Nominations and Elections
In 2026, ACHNE Members will vote for President-elect, Treasurer, International Region Member-at-Large, Southern Member-at-Large*, Western Member-at-Large*, and two candidates for the Nominating Committee.
*Reminder: You are only allowed to vote for North American Members-at-Large (MALs) for the region in which you live. If you do not live in the Southern or Western region, you will skip this step.
- Southern: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, West Virginia
- Western: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Vote Today
Results will be announced during the 2026 Annual All Members Business Meeting, Friday, June 5th, 2026.
President-Elect
It shall be the duty of the President-Elect to carry out such functions as are delegated and, in the absence of the President, to act on the President’s behalf.
Eligibility: Four (4) years as an ACHNE member, former ACHNE committee member or office holder, demonstrated evidence of leadership skills and vision, ability to articulate direction and goals of the Association.
Responsibilities:
- Assists in providing direction and structure for organizational activities through active participation on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
- Prepares written report for annual and midyear Board of Directors meetings.
- Helps with long-range planning for ACHNE Annual Institute.
- Serves as a liaison between Board of Directors and Committees.
- Participates in orientation of newly elected President-Elect.
- Assembles relevant documents and materials for collection by Archivist after the Annual Membership Meeting.
- Performs other duties and organizational responsibilities as identified by the President.
- Serves as an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nomination Committee.
- Serves as a member of the Quad Council Coalition.
Stacy Arriola, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE
Why are you interested in this office?
I am interested in the role of President-elect because I am committed to advancing and strengthening the future of our profession, specifically in community/public health nursing (C/PHN) education and practice. If elected, I will lead this organization with its vision and mission statement at heart. Serving as President-Elect and ultimately, President would enable me to give back to ACHNE, which has shaped my career since I joined in 2020. I would like to help our organization continue to grow, move forward, and make an impact.
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
I have an extensive professional background, most notably my work in a local health department for almost 10 years, coordinator of medical volunteers (including faculty and students across the various University Health Sciences Colleges including Nursing, Medicine, and Dentistry during COVID-19 in our university’s COVID-19 clinic which adminstered 1,000 immunizations daily during the height of the pandemic, being the director of my college’s nursing professional development program, as well as active involvement in other professional nonprofit nursing organizations, such as the Philippine Nurses Association of Illinois and the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society. I have a DNP in Advanced Population Health Nursing. I am a Certified Nurse Educator and trained as a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. In academia, I teach across both pre-licensure undergraduate and doctoral graduate programs. I have taught the undergraduate Population Health Nursing course for 6 years and have served as course coordinator, clinical coordinator, clinical faculty, and mentor for onboarding faculty in the course. In the doctoral program, I have taught population health-focused and evidence-based practice courses, which include the first class for students writing their DNP project proposals. Through these various leadership experiences, I have developed transferable skills that I can apply to the role of President-elect, including program oversight, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, advocacy, community engagement, collaboration, and program development.
ACHNE Leadership Positions:
- Nominating Committee (elected) 2023-2025
- Nominating Committee Chairperson 2024-2025
- Mentored Nominating Committee Chairperson Elect during 2024-2025
- Active Policy Committee Member 2022-present
- Contributed/Presented the Annual Institute policy plenaries in 2023, 2024, and 2025
- Faculty Qualifications Position Paper Workgroup 2023-2024
Together, my professional experience outside of and within ACHNE demonstrates my ability and preparation to serve as President-elect.
Additional leadership positions:
Academic & Clinical Leadership
- University of Illinois Chicago (UIC): Currently serving as Clinical Assistant Professor; previously held progressive roles as Visiting Clinical Instructor and Teaching Associate (2019–Present).
- Operational Oversight: Served as Lead Coordinator for the Credit Union One Arena COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic, managing large-scale public health operations.
- Professional Development: Former Director of Nursing Professional Development and Primary Nurse Planner for the UIC College of Nursing.
- Diverse Clinical Foundation: Over a decade of experience spanning Community Health, Research Support, and Med-Surgical nursing.
Institutional Governance & Strategy
- Elected Leadership: Member of the Promotion and Tenure Committee (2025–2027) and the Population Health Support and Engagement Committee.
- Curriculum Innovation: Key contributor to the Entry Level Essentials Workgroup, shaping the BSN and Graduate-entry AGMS prelicensure programs.
- Subject Matter Expert: Selected to develop the "Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice" (NURS 438) course and serves on high-level departmental search and productivity committees.
Professional Association & Board Service
- Philippine Nurses Association of Illinois (PNAI): Extensive elected service including two terms as Assistant Secretary and two terms on the Board of Directors. Co-Chaired the Research and Practice, Education, and Publication committees.
- Sigma Theta Tau International (Alpha Lambda): Current Chapter Delegate and active leadership member.
- Community Advocacy: Decade-long tenure as a Community Health Nurse and former Respite Camp Nurse at Camp Red Leaf.
