To engage others, NPD practitioners must first be engaged themselves. “Engagement” perfectly represents ANPD’s mission: We enable NPDs to become better both personally and professionally. In my years as an ANPD member, I have experienced this many times over.

Believe it or not, I am an introvert (an ISTJ in the Myers-Briggs personality type) and have always considered myself to be shy. When I joined the ANPD NPD Leadership Academy years ago, I was honored to mentor Teresa Glandorf, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CNOR, who became a trusted colleague. She seemed shy like me, and ever since the program, we have continued to challenge each other to grow in our sociability and in many other ways. We read books together, talk about the challenges we face, and always have a great laugh. This opportunity for growth found at ANPD has changed me both professionally and personally, and I have found this to be true as I’ve taken on leadership roles at our association as well.

After my experience in the Leadership Academy, I wanted to become more involved in ANPD. I initially was selected to serve on the Recognition Committee and following that service, was elected to the ANPD Board of Directors. Serving in these roles, I have interacted and collaborated with colleagues I otherwise would not have been exposed to. I have met so many people and learned that it is okay to be challenged outside of my comfort zone. ANPD continues to provide me the opportunity to tear my barriers down, and now, as ANPD president, I get to offer these growth opportunities to our thousands of members. I am so proud that we are now 8,000 members strong and growing! Being a mentor to others, encouraging others to participate in committees, and providing insight and direction to services have all been highlights of my career.  

As I look ahead to my term as President, I am incredibly excited for the future. I am grateful to be able to serve alongside a strong, diverse Board representing all parts of the U.S. I look forward to collaborating and being thought leaders together over my two-year term. Representing a national association as the President is a game changer. I am both excited and nervous about this high-profile position and the spotlight it brings. However, I know I can represent our association well and lead it successfully. There are a few key components I will leverage. First, the support and talents of the board directors will be instrumental—we can all bring unique strengths to ANPD and to each other.

Next, leveraging the strength of fellow NPD practitioners and the ANPD community for growth—engaging people from across the country—will be a key focus of my presidential term. Our 2024-2026 Strategic Plan established by the Board of Directors in 2023 all feeds into this well, and I look forward to implementing and working on them together. As a first step, I look forward to navigating our new community platform, The Neighborhood, and the new learning management system, The Continuing Education Center, both will further engage members and provide opportunities for collaborative growth and connection. I hope every single member will join and participate frequently on these valuable platforms when they launch in May 2024.

Each goal of our strategic plan is very important to organizational growth. I want us to be the leading organization for NPD products, increase membership in diversity and numbers, and increase awareness and influence of NPD professionals. Membership especially is important. We have already met our strategic goal of 8,000 members, but I know this can continue to grow. All of us can encourage our peers to join and get excited about the opportunity to be part of ANPD. From academic institutions or inpatient facilities to clinics, NPD practitioners have influence everywhere. We are important in all aspects of healthcare, and I want to continue ANPD growth to be a voice for these professionals.

Fortunately, as president, I have plenty of inspiration from the many wonderful past presidents I’ve known. Each president—Patsy Maloney, EdD, RN, NPD-BC, CEN, NEA-BC, Susan Bindon, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, CNE-cl, FAAN, and Sheila St. Cyr, MS, RN, NPD-BC—has left a legacy that will be challenging to follow. Sheila provided me with support and training, and truly exemplifies the concept of servant leadership (a topic I am passionate about and published in!). We hit it off immediately when we first met after being elected to the Board at the same time. I have learned from her that you can serve with calmness, make decisions that are not rushed, and learn from others. Her leadership through the past few years has been exemplary, as she led strategic planning sessions, interviewed candidates for ANPD positions, successfully orchestrated board meetings on important topics, and represented ANPD at other national nursing organizations. She is a professional role model who I aspire daily to be like.

Sheila’s legacy will always be linked to the exponential growth in ANPD’s membership and leaves enormous shoes to fill. With the support of all ANPD’s thought leaders, board directors, and members, I am eager to continue her excellent service. As someone who has experienced professional evolution, propelled by the association’s resources and opportunities, I am eager to share this story as the voice for NPD professionals across the country.