Committees & Panels

Academy of Nursing Education Review Panel

The Academy of Nursing Education is a program to foster excellence in nursing education by recognizing and capitalizing on the wisdom of outstanding individuals. The review panel meets once a year to review candidate applications and make admission recommendations to the NLN Board of Governors.

  • Elizabeth Gazza, PhD, RN, LCCE, ANEF, Chair
  • Patricia Castaldi, DNP, RN, ANEF

  • Brenda Elliott, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF

  • Joan Frey, EdD, MSN, BS, ANEF

  • Voncella McCleary-Jones, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
  • Crystal Murillo, PhD, RN, CHSE-A, ANEF, FAAN
  • Demetrius Porsche, DNS, PhD, ANEF, FACHE, FAANP, FAAN
  • Elizabeth Riley, DNP, PED-BCTM, RNC-NIC, CNE
  • Mark Hand, PhD, RN, CNE, Board Liaison
 Contact: membership@nln.org 

Audit & Compliance Committee

The Audit Committee oversees the annual audit process and outcomes, as well as corporate compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and the independent auditor’s qualifications, consistent with NLN policies.

  • Majeda El-Banna, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF Chair
  • Jane Dus, DNP, RN, NE-BC
  • Anne Fink, PhD, RN, CNE 
  • Kim Kellie-Cortez, PhD, MSEd, MBA, RN, CNE, NPD-BC
  • Catherine Mohammed, MPhil, MN, RN
  • Michael Newsome, CRA, Foundation Treasurer
  • Mark C. Hand, PhD, RN, CNE, Ex-Officio
  • Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, Ex-Officio

​Contacttvu@nln.org

Awards Committee

The Awards Committee reviews nominations and selects individuals for the annual NLN Awards that recognize and honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to nursing education and the broader space of global health care.

  • W. Jason Dunne, DNP, MN, BN, RN, CNE, Chair
  • Kelly Dyar, EdD, RN, CNN, CNE
  • Jeannine Haberman, DNP, MBA, CNE
  • Amy Nichols, EdD, RN, CNS, CHSE, ANEF
  • Tammy Spencer, RN, DNP, CNE, ACNS-BC, CCNS 
  • Patty Roe, PhD, MSN, RN
  • L. Alexia Williams, PhD, RN
  • Lisa Woodley, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, CHPN
  • Rebecca Hill, PhD, DNP, FNP-C, CNE, FAAN, Board Liaison

Contact: opceo@nln.org

Bylaws Committee

The Bylaws Committee initiates and reviews proposals for amendments to the NLN bylaws.

  • Yolanda VanRiel, PhD, RN, MEDSURG-BC, OCN, CNE, ACUE, ANEF, Chair
  • Lorna Kendrick, PhD, APRN, PMHCNS-BC
  • Amber Kool, DNP, RN
  • Mary Kathryn Sanders, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Amy Yarbrough, EdD, RN, RNC-MNN, CNE  
  • Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, Ex-Officio
  • Linda Christensen, EdD, JD, MSN, RN, CNE
​Contact: opceo@nln.org

Centers of Excellence (COE) Review Panel

The COE Program is designed to recognize schools of nursing and health care organizations that have achieved a demonstrated level of excellence. The review panel meets once a year to review candidate applications and make admission recommendations to the NLN Board of Governors.

  • John Lundeen, EdD, RN, CNE, ANEF, Chair
  • Ricketta Clark, DNP, APRN-BC
  • Sharon Decker, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
  • Pamela Edwards EdD, MSN, RN-BC, CNE, CENP

  • DeAnna Gapp, PhD, RN

  • Sally O’Toole Gerard, DNP, RN, CNL, CDCES

  • Lisa Hopp, PhD, RN, FAAN
  • Betsy Kennedy, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAWHONN
  • Maria LoGrippo, PhD, RN, MSN, NE-BC
  • Barbara Yoost, MS, RN, CNE, ANEF
  • Tedra Smith, DNP, APRN, CPNP, Board Liaison
Contact: membership@nln.org

Certification Board of Commissioners

  • Brenda Morris, EdD, RN, CNE, Chair

  • Frank Hicks, PhD, RN, CNE, Vice Chair
  • Christopher Blackwell, PhD, ARNP, ANP-BC, CNE
  • Benjamin Brebonaria, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Yuliya Grassby, Public Member
  • Pam Fifer, EdD, RN, CNE
  • Erin Killingsworth, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Vanessa Lyons, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Roseminda Santee, DNP, RN, NEA, CNE, ANEF
  • Anne M. Fink, PhD, RN, CNE, Board Liaison

Contact: certification@nln.org

Certification Test Development Committee

The Certification Test Development Committee is responsible for oversight and development of the Certification Program examinations.

