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

  • Tommy Dickinson, PhD, RN, FEANS, ANEF, FAAN

  • Joan Frey, EdD, MSN, BS, ANEF

  • Renee Hoeksel, PhD, RN, ANEF
  • Marsha Howell Adams, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
  • Elizabeth Riley, DNP, PED-BCTM, RNC-NIC, CNE
  • Susan Sportsman, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
  • George Velianoff, PhD, RN, FACHE, ANEF
  • 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.

  • Audrey Beauvais, DNP, MSN, MBA, RN, Chair
  • Majeda El-Banna, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF 
  • Cheryl L. Hoying, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, FACHE, FAAN
  • Catherine Mohammed, MPhil, MN, RN
  • Elizabeth Seldomridge, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Michael Newsome, CRA, Foundation Treasurer
  • Mark C. Hand, PhD, RN, CNE, Ex-Officio
  • Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, Ex-Officio

​Contact: mkarkowsky@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 wider area of global health care.

  • W. Jason Dunne, DNP, MN, BN, RN, CNE, Chair
  • Kendra Barrier, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE
  • 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
  • Walter Bumphus, PhD, 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
  • Lanette Stuckey, PhD, RN, CMSRN, CNE, CNEcl, NEA-BC, CHSE
  • Roseminda Santee, DNP, MA, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, ANEF
  • Amy Yarbrough, EdD, RN, RNC-MNN, CNE  
  • Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, Ex-Officio
​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

  • Lisa Hopp, PhD, RN, FAAN
  • Betsy Kennedy, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAWHONN
  • Linda Kmetz, PhD, RN
  • 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
  • Mark Everett, DBA, DHCA, 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.

  • Christopher Blackwell, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Erin Killingsworth, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Carmella Mikol, PhD, RN, CPNP, CNE
  • Brenda Morris, EdD, RN, CNE
  • Debbie Rickeard, MSN, DNP, RN, CCRN, CNE
  • Sharron Schlosser, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Larry Slater, PhD, RN, CNE
  • John Ucijch, MSN, 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

CNEcl Item Writers:

  • Elsie Alabi-Gonzalez, MSN, RN, CNE, CNEcl
  • Christopher Blackwell, PhD, APRN, CNE
  • Gabrielle Davis, DNP, APRN, CNE
  • Heather Hawk, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Amy Jausch, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Susan Kelly, EdD, RN, CMSRN, CNE
  • Darlene Mathis, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Melissa Owen, PhD, RN, CNE, FHFSA
  • Doreen Rogers, DNS, RN, CNE
  • Elizabeth Saska, MSN, RN, CEN, CNE
  • Aaron Sebach, PhD, DNP, NP, CNE, CNEcl
  • John Ujcich, MSN, RN, CNE
  • Lisa Ann Wehner, PhD, RN, CNE

CNEn Item Writers:

  • Andrea Archer, DNP, RN, CNE
  • Amanda Barron, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
  • Jennifer Coleman, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Ryan Crawford, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Mary McKay, DNP, APRN, CNE, FAAN
  • April Rowe Neal, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Disha Patel, MSN, RN, CNE
  • Dottie Roberts, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
  • Roseminda Santee, DNP, RN, NEA, CNE, ANEF
  • Lora Shelton, DNP, NP, COI, CNE
  • Adrian Stamps, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Patricia Thomas, PhD, APRN, CNE
  • Mary Wunnenberg, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
  • Elizabeth Zwilling, DNP, RN, CNE
​Contact: certification@nln.org

Constituent League Leadership Committee

The NLN has 25 affiliated constituent leagues that support the mission of the NLN at the state level. The Leadership Committee meets once a year to review each league's annual report and make status recommendations to the NLN Board of Governors.

  • Linda Kmetz, PhD, RN, Chair
  • Maude McGill, PhD, MSN, RN-BC, CNE
  • Jason Sasser, DNP, APRN, FNP, CCRN
  • Amy Sweeney, EDD, MSN, RN, CNE, CHSE
  • Rachel Risner, PhD, DNP, APRN, C-FNP, CNE, Board Liaison
Contact: membership@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
  • Barbara Schaffner, PhD, RN, CNP, CPNP-PC
  • 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

Contact: mkarkowsky@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                                                                                                                        
  • Todd Tartavoulle, DNS, APRN, CNS-BC
  • Delene Volkert, PhD, 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 provide leadership in identification, recruitment, and mentorship of new blog contributors and podcast guests.

  • Matthew Byrne, PhD, RN, CNE
  • Donna Guerra, EdD, MSN, RN
  • Jasline Moreno, MSN, RN, CHSE
  • Elizabeth Speakman, EdD, RN, FNAP, ANEF, FAAN
  • 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-NBC
  • Audria Denker, DNP, RN, FAADN, ANEF
  • 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
  • Dave Mason, Mason Consulting, LLC
  • ​Mark A. Vogt, CPA, Board Liaison
Contact: jbrewington@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.

  • Susan Luparell, PhD, ACNS-BC, CNE, ANEF, Chair

  • Angela Docherty, NursD, MPH, RN

  • Michael Gates, PhD, RN
  • Crystal Murillo, PhD, RN, CHSE
  • Larry Slater, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, FAAN
  • Marivic Torregosa, PhD, RN, FNP-BC
  • Elizabeth Van Horn PhD, RN, CNE
    Amber Young-Brice, PhD, RN, CNE 
  • Audrey Beauvais DNP, MSN, MBA, RN, 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.

  • Patricia A. Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, NLN Chair

  • Yolanda M. VanRiel, PhD, RN, MEDSURG-BC, OCN, CNE, ANEF, NLN Chair-Elect

  • Angela Frederick Amar, PhD, RN, FAAN 
  • Leah Binder, MA, MGA
  • Linda Everett, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
  • Gordon Lee Gillespie, PhD, DNP, RN, CEN, CNE, CPEN, PHCNS-BC, ANEF, FAEN, 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
​Contact: jbrewington@nln.org