Candidates for the FNPN 2024-26 Board of Directors
Posted almost 2 years ago by Regina Sanders
**Voting Ends August 10, 2023 at the close of FNPN normal business hours**
The following candidates are seeking an FNPN position. All members are asked to vote after reviewing the positions and the bios. Members access the ballot by clicking to our homepage, click on the FNPN Election Ballot tab. You may need to log into your membership profile to access the ballot page. Only dues current members can vote, and one ballot will be accepted for each member.
If you have any questions, please email us at floridanpnetwork@gmail.com
Candidate for President
Deb Tedesco, Incumbent
For two years, I have had the privilege of serving as FNPN President. During this time, FNPN has honored our past, recognizing NP co-founder, Dr. Ford, and looked toward the future, inspiring nurses to run for elected office. Working with our legislative team and local leaders, we have strengthened relationships with professional organizations and legislators, to encourage advocacy by all NPs and aid in the full practice authority quest. Over the next two years, I will continue to serve by working with FNPN’s Board of Directors to advocate for health equity and the removal of practice barriers for all NPs.
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Candidate for Education Director
Jenn Kuretski, Incumbent
I am running for the position of Education Director for FNPN. I have served as FNPN’s Education Director since August 2022. Prior to that, I served as FNPN’s Region 4 Director. While in my role as Education Director in the last year, we have expanded FNPN’s Education Program including:
- the launch of our new Virtual CE Platform,
- developed new Education Program Policies and Procedures and
- added several more CE opportunities at FNPN’s 2023 Annual Conference in August in Orlando.
Prior to serving on the FNPN Board of Directors, I have served on the Board of Directors of my local NP group, the Nurse Practitioner Council of Palm Beach County, and helped plan educational programs at the local level, including the planning of our local conference since 2017.
I would love to continue to serve as your Education Director and continue to expand education program opportunities for FNPN members!
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Candidate for Treasurer
Wendy Paracka, Incumbent
It has been a privilege to serve as your treasurer of this awesome organization and I am excited to continue the work that has already been started. During my time as your treasurer, I secured a high interest savings account to yield additional incomes and contracted with a CPA for expertise with our taxes and functions as a 501c3 organization. I have worked tirelessly with the Board of Directors during COVID, seeking innovative ideas for membership and advocacy opportunities. Under my guidance, a finance committee was implemented and we are moving forward with recommendations to the BOD to enhance our position as the premier NP organization in Florida.
My goal has been one of fiscal soundness with ethical, goal-oriented decisions that create an environment for creative thinking to encourage NPs and to promote a standard of practice with improved access to care for all of our patients. Twenty Years ago, I created my own NP practice with those goals in mind. I have brought to FNPN my business acumen and expertise in business finance.
Being on the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network’s Board of Directors means listening to the membership, understanding the budget and finances of the organization, and dedicating the time to do a thorough job. Energy and enthusiasm are an asset in any organization, and I want to continue to use that to create positive and desirable outcomes for FNPN. I ask for your support to allow me to continue as treasurer for FNPN.
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Candidate for Region Director 1
Monica Barfield
I am the owner of New Horizon Primary Care in Port St. Joe, Fl. As the first autonomous nurse practitioner (NP) to open a primary care practice and receive contracts with insurance payors, it will be of utmost importance as the Florida Nurse Practitioner Networks Region One Director to help other autonomous NPs obtain contracts as well. I will strive to encourage other NPs in region one to join our state organization, in order to develop networking relationships with some of the most seasoned nurse practitioners in our state. I appreciate your consideration.
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Candidate for Region Director 3
Charrita Ernewein, Incumbent
I am running for FNPN’s Region 3 director. As the current Region 3 Director, and the President of the Tampa Bay Advanced Practice Nurses Council, many of you have seen me at your local meetings as I strive to stay engaged in the community through mentorship, education, and advocacy.
I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Tampa. I have been actively engaged in the community educating providers about human trafficking. If voted into this position, I will continue to advocate for NP’s, promote the role and presence of NP’s within the community, and empower future nurse practitioners.
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Candidates for Region Director 5
Arlene Wright, Incumbent
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the members of FNPN over the past 10 + years. As your region V director, I have had the opportunity to cultivate new partnerships as well as reconnect with many of my local and state colleagues. One of the greatest assets of this role is the collaboration with the other region directors acting as your FNPN liason and NP voice within our state organization and beyond. We have successfully enhanced our regional educational meetings expanding beyond our local leaders in an effort to promote the talent of many of our local many hometown NP heroes and their positive effect on NP practice. As your Region V Director, I will continue to promote visibility of all NP’s, focus on the needs of my colleagues and help pave the way for future leaders to carry on our professional mission.