 

CNE Test Development Committee:


  • Christopher Blackwell, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Erin Killingsworth, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Carmella Mikol, PhD, RN, CPNP, CNE
  • Brenda Morris, EdD, RN, CNE
  • Amy Jausch, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Sharron Schlosser, PhD, RN, CNE
  • John Ucijch, MSN, RN, CNE

CNEcl Test Development Committee:

  • Tammy Barbe, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Adrianne Duvall, DNP, APRN, CNEcl, FNP-BC
  • Pam Fifer, EdD, MS, RN, CNE
  • Anne Heyen, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Amy Jauch, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Amelia Lanz, EdD, RN, CNE
  • John Lundeen, EdD, RN, CNE
  • Darlene Mathis, DNP, RN, CNE, FHFSA
  • Tami Rogers, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Sharron Schlosser, PhD, RN, CNE

CNEn Test Development Committee:

  • Andrea Archer, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Jennifer Coleman, PhD, RN, CNE, COI, ANEF
  • Ryan Crawford, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Mary McKay, DNP, APRN, CNE, FAAN
  • Kelley Noll, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Disha Patel, MSN, RN, CNE, CHSE
  • Dorothy Roberts, EdD, MSN, MACI, RN, OCNS-C, CMSRN, CNE
  • Lora Shelton, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Adrian Stamps, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Patricia Thomas, PhD, RN, NNP-BC, CNE
  • Elizabeth Zwilling, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, CNE​

Contact: certification@nln.org


Certification Test Item Writing Committee

The Test Item Writing Committee meets virtually once per year. Items are generated by its members for the Certification examinations of CNE, CNEcl, and CNEn. Committee members are assigned a competency area and the number of test items to write by the Test Item Writing Committee Chair. 

CNE Item Writers:


  • Mindi Anderson, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF
  • Heraldine Flores, MSN, RN, CPN, CNE
  • Susan Joseph, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Maria Marconi, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Christine Salvucci, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Melanie Schock, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Caitlin M. Lofton, EdD, MSN, RN, CEN, CNE
  • Nancy Tahara, RN, MSN, CNE

CNEcl Item Writers:

  • Adrianne Duvall, DNP, APRN, CNEcl, FNP-BC
  • Amy Jausch, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Angelina (Angel) Anthamatten, DNP, FNP-BC, CNE
  • Darlene Mathis, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Donna Johnson-Byrd, DNP, RN, NCSNe, CNE
  • Doreen Rogers, DNS, RN, CNE
  • Dustin Spencer, DNP, RN, FNP-C, ENP-BC, CNL, CNE
  • Elizabeth Saska, MSN, RN, CEN, CNE
  • Elsie Alabi-Gonzalez, MSN, RN, CNE, CNEcl
  • Gabrielle Davis, DNP, APRN, CNE
  • Heather Hawk, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Jennifer Fritzges, DNP, RN, CNE, CNEcl
  • John Ujcich, MSN, RN, CNE
  • Mary Kathryn (Katie) Sanders
  • Maria Membrebe, DNP, RN, CMSRN, ONC, CBN, CNE
  • Melissa Owen, PhD, RN, CNE, FHFSA
  • Pam Fifer, EdD, MS, RN, CNE
  • Ellen Rummel, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Sherri Marlow, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Tami Rogers, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Trina Campos, MSN, RN, CNE
  • Lisa Ann Wehner, PhD, RN, CNE

CNEn Item Writers:

  • Rachel Aamold, MSN, RN, CNOR(E), CNE
  • Emily Adams, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Amanda Barron, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
  • Maritess Bernardo, DNP, MSN-Ed, BSN-RN, CNE, PCCN
  • Stacy Harvey, MSN, CNE
  • Jamie Navetta, DNP, MN, RN, CNE
  • Maryn Morenia, MSN, RN, CNE
  • Michelle Oddi, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, CNL, CCRN, CFRN, C-NPT, C-ONQS, NPD-BC
  • Kailey Rinaldi, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE
  • April Neal, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Elizabeth Zwilling, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, CNE
Contact: certification@nln.org

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee provides financial oversight for the NLN by assuring adequate financial resources, advising on short and long term investments, and reviewing other financial-related activities such as fund-raising.  The committee shall recommend to the NLN Board of Governors yearly budgets and long term financial plans for the NLN.

  • Mark C. Hand, PhD, RN, CNE, Chair
  • Angela Amar, PhD, RN, FAAN
  • Suzy Cain, MS
  • Linda Kmetz, PhD, RN
  • Mark A. Vogt, CPA
  • Don Shuck, Investment Advisor                                                                                                                
  • Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, FAAN, ANEF, Ex-Officio                                 
  • Yolanda M. VanRiel, PhD, RN, MEDSURG-BC, OCN, CNE, ACUE, ANEF, Ex-Officio 
  • Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, Ex-Officio
  • Thu Vu, Chief Financial Officer

Contact: tvu@nln.org or handm17@ecu.edu

Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee solicits nominations from individuals having knowledge of board operations and an understanding of the competencies required, as part of the NLN Nominations Process.

