Candidates for the 2025-2027 Board of Directors- Nominating Committee Candidates Added

  

**Voting Ends August 7, 2024  at the close of FNPN normal business hours**

Nominating Committee Candidates have been added to this Page-Please see the last two candidates.  You may vote by going to the Election Ballot on the home page.

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.

To vote Click Here or on the election ballot on the blue navigation bar FNPN Homepage. 

If you have any questions, please email us at floridanpnetwork@gmail.com

Candidates for First Vice President

   

Tom Schlepko DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, AAHIVS

 Florida Nurse Practitioners need a legislative VP leader that understands their needs and can further full practice authority in the state. As the current Region 4 director, past FNPN Board secretary, and past Policy Committee co-chair for Integrative Medicine for the Underserved, I understand Florida’s legislative and power dynamics. I am a proven leader as President of the NP Council of Miami-Dade; the most populated county in Florida. I am also an experienced FNP, PMHNP, and educator for over 15 years. As your legislative VP, I will use my experience and skills to expand full practice authority for Nurse Practitioners.

 

Arlene Wright, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, LNC

 I am Arlene Wright, your candidate for 1st VP of Legislation. I have had the pleasure and opportunity to become familiar with the mission and philosophies of FNPN having served as past president, VP of education, nominating chair and current Region V director. During the 2020 legislative session, I was privileged to participate in the amazing recognition we, as Nurse Practitioners, received on the floor of the house by then Speaker Oliva who was instrumental in making our autonomous bill a reality. Health policy has become such a passion that I helped create a “road show “with 2 other colleagues to provide education to NP students and for which I am currently adjunct faculty teaching a health policy course. I wholeheartedly believe that it is not only important to have a clear understanding of the legislative process, but it is our professional obligation to advocate for our patients and our colleagues.

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Candidate for Secretary

 

Natalie Merino DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC (Incumbent)

 My name is Natalie, and I am honored to stand before you today as a candidate for the position of Secretary. Over the past few months, I have come to appreciate the value of organization, clear communication, and effective administration in ensuring the smooth functioning of our FNPN.

As Secretary, my primary goal will be to serve as a reliable and efficient custodian of our records and communications. I understand the importance of accurate minutes and documentation in capturing the essence of our meetings and decisions. With my attention to detail and dedication, you can count on me to maintain thorough and precise records that reflect the spirit and progress of our organization.

Communication lies at the heart of every successful endeavor. If elected, I will strive to enhance transparency and clarity in our communications. I will ensure that all members are informed promptly and comprehensively about important announcements, events, and decisions. Moreover, I am committed to fostering an open-door policy where every member feels heard and valued.

Beyond administrative tasks, I see the role of Secretary as a crucial link between the leadership and the members. I promise to be proactive in understanding your needs and concerns, and I will work diligently to address them to the best of my ability. Your ideas and feedback are invaluable to me, and I will advocate for them during our meetings and discussions.

In conclusion, I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to the role of Secretary. Together, let’s build upon our successes and navigate any challenges that may arise with resilience and unity. I humbly ask for your vote and your trust in electing me as your next Secretary. Thank you for considering me for this important position.

Vote for Natalie for Secretary, and let’s achieve greatness together!

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Candidates for Membership Chair 

 

Cindy Parsons, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FAANP (Incumbent)      

As the current previous Membership Chair of FNPN, I have worked with our board to create a strong and vibrant state organization. My goal is to increase membership so that the voice of Florida NPs remains strong. During the past two years, I worked with the board to create a tiered system of membership for the local NP groups so that groups can select from several options to best meet their organization’s needs. I will work with FNPN leadership to foster program development that leads to a vital, energetic organization that truly represents advanced practice nurses in Florida.

 

Bryce Catarelli, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

I am running to serve as your Membership Chair and would be honored to receive your consideration! I have been practicing as an APRN for over a decade in urban and rural communities across Florida, using this time and the experience gained to advocate for our profession and the patients I’ve cared for. I currently serve as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Florida and a nurse practitioner within a student health care clinic. As your Membership Chair, I’ll work diligently to oversee FNPN’s member database, ensuring accuracy and relevance. I have experience serving in administrative roles within a local chapter of a national nonprofit organization that provided invaluable experience in working collaboratively towards a larger organizational goal and mission. Using innovative strategies, I’ll lead effective membership drives, maintaining effective communication and professionalism with officers and key contacts. Together, we’ll strengthen our network and advance our profession across Florida!
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as a member of FNPN.

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  Region Directors 2      

   

 Karin Klause, DNP APRN FNP-C

I am honored to be nominated to serve as FNPN Region 2 Director. I understand fully the responsibilities of this position and look forward to interacting with the membership, Board of Directors, communities, and stakeholders in a professional manner.

I’m excited about the possibility of working together and representing all of you. I believe that by promoting education, collaboration, and support through networking that we will build a stronger profession. Leadership and advocacy for our profession and the communities we serve enhances population health outcomes and eliminates barriers to accessing healthcare while improving nurse practitioner job satisfaction and retention.

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Region Directors 4

 

Tom Schlepko DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, AAHIVS (Incumbent)

As the current Region 4 director, I understand the dynamics and needs of our communities. I am an FNP and PMHNP who lives, works, and advocates for NPs in Region 4. I have worked in community health and educated NP students at local universities for more than 15 years. I am a proven leader as the current President of the NP Council of Miami-Dade. I volunteer as a mentor at a homeless shelter to support underserved people within our community. As your Region 4 Director, I will use my experience and skills to continue advocating for NP practice.

 

Vicky Stone-Gale, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP

I have served on the BOD for FNPN for over 8 years and my first position was as Region 4 Director, which was a new position developed by FNPN. I served as the Region 4 Director for 4 years and I then was elected to the First VP of Legislation position. As Region 4 Director I worked to develop the position for FNPN and gain relationships with the local NP councils in the region and the colleges of nursing. I feel I am highly qualified to serve in this position since I know the area and the region members. It would be an honor to continue on the board and work with our members.

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Nominating Committee

 

Brittany Hay, PhD, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC
I am asking for your vote to become a member of the FNPN Nominating Committee. My deep connection to our NP practice and educational communities has given me a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities that we face. With your support, we can continue to engage talented individuals and ensure a leadership that reflects a collective commitment to excellence in advanced nursing practice across the state and region. It would be an honor to serve you, my colleagues, in this capacity.

 

Susan Smith, PhD, APRN-BC, CHSE, CBRN, RNFA, WCC, FAANP
I am outgoing Region 2 Director, having served nearly 3 terms and participate on the Abstract and
Education Committees. Serving on the Nomination’s committee for two terms with my local NP
organization, I have experience with the election’s process, appreciating that fair and equitable
consideration is essential. I would be honored to serve as a member of the Nomination’s Committee.