Ballot 2025: Meet the Candidates

Chief Nursing Office
Community Health Center, Inc
Member since 2016

Candidate Statement:
I joined AAACN in 2016 while searching for a group of like-minded leaders willing to grapple with pervasive issues we face every day as ambulatory nurses. I found that in AAACN.

AAACN knows that we value professional connections/shared learning, practical tools, and well-defined standards to guide all that we do. To this end, we have added new partners, and pushed the organization to strategic action in the areas of research and advocacy, both, which I wholeheartedly support and have dedicated volunteer time toward.

In my current role as Chief Nursing Officer for a statewide Federally Qualified Health Center, I oversee nursing and medical assistant services for the underserved. I have presented at AAACN’s annual conference on seven occasions, participated in the CCTM-summit, and served as a member of the Nurse Leader Toolkit Task Force. In 2021, I co-led the Volunteer Leadership Task Force, which created a roadmap for defined leadership pathways for members. I have been a primary care RN, family nurse practitioner, Medical Director, and now Chief Nursing Officer--all of which prepare me to engage members, and continue to work with AAACN leadership as we carve a path forward in today’s challenging healthcare environment.

I am seeking election by our membership, and would be honored to serve as we work together to propel this organization to achieve new levels of success nationally, particularly in the area of strategic advocacy for RN-billing in ambulatory settings.

Associate Nursing Officer
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Member since 2017

Candidate Statement:

As a lifelong ambulatory care nurse, and strong proponent of nursing autonomy and growth, I am seeking your support as I run for a position on the board of directors. With over a decade of dedicated membership and a strong commitment to AAACN's mission, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute in a new capacity. My dreams for the future of AAACN are grounded in my background in ambulatory care nursing. For the past three years, I have served as the chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee, now Inclusion and Belonging Committee (I&BC). This role has shaped my leadership approach and reinforced the importance of inclusivity in all our initiatives. We have worked closely with AAACN leadership for adjusting our inclusive language, removing any barriers to membership and involvement, and adding educational opportunities. My professional background includes clinic nursing, care coordination, telephone triage, and remote patient monitoring has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of patient care and organizational dynamics. These roles consist of work in FQHC's, community health centers, and academic medical centers. I believe these experiences will enable me to offer valuable insights and a collaborative spirit to the board. My goal is to support AAACN's mission with thoughtful, data-informed decisions while ensuring the needs and voices of our members are always considered. Thank you for your support and consideration. I am eager to bring my experience and dedication to the board and work together to advance our shared vision.

National Program Manager, Nursing Clinical Practice
Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Integrated Veterans Care
Member Since 2014

Candidate Statement:

I am privileged to be considered for the AAACN Board of Directors. Throughout my decade-long membership, I have consistently witnessed AAACN’s steadfast commitment to elevating ambulatory care nursing through its strong emphasis on professionalism and leadership. As an Air Force Veteran, I entered this organization with a deep understanding of the unique needs of special populations and quickly found a network of leaders equally passionate about addressing these care gaps.

I have been fortunate to lead several significant initiatives, including chairing the AAACN/AMSN Handoff Toolkit Taskforce, where we created evidence-based tools to ensure safe transitions for patients between outpatient and inpatient settings. As Chair of the Legislative Team, now known as the Advocacy Committee, I championed the importance of advocacy within our field, helping to guide our members through the advocacy process at conferences. Most recently, as Chair of the 2024 Conference Planning Committee, I prioritized expanding our conference offerings to include greater diversity, such as specialty care, minority-owned business awareness, research tracks, and resources focused on evidence-based practice, publishing, and workforce wellness.

In my role as the national Program Manager for Nursing Clinical Practice in telephone triage with the Department of Veterans Affairs, I bring a wealth of experience in telehealth, healthcare informatics, and executive leadership. If elected, I will work to enhance AAACN’s role in overseeing the evolving ambulatory care landscape, fostering partnerships, and developing strategies that enable our nurses to excel in providing world-class care. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

Director Ambulatory Clinical Practice
Kaiser Permanente - Southern California
Member since 2015

Candidate Statement:
I am excited to have the potential opportunity to serve on the AAACN Board of Directors. I have a personal lifelong commitment to enhance nursing professionalism. AAACN is the perfect vehicle to give back to nursing. I am detailed oriented, work well with others, and finish what I start.

My vision is to move AAACN forward, by leading the way to meet the needs of our ambulatory care nurses, in their complex, and ever-changing environments. This momentum will help AAACN continue to be relevant, by promoting personal connections, networking, individual growth, and successful practice.

Member growth is essential. Retaining members and recruiting new members is critical. Great examples are our SIGs and offering a variety of virtual education opportunities. Promoting more opportunities to our community will meet the needs of individual growth. Members need to see themselves becoming successful in their practice with the support of AAACN.

I have experience with groups that are dedicated to serving. I founded the Nurse Honor Guard Southern California. This is a volunteer group which conducts the Nightingale Tribute at a nurse’s memorial service. I have launched several groups throughout California, and we continue to grow. The key is nurses connecting, participating, and being a part of something that is bigger together, that describes my vision for AAACN.