Cynthia (Cindy) Drew
I am asking for your vote for region 5 director for FNPN. With extensive experience as a board member (including president of the Sarasota County Nurse Practitioners) for many years, I would work diligently to strengthen the network in region 5 and coordinate my efforts with FNPN as the statewide organization for nurse practitioners. The state of Florida has the largest number of nurse practitioners in the US. I strive to encourage all nurse practitioners (including seasoned NPs, new graduates, and NPs new to Fl) to join together in a unified manner as part of FNPN. With our large numbers of NPs, we can move forward as an example for other states. There is much to do, and I am eager to not only be involved, but to mentor and lead others.
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Candidates for Nominating Committee
Debbie T. Devine, Incumbent
I am once again asking for your vote as a Nominations Committee Member. I have played an active role and have been effective as a nomination committee member these past 2 years and it would be an honor to continue to do so for the next 2 years. I have over 26 years of active service to our profession and communities as a practicing APRN, educator, and advocate. My cumulative experiences have provided me with the determination, character, and commitment to continue to lead and advocate in the most important areas of health care and APRN practice. I consistently bring professionalism and leadership skills while collaborating with diverse groups and providing solutions to challenging situations. These are essential trades that will assist in upholding the mission of FNPN. Thank you in advance for your vote and the opportunity to continue serving you.
Amanda Chaney
I am running for a position with the nominating committee for the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network. I believe that we must ensure the best and brightest are leading the way for our great nurse practitioner profession. The nominating committee is instrumental in achieving this goal. I would be honored to serve in this way for FNPN.
AnnMarie Morrisseau
I have over 23 years of nursing experience including academia, bedside nursing, and clinical practice. I am the current VP of Education for the Nurse Practitioner Council of Collier County with service on the executive board for 7 years. I am also a current board member for the Florida Chapter SCCM and have previously served on the Nominating Committee in 2019. My future aspiration was to become more involved with FNPN, and I believe that I would be an asset to this committee due to my prior experience with nominations. Thank you for your consideration.
Christina Dzioba
I have been serving as the treasurer for the Nurse Practitioners of Collier County and attending and serving at the FNPN conferences for the past several years. It is time to take a more active role at the state level and contribute to FNPN through service on the board. I work at Florida Gulf Coast University as an assistant professor and at PCOS Sisters Telehealth Clinic and Wellness Center as a nurse practitioner providing primary and PCOS care. There are many good things happening in Florida; I wish to support FNPN so the good work can continue in our state.
LaShonda Coulbertson
I am truly honored to be nominated to serve in a leadership capacity with FNPN. Serving on the Nominating Committee continues the legacy of competent leadership in our organization. As we know policy continues to impact Nurse Practitioners requiring collective action from those on the front line and those in leadership. FNPN is committed to the best interest of Florida APRNs while giving APRNs the professional network and commitment to excellence in the practice of our calling. Having served with FNPN as a student ambassador, it is a privilege to be in the service with and for Florida APRNs.
Mary Cisco
I would like the opportunity to serve our members as a member of the Nominations Committee. I have served our profession and community for years as a volunteer and practicing APRN. I have been involved in local, state, and national organizations. With those experiences, I feel I can identify a diverse pool of qualified candidates to represent our organization. It is important to identify, cultivate, and motivate members within Florida to participate and engage in the most trusted professional group of healthcare providers in Florida. It would be an honor to serve in this capacity! Thank you in advance for your vote and opportunity to serve!
Patricia Richards
I have been a nurse practitioner since 1976 and have continually worked to further my education, healthcare knowledge, and involvement in nurse practitioner issues. I have attended and presented educational offerings with FNPN. I fully support the dedication of the leadership and members of FNPN. I would like to continue to engage in the work of this organization by being involved in the Nominations Committee. I currently am a full time Assistant Professor at UNF and work part time as an APRN in the Student Health Clinic there. These roles keep me professionally challenged and involved!
Tammy Sadighi
I would like to serve on the nomination committee and have been a member of FNP for 10 years along with being a member of the Collier and Lee County nurse practitioner organizations. Presently, I am a full-time associate professor at Florida Gulf Coast University teaching in the DNP program. My clinical experience is family practice and urgent care, and my research and publications are focused on transitional management to improve health outcomes. Future goals are to become more involved at the state level.