Candidates for FNPN 2026-2028 Board of Directors

Ballots Will Be Collected Until August 5th, 2025  5PM

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

Candidates for President

 

Charrita Ernewein, PhD, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP, SANE-A, FAANP

I humbly seek your support to serve as FNPN President. With 35+ years in nursing
and  leadership roles, I have helped advance our mission through membership, advocacy, and  dedication.  

Through service and collaboration, I am committed to upholding transparency and integrity to ensure every member’s voice is heard. I am dedicated to bringing innovative ideas to  advance organizational growth and the continued fight for Full Practice Authority.  

If elected, I will promote mentorship, the nursing profession, and the APRN role in  improving health-outcomes and access to healthcare for Florida’s residents. 

 

Kathleen P. Wilson, PhD, APRN, CPNP, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, FAANP, FNAP, DipACLM

As a visionary, seasoned leader, I am ready to serve as your next President!  

From 2018–2023 as Region 1 Director and 2020–2024 as AANP’s Florida State Liaison, I forged strong partnerships—championing full-practice authority, nurturing APRNs, and advocating at the Capitol.

As FNPN’s inaugural Capital Liaison in Tallahassee, I’ve cultivated support for meaningful health policy change. A dedicated Clinical Professor and Fellow of AANP and NAP, I blend academic insight with hands-on advocacy.

With decades of leadership, advocacy efforts, and genuine dedication, I’m ready to be your next transformative President. Please vote for a healthier, more empowered future together! 

Candidate for Education Director

 Jenn Kuretski DNP APRN NP-C AAHIVS, Incumbent

Fellow FNPN members, It’s been an honor serving as your Education Director. Over the past term, we've launched FNPN’s virtual CE platform, expanded our continuing education offerings—including vital pharmacology CE—and elevated the impact of our annual conference. These milestones reflect our shared commitment to advancing nurse practitioner excellence across Florida. I’m proud of what we’ve built together, but there’s more to do. With your support, I’ll continue driving innovation, accessibility, and growth in our educational programs. Let’s keep empowering each other and shaping the future of our profession. I ask for your vote to continue this important work!

Candidate for Treasurer

 

Wendy Paracka, DNP,  APRN, FNP-C, FAANP, Incumbent

It has been my honor to serve as your treasurer for the past three years. Fiscal stewardship is my priority,  I have ensured continual oversight of our budget and finances. I created the finance committee creating financial policies and procedures. Paramount for this position is advocating for and advancing the NP role as well as working to protect what we have gained legislatively and long conversations with our lobbyist. As a former NP business owner, I bring business knowledge and insight with a sound knowledge of QuickBooks and the ability to work collaboratively with our accountant, board and finance committee. 

Candidate for Region Director 1

 

Monica Barfield, DNP, APRN,FNP-C, Incumbent

I am eager to run again for FNPN Region One Director because I am passionate about connecting with like-minded nurse practitioners who share a vision for advancing our profession. This role allows me to provide vital information and support to autonomous NPs, helping them navigate challenges and succeed in independent practice. I value the opportunity to advocate at the legislative level, representing FNPN and all NPs across Florida, ensuring our voices are heard and our profession continues to progress. Serving as Region One Director has been an honor, and I am committed to continuing this important work for our community.

Candidates for Region Director 3

 

Debbie T. Devine, PhD., APRN, FNP, SANE-A

I am honored to stand among such dedicated APRN leaders. As a Region 3 Director  candidate, my vision is clear: to advocate for our profession, amplify our voice in policy,  and support APRNs through mentorship, education, and collaboration. I bring experience,  strategic focus, and a strong commitment to advancing our role in healthcare. With years  of service as First Vice President, Managing Director, and active committee leader in local,  state, and national organizations. I am ready to serve with purpose and passion because our patients, our profession, and our future deserve nothing less. 

 

Dr. Christine Fechter, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-C

As a dedicated nurse practitioner and healthcare leader, I am honored to seek your support in my role as Region 3 Director. With a passion for advancing practice, mentoring colleagues, and improving patient outcomes, I bring experience in clinical excellence, informatics, and provider development. Together, we can strengthen our voice, expand access, and champion the role of NPs across our region. Let’s build a stronger, more unified future for nurse practitioners in Florida.

 

Cindy Parsons, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FAANP

My goal is to serve as the liaison between FNPN leadership, Region 3 NP groups and local members. I will work with FNPN leadership to foster effective communication with the NPs of Florida. I will work with FNPN leadership and lobbyists to work with collaborative nursing organizations, pursuing the best practice environment for NPs. In these times of rapid change, it is vital to be proactive, flexible, and responsive to changes in the health care arena. I will commit my time and effort to ensure that FNPN is prepared to lead as the professional organization for Florida NPs. 

Candidate for Region Director 5

Christina Dzioba PhD, APRN, WHNP-BC, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, CNE, Incumbent

I am currently an associate professor and triple board-certified NP, serving as the membership and nominations chair after previously serving as member-at-large and treasurer for the Nurse Practitioner Council of Collier County. FNPN grows stronger with the relationships and the networking we do. I desire to see all NPs in Florida come together, as there is strength in numbers and value in shared experience and challenge. As the Region 5 director, I seek to connect all of us locally, regionally, and to FNPN. FNPN is an excellent practice resource and is the strongest advocacy group for NP practice in Florida. 

Candidates for Nominating Committee

 

Maritza Alencar, DNP, MBA, APRN-BC, BMTCN, FAANP

I’m honored to be considered for the FNPN  Nominating Committee. As a nurse practitioner with 15 years of experience in oncology  and academic leadership, I recognize the vital role strong, diverse leadership plays in  advancing our profession. I’ve held multiple leadership positions where I’ve actively  promoted inclusivity, mentorship, and collaboration. If elected, I will work to identify and  support leaders who reflect the values, diversity, and dedication of our NP community.  Thank you for your trust and the opportunity to contribute to FNPN’s continued growth and  impact. 

 

 Thais R. Forbes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Thank you fellow FNPN members for your support of my candidacy to serve on the Nominating Committee of our fabulous state professional organization! FNPN has been part of my professional life since I was an APRN student and in my 14 years of primary care and telehealth practice since then.  I’ve served on multiple community and professional organization boards and with your vote I look forward to serving FNPN in this role. It is an exciting opportunity to identify and encourage members interested in serving in board positions and continuing our tradition of great leadership in the FNPN!  Vote Thais!