.
Northern Member-at-Large
It shall be the responsibility of Members-at-Large to serve as the link between membership in regions and the organization for the purposes of communication and recruitment of new members.
Northern Region: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont.
Eligibility: One (1) year ACHNE member, member of the Northern Region
Responsibilities: The Members-at-Large serve as the contact person for the members of the ACHNE regions. The Members-at-Large serve on the Board of Directors and as the Membership Committee. The general Member-at-Large serves as the Chairperson of the Membership Committee. Member-at-Large functions include but are not necessarily limited to:
- Monitoring the membership activities of the organization and submitting to the Executive Committee as requested.
- Writing a column for each ACHNE Newsletter including a member highlight.
- Actively recruiting members at all ACHNE meetings and at other nursing organization meetings.
- Developing and recommending to the Board of Directors a plan of action for recruitment and retention of members.
- Preparing written reports for the Executive Committee meetings, Annual meeting, and midyear Board of Directors meeting.
- Creating materials necessary for the recruitment and retention of members as needed, approved, and budgeted.
- Monitoring and recommending changes in member benefits.
- Maintaining a list of graduate PHN programs for the ACHNE website.
- Assembling relevant documents and materials for collection by Archivist after the Annual Membership Meeting.
Candidate for Northern Member at Large
Dr. Mary Ellen LaSala PhD, RN
Why are you interested in this office?
I am interested in this office because I would like to stay active in this organization. I am interested in assisting with monitoring the membership activities of the organization and recruiting members for ACHNE.
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
I have served in highly respected academic roles at the college and university level. Most recently, while efficaciously functioning in the role of Academic Chair in the prestigious SUNY Stony Brook School of Nursing, whereby my legacy of innovative methods of learning continues, I was recruited by and ultimately steered a team of leaders to success. This new opportunity provided ground for me to continue to create effective curriculum while providing operational oversight and faculty guidance across the educational continuum. It was at the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and PA Studies Program that I crafted a culture of learning and education from the ground up using innovative curriculum, provided unwavering leadership support, partnerships and ultimately admitted the inaugural class of UG nursing students in 2021. Serving in this role, as in many others, required effective collaboration, mentorship, advocacy for resources, and negotiation within and outside of the organization. In addition, I have had the opportunity to assist with managing the school’s accreditation initiatives, including assessment, outcomes and, evaluations of the undergraduate program.
ACHNE Leadership Experience:
- ACHNE Nominating Committee, Member & Co-Chair
Additional Leadership Experience:
- Sigma Theta Tau Chapter Vice President, Counselor, Treasurer, and Member at Hofstra University, Molloy University, and Hunter College.
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
The major priorities I see facing ACHNE are recruiting and retaining members. Also, another issue I see facing ACHNE is keeping members engaged and involved in the organization. Community Health Nursing Education is an important part of undergraduate education and nursing education. ACHNE is an important organization that assists with the education of nursing professionals.
Nominating Committee - 3 Positions Available
It shall be the responsibility of the Nominating Committee to propose candidates for the positions of President, President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Members-at-large, Chairperson for the Nominating Committee, and Nominating Committee members. The Nominating Committee shall prepare the ballot for membership voting.
Eligibility: Two (2) years as an ACHNE member.
Responsibilities:
- Conducts Fall call for nominations for officers.
- Compiles nominations and completes ballot for spring elections.
- Upon return of ballots, tallies results and notifies the Association President.
- Notifies all nominees of the election results.
- Notifies the Board of Directors of election results at the Spring Board meeting.
- Notifies ACHNE members of election results at a time determined by the Association President, either via electronic means and/or in person at the Annual Business Meeting.
- Participates in the orientation of the newly elected Chairperson-elect.
- Assembles relevant documents and materials for collection by Archivist after the Annual Membership Meeting.
- Performs other duties as identified by the President.
Candidates for Nominating Committee (select three)
Stacy Arriola DNP, RN, CNE
Why are you interested in this office?
I have been a member of ACHNE since 2020. I am very interested in serving in a leadership role as a member of the ACHNE Nominating Committee. This is a very important committee which engages with members and assesses member interest in serving in leadership roles in ACHNE. I seek to positively impact and make a difference for this committee, for the ACHNE organization, and all our members and communities that we serve.
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
I am a doctoral prepared registered nurse with over 14 years of nursing experience. My Doctor of Nursing Practice is in Advanced Population Health Nursing. I am dedicated to community/public health nursing and nursing as a profession. Most of my nursing practice experience is in community health nursing serving underserved and vulnerable populations and I continue to practice when opportunities arise with my full-time teaching position in academia.
During the height of the pandemic in 2021, I was the Lead Volunteer Coordinator where I oversaw hundreds of clinical and non-clinical volunteers and needed to ensure that the clinical nursing staff had enough clinical volunteer support which consisted of students and faculty across all the health sciences colleges (Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry) and non-clinical support to be able to administer up to 1,000 COVID-19 vaccines daily. I continually improved orientations, trainings, daily huddles, and workflow processes to ensure safety, competency, and efficiency among the volunteers. I also made reports during weekly meetings with the Hospital Leadership Team.
If elected, I will bring my enthusiasm, engagement, and leadership skills as a member of the Nominating Committee.
ACHNE Leadership Experience
- Member of the ACHNE Policy Committee (2022-present)
- Member of the ACHNE Faculty Qualifications Position Statement work group (2022-present)
Additional Leadership Experience:
- Course coordinator (2022-present) and clinical coordinator (2021-present) for an undergraduate course in Community Health Nursing
- Course coordinator for an undergraduate nursing course in Leadership (2022-present)
- Director of Nursing Professional Development where I oversaw the continuing education unit for the College of Nursing and developed and implemented an in-house BLS CPR program (2019-2022)
- Member of the university Entry Level Essentials Workgroup (2022-present)
- Elected as Board of Directors for the Philippine Nurses Association of Illinois (2022-2024)
- Elected as Assistant Secretary for the Philippine Nurses Association of Illinois (2020-2022)
- Appointed as Board of Directors for the Philippine Nurses Association of Illinois (2019-2020)
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
A major priority that is prevalent across the country that ACHNE faces is the nursing faculty shortage. With the retirement of current faculty, job/salary competition from practice sites, and other factors, we are seeing an increase in need for RNs with advanced degrees (Masters and higher) to enter academia. In addition, it may be challenging to recruit nurse educators to teach in community/public health nursing courses. To help address this issue, ACHNE can increase focus on engaging with all nurses that work in community nursing settings to join ACHNE and encourage membership of both nurse educators and nurses who practice. We could then potentially increase interest from nurses who solely practice venturing into becoming a nurse educator as well! I see myself contributing by promoting awareness of ACHNE and encouraging all community/public health nurses and nurse educators to join.
Dr. Marie Lourdes Charles EdD, MA, RN-BC, FNYAM
Why are you interested in this office?
ACHNE has long been an advocate for health equity and access. As a nurse, researcher, and educator, I focus on providing access to care for vulnerable populations. Being a participating member of ACHNE for more than a decade, I am invested in the longevity and success of the organization. Through the work of nominating committee, I can expand the breadth and depth of ACHNE's mission and vision.
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
I am the Vice-President of HEAL Haiti and, as such, I design international programs to improve access to care. I am a faculty member at Pace University. In that role, I coordinate courses, participate in curriculum planning, and serve as co-director of the Disability Steering Committee. I am also a member of numerous university committees. I serve as co-chair of the Family and Clinical Services Committee of AHRC-New York City, an organization dedicated to the care of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, I am the Education Department Director for the Maranatha French SDA Church for the past three years.
I worked as a CHN for over twenty-five years and have been teaching Community/Public health Nursing for the past 12 years. I am a co-founder of Health Education Action League for Haiti (HEAL Haiti) and have been instrumental in conducting numerous mobile clinics and other initiatives in Haiti. Additionally, as a board member of AHRC-New York City, I advocate for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I joined ACHNE in 2010 and have been a member of the Education Committee for over five years.
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
Some of the major priorities are to equip members to meet clients where they are, in the community. I would enhance recruitment efforts. Another challenge is to educate our members on effecting policy change at the local and global levels. My contribution would be to seek opportunities for members to get involved in policy-making and volunteerism.
Dr. Randee Greenwald PhD, FNP-BC, PHNA-BC
Why are you interested in this office?
I was introduced to ACHNE by a colleague who invited me to attend the Annual Institute. For the first time, I felt that I was among a group of people that welcomed and understood me and supported what I was doing as a community health nurse educator. I have learned and incorporated many ideas into my educational practice and have partnered to develop community-based activities leading to research opportunities.
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
I have been a community health nurse educator since 2013 after working in community and public health roles for fourteen years. As a practitioner and educator, I developed extensive community contacts that provided opportunities for students to experience nursing in the community while promoting social justice and equity. I have been involved in nursing service organizations and have held board positions in my community over the years. As a member of ACHNE’s Archive Committee for the past year and a half, I have come to understand the value of capturing the records of our past achievements, which strengthens my desire to see the organization move forward in a robust fashion.
ACHNE Leadership Experience:
- ACHNE Committee Member- Archives Committee, 2021- present.
Additional Leadership Experience:
- Sigma Theta Tau- Pi Omega Chapter- Nominating Committee: 2017- 2019; Governance Committee- 2022- present;
- New Mexico Nurses Association- 2008- present; Treasurer District 14- 2012- 2016
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
The major priority facing ACHNE continues to be growing membership- but this must also include diversifying our membership. Reaching out to members from diverse backgrounds may provide recruitment insights and ideas. A recent SWOT analysis of the organization revealed that 1/3 of members surveyed were not participating on committees- this is an opportunity to connect members to mentoring and professional development opportunities, and creating the commitment needed to take on leadership roles. As an example, my membership in the Archive Committee has sparked my interest in pursuing a position on the Nominating Committee. I believe that encouraging more active involvement of our current members provides a path to increased leadership responsibilities.