  • Cheryl L. Hoying, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, FACHE, FAAN, Chair
  • Kechi Iheduru-Anderson, DNP, RN, CNE, CWCN
  • Jacqueline McMillian-Bohler, PhD, MSN, RN, CNM
  • Jessica Ochs, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FNAP, CNE 
  • Sonique Sailsman, PhD, RN, CNE 
  • Barbara Sinacori, PhD, RN, CNE                                                                                                                                  
  • Todd Tartavoulle, DNS, APRN, CNS-BC
  • Delene Volkert, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Linda Christensen, EdD, JD, RN, CNE
  • Yolanda M. VanRiel, PhD, RN, MEDSURG-BC, OCN, CNE, ACUE, ANEF, Board Liaison

Contact: opceo@nln.org

NLN Nursing EDge Editorial Advisory Board

The NLN Nursing EDge Editorial Advisory Board provides leadership in identification of new podcast episode topics and recruitment of guests.

  • Sarah Beebe, PhD, APRN, CNM, WHNPr, CHSE
  • Ashley Graham-Perel, EdD, NPD-BC, MEDSURG-BC, CNE, RN
  • Donna Guerra, EdD, MSN, RN
  • Jasline Moreno, MSN, RN, CHSE
  • Steven J. Palazzo, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF
  • Amber Young-Brice, PhD, RN, RN, CNE

Contact: aces@nln.org

Nursing Education Perspectives Editors & Editorial Board

The Nursing Education Perspectives Editorial Board serves as a guide for the editors, providing expert advice on content, encouraging submissions, and attracting new authors.

  • Audrey Beauvais DNP, MSN, MBA, RN
  • Sandra Davis, PhD, DPM, ACNP-BC, FAANP
  • Jennie De Gagne, PhD, DNP, NPD-BC, CNE, FAAN, ANEF
  • Kristina Thomas Dreifuerst, PhD, RN, CNE, FAAN, ANEF
  • Karen H. Frith, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNE
  • Mark C. Hand, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Linda M. Hollinger-Smith, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF
  • Lynne Lewallen, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF
  • Jenny O’Rourke, PhD, RN
  • Steven J. Palazzo, PhD, RN, CNE, ANWF
  • Aaron M. Sebach, PhD, DNP, CRNP, CNE, CNEcl, FNAP, FAANP
  • Teresa Shellenbarger, PhD, RN, CNE, CNEcl, ANEF
  • Barbara J. Patterson, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, Editor 
  • Bette Mariani, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, Research Brief Editor
  • Donna Badowski, DNP, RN, CNE, CHSE, Innovation Center Editor
  • Matthew Byrne, PhD, RN, CNE, Emerging Technologies Editor
  • Leslie Block, Managing Editor

Contact: bpatterson@nln.org

Public Policy Committee

The Public Policy Committee monitors and addresses governmental trends, legislative, and congressional issues related to nursing workforce and health care. The committee develops the NLN Public Policy Agenda.

  • Kathleen A. Ennen, PhD, RN, CNE, Chair
  • Maxine Adegbola, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, ANEF
  • Kimberly Ann Cleveland, ESQ, MSN, RN, C-MBC
  • Audria Denker, DNP, RN, FAADN, ANEF
  • K. Kelly Hancock, DNP, RN, NE-BC, FAAN
  • Jacqueline M. Loversidge, PhD, RNC-AWHC
  • Carolyn Montoya, PhD, RN, PNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN
  • Courtney J. Pitts, DNP, MPH, FNP-BC, FAANP
  • Margie Sipe, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
  • Lisa J. Sundean, PhD, MHA, RN
  • Dave Mason, Mason Consulting, LLC
  • Mark A. Vogt, CPA, Board Liaison
Contact: sdavis@nln.org

NLN Scientific Research Review Board

The NLN's Nursing Education Research Grants Program provides support for rigorous, high-quality studies that contribute to advancing the science of nursing education. The NLN Scientific Research Review Board meets once a year each spring to select grant recipients who are recognized annually at the NLN Summit.

  • Michael Gates, PhD, RN Chair
  • Angela Docherty, NursD, MPH, RN

  • Kyle Johnson, PhD, RN, CHSE, ANEF
  • Susan Luparell, PhD, ACNS-BC, CNE, ANEF
  • Crystal Murillo, PhD, RN, CHSE-A, FAAN, ANEF
  • Larry Slater, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, FAAN
  • Marivic Torregosa, PhD, RN, FNP-BC
  • Amber Young-Brice, PhD, RN, CNE 
  • Majeda El-Banna, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, Board Liaison
Contact: research@nln.org

Strategic Steering Committee

The Strategic Steering Committee monitors key national issues and trends related to health care, nursing, and nursing education that may require action by the NLN, and provides feedback to the NLN about strategic initiatives.
 
  • Yolanda M. VanRiel, PhD, RN, MEDSURG-BC, OCN, CNE, ANEF, Chair
  • Paul Smith,  PhD, RN, CNE, Chair-Elect

  • Angela Frederick Amar, PhD, RN, FAAN 
  • Leah Binder, MA, MGA
  • Linda Everett, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
  • Angela McBride, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNAP, ANEF
  • Marilyn Oermann, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF
  • George E. Thibault, MD

  • Beverly Malone, PHD, RN, FAAN, Ex-Officio
  • Gordon Lee Gillespie, PhD, DNP, RN, FAAN, Staff Liaison