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
My vision for ACHNE’s future is that we become the organization of choice for C/PHNs in both academia and practice. I will focus on several major priorities that are central to our mission, including achieving our goals outlined in our strategic plan, increasing membership retention and recruitment, exploring innovative strategic partnerships and opportunities in both education and practice, and developing and mentoring leaders within our organization to foster continued growth and a sustainable future. In my various leadership roles, both within and outside ACHNE, I have witnessed the positive impact and outcomes that result from having effective collaboration. I will contribute to addressing these priorities by working collaboratively with the Executive Committee, committees, and members.
Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be responsible for all fiscal matters and the accounting thereof and serve as chair of the Finance Committee. Funds shall be disbursed in accordance with the rules and instructions established by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
Eligibility: Four (4) years as an ACHNE member, former ACHNE committee member or office holder, and demonstrated evidence of experience in fiscal matters.
Responsibilities:
- Assists in providing directions and structure for organizational activities through active participation on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
- Serves as the financial officer for the Association.
- Prepares the budget for board approval based on past experience and projected plans of the association with assistance of the Finance Committee and the management company.
- Makes recommendations to Executive Committee or Board of Directors regarding expenditure of funds.
- Monitors Association expenditures in conjunction with the management company.
- In conjunction with management company, submits the annual independent CPA review of prior year’s financial statement to Board for review and acceptance. Document is posted on members’ only website as well as notification of acceptance of the review.
- Participates in the orientation of the newly elected Treasurer.
- Serves as chair of the Finance Committee.
- Prepares written report for annual and midyear Board of Directors meetings.
- Prepares summary of financial information for Executive Committee meetings.
- Assembles relevant documents and materials for collection by Archivist after the Annual Membership Meeting.
- Performs other duties as identified by the President.
Amy Buckenmeyer, PhD, MPH, RN, CPH, CPNP-PC
Why are you interested in this office?
I am interested in the Treasurer position on ACHNE’s Board of Directors. ACHNE is an amazing organization! I am thrilled to be active on ACHNE’s Board of Directors and an engaged Finance Committee member. I am most excited to share my past experiences as the Treasurer of the American School Health Association (ASHA). At the time that I was Treasurer of ASHA, the association was a similar size to ACHNE. I was also Treasurer of ASHA during a time when families in the United States were experiencing significant economic hardships. As Treasurer of ACHNE, I am prepared to further our association's value-added proposition to not only retain our membership but work to grow the membership as well. This is vital to any member-driven organization. From my past experiences, I am also knowledgeable about creative ways to increase revenue. We have so many valuable assets within our organization from human capital who are ready and willing to provide informative webinars to intellectual capital within our innovative teaching strategies. These products have value; it’s time to capture that! Finally, I look forward to continuing the amazing work that Charlotte Ambrose, our current Treasurer, and the Finance Committee have done to manage ACHNE’s financial assets. Together with this amazing group of leaders, I look forward to accompanying ACHNE into the future!
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
I have over 20 years of experience in higher education as a public health nursing professor, practitioner, scholar, and service-oriented academician. Most recently, I was the public health program director, associate professor of nursing, and community-based participatory researcher at Valparaiso University before transitioning my academic vocation to the University of Michigan in the fall of 2022. As Treasurer for the American School Health Association (ASHA) Board of Directors, I am passionately aware of the benefits and challenges to member-driven associations. During my service to ASHA, I was actively involved in growing and retaining membership through mentorship programs, specifically ASHA’s Future Leaders Academy. I will bring my enthusiasm and experience in increasing ACHNE’s member recruitment, value-added proposition, and innovative strategies to increase revenue streams. Thank you for your consideration and support!
ACHNE Leadership Positions
- Education Committee, 2022 - present
- Research Committee, 2022 - present
- CREIDE Committee, 2024 – present
- Research and EBP Grants Sub-Committee Co-Chair, 2024 – present
- Research Strategic Priorities Sub-Committee, 2024 – present
- Finance Committee, 2025 – present
- Midwest Member-At-Large, 2025 – present
- Board of Directors, 2025 – present
Additional leadership positions
I have held several leadership positions in service to the university, school, profession, and community. In service to the university, I was Vice-Chair of Faculty Senate (2014-2018; 2019-2020), Chair of the University's Educational Policy Committee (2012-2016; 2021-2022); and Co-Chair on the Strategic Planning Leadership Team. I am currently the Director of Interprofessional Community Engagement (2025-present). In service to the college, I was Chair of the Undergraduate and Graduate Nursing Curriculum and Evaluation Committee (2008-2010 and 2010-2012 respectively). I also served the college as Chair of the Health Professions Curriculum and Evaluation Committee (2014-2016) and Chair of Interprofessional Education Committee (2018-2022). Currently, I am the Population Health and Public Health Nursing Lead for the Undergraduate Program (2025-present). In service to the profession, I held several positions on the Board of Directors of the American School Health Association, including Chair of Councils, Chair of the House of Delegates, and Treasurer (2008-2013). I held several leadership positions in the School Health and Wellness Section of the American Public Health Association, including Secretary, Action Board Representative, Governing Councilor, and Chair-Elect (2007-2018). Finally, I have served my community and schools on the Board of Directors of the Y (formerly YMCA; 2005-2018), the Coordinated School Health Advisory Committee (2010-2016), and our school’s Finance and Operations Committee (2015-2016). Currently, I am a member of the local Head Start Policy Committee (2023-present).