I have served on the Program Planning Committee, a co-editor for the AAACN Scope and Standards, Core Curriculum for Ambulatory Care, and faculty for the Certification Review Course.

Member since 2021

Candidate Statement:

As a child, my family immigrated to the U.S. In this exciting and challenging season, one leader stands out from the rest, my 5th grade teacher, who saw my potential. Not only did she see my potential, she believed in me, encouraged me, and provided opportunities for me to grow. Because of this transformative experience, seeing the hidden potential in others is at the core of my leadership principle and practice.

I have been a member of AAACN for more than three years. During this time, AAACN’s leaders have seen my potential and invested in my growth. In 2023, I served as the Board Fellow, Board Co-Liaison to the Program Planning Committee, and Board Co-Liaison to the Advocacy Committee. Currently, I am grateful to serve as a member of the Research Committee (ad hoc), History Workgroup, AAACN Ambassador, and other volunteer groups. One of my greatest joys of being a member and volunteer leader is meeting and connecting with many of you!

If elected, I am committed to continuing to build relationships, recognizing our communal potential and talent, and supporting our members to take “next steps” as leaders in AAACN. For some of us, that will be running for the Board of Directors or LDNC leadership, along with leading volunteer teams. Secondly, I envision creating a seamless volunteer opportunity and leadership development process for our members, enabling us to fully realize our potential by bringing our unique experiences and strengths towards our vision for a healthier world.

Nursing Administrative Specialist
Member since 2011

Candidate Statement:
With over a decade of involvement in AAACN since 2011, I am eager to contribute my expertise and leadership as a member of the Nomination Committee. My extensive experience includes serving as a Safety Column Writer for AAACN ViewPoint, winning the AAACN Clinical Excellence Award in 2023, and acting as a Subject Matter Expert for the Versant Ambulatory Care Competencies Development Project in 2022. Additionally, I have been a dedicated member of both the AAACN Telephone Triage Course Task Force and the Publications Committee. My work on the Advocacy Committee has further deepened my passion for advancing the field of ambulatory care nursing. Beyond my committee work, I have contributed to key AAACN publications, including serving as a writer and reviewer for the Ambulatory Care Nursing Orientation and Competency Assessment Guides (2010, 2018) and the 2023 edition of the Scope and Standards of Practice of Professional Ambulatory Care Nursing. These experiences have strengthened my ability to assess leadership potential and advocate for candidates who will uphold AAACN's mission. I am excited about the opportunity to apply this knowledge to help shape the future leadership of our organization.

Director of Clinical Integration Programs
Wellstar Clinical Partners
Member since 2021

Candidate Statement:
I am excited to serve on the AAACN Leadership Development and Nominating Committee, where I can leverage my leadership experience and passion for advancing ambulatory care nursing. Since becoming a member in 2019, AAACN’s mission and commitment to professional growth have deeply inspired me. My involvement has evolved from utilizing valuable resources, such as the CCTM Core Curriculum, participating in task forces, and attending the Annual Conferences, to taking on leadership roles, including serving as the Inaugural Emerging Leader Board Fellow. These experiences have expanded my professional network and strengthened my dedication to AAACN’s vision. My commitment to leadership and improving healthcare outcomes is rooted in my nursing journey. With years of clinical practice, a Doctorate in Public Health, and my current role as a Director of Quality for one of Georgia’s largest Clinically Integrated Networks, I bring a unique blend of skills in advancing population health standards through innovation and performance improvement across the continuum of care. My contributions to published works, including chapters in Professional Governance for Nursing, further reflect my dedication to shaping the future of healthcare. As a committee member, I am eager to help identify future leaders who will advance ambulatory care nursing. I believe that diversity—in nursing practice, culture, and experience—drives the organization’s success. My goal is to support the selection of individuals who embody AAACN's mission and are committed to advancing excellence in nursing.

Primary Care Manager
Veterans Administration
Member Since 2018

Candidate Statement:
What an incredible honor to be considered as a candidate for AAACN’s Leadership Development and Nominating Committee. I have been an active AAACN member since 2018 and it has been a true blessing from the beginning. I have attended 3 conferences and gained knowledge, insight, and exposure to so many remarkable nurses. Without AAACN and its amazing members’ confidence in me, I would not have had the opportunity to Chair the RN Residency White Paper Review and Update Taskforce or provide input on the Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Ambulatory Care Nursing 10th edition, nor would I have been able to be the VA-Special Interest Group (SIG) Chair and newly formed FED-SIG Co-chair.

AAACN has allowed me to hear the voices of fellow nurses across the country speaking about best practices and improved outcomes. My numerous interactions with fellow members, both new to AAACN and seasoned, have shown me nurses want to connect with likeminded professionals who just want to “Do Better” in all aspects of their practice.

If elected, I would actively champion your voice and collective ambition to excel in our practice as ambulatory care nurses. My goal is to energize and elevate the passion among members to propel us further, fostering leadership that not only connects but also inspires growth. I would be honored to be able to further serve AAACN as a member of the Leadership Development and Nominating Committee. I appreciate your support and vote.