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
One of the major priorities facing ACHNE is financial sustainability in an era where professional, membership associations face declining membership dues, rising operational costs, and increasing competition for member engagement. Many organizations struggle to retain and attract members when budgets are tight and professional networking is shifting online. Additionally, maintaining the value and relevance of ACHNE’s offerings, such as conferences, teaching resources, and advocacy, requires strategic innovation amid these constraints. To address these challenges, I would contribute by leveraging current experts among our membership and technology to increase virtual engagement opportunities and develop strategic partnerships with academic institutions and allied community and public health organizations. I would also prioritize transparent communication in financial reporting and continue to explore diverse funding streams to bolster ACHNE’s core mission while expanding its reach and impact within the field of community and public health nursing education
International Members-at-Large
It shall be the responsibility of Members-at-Large to serve as the link between membership in regions and the organization for the purposes of communication and recruitment of new members.
Eligibility: Two (2) years as an ACHNE member.
Responsibilities: The Members-at-Large serve as the contact person for the members of the ACHNE regions. The Members-at-Large serve on the Board of Directors and as the Membership Committee. The general Member-at-Large serves as the Chairperson of the Membership Committee. Member-at-Large functions include but are not necessarily limited to:
- Monitoring the membership activities of the organization and submitting to the Executive Committee as requested.
- Writing a column for each ACHNE Newsletter including a member highlight.
- Actively recruiting members at all ACHNE meetings and at other nursing organization meetings.
- Developing and recommending to the Board of Directors a plan of action for recruitment and retention of members.
- Preparing written reports for the Executive Committee meetings, Annual meeting, and midyear Board of Directors meeting.
- Creating materials necessary for the recruitment and retention of members as needed, approved, and budgeted.
- Monitoring and recommending changes in member benefits.
- Maintaining a list of graduate PHN programs for the ACHNE website.
- Assembling relevant documents and materials for collection by Archivist after the Annual Membership Meeting.
International: All jurisdictions and countries not considered part of the United States of America.
Emma Mitchell, PhD, RN
Why are you interested in this office?
Since 2011, I have taught community/public health/population-focused nursing at the pre-licensure level (undergraduate and graduate) in accelerated, traditional, and RN to BSN programs at two Universities in the Southern Region catchment area. Further, I have taught both didactic and clinical sections of these core courses and have taught clinical sections specifically in Miami/South Florida, Charlottesville, far Southwest/Appalachian Virginia, and in global settings (Nicaragua and Honduras mainly). Since 2014, I have taught in Virginia, where - despite pandemic-related short-term funding and resource allocation - public health nurses continue to face challenges. The Virginia Board of Nursing in particular has a significant impact on the way we are able to teach community/public health/population-focused nursing. I am interested in running for Southern Region Member at Large, as I want to see how regional collaborations can help us continue to creatively innovate our teaching approach in post-pandemic public health nursing.
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
I served as a Section Councilor for the PHN Section of APHA during the pandemic and continue to serve on their global health committee. In this role I've contributed to global-oriented programming for the annual meeting. I also have experience teaching community/public health/population-focused nursing at multiple levels, as outlined above (didactic and clinical). As such, I'm interested in bringing together experiences and expertise Regionally to inform challenges we face in teaching this specialty within nursing.
ACHNE Leadership Experience
- International Member-at-Large, 2024-Present
Additional Leadership Experience:
More locally, have served as a member of the Coalition Against Cancer for Virginia's HPV Immunization Taskforce since 2017. I am also on the Editorial Board for Public Health Nursing, our specialty journal.
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
Nationally there is a trend to decrease clinical hours dedicated to community/public health/population-focused nursing, which in turn limits students' exposure to the specialty, thereby limiting the number of students we might otherwise attract into the specialty. I have experience in curricular development at two Universities in the Southern Region and would look to hear from other members and leaders within ACHNE for creative solutions to this and other challenges.
Southern Member-at-Large
It shall be the responsibility of Members-at-Large to serve as the link between membership in regions and the organization for the purposes of communication and recruitment of new members.
Eligibility: Two (2) years as an ACHNE member.
Responsibilities: The Members-at-Large serve as the contact person for the members of the ACHNE regions. The Members-at-Large serve on the Board of Directors and as the Membership Committee. The general Member-at-Large serves as the Chairperson of the Membership Committee. Member-at-Large functions include but are not necessarily limited to:
- Monitoring the membership activities of the organization and submitting to the Executive Committee as requested.
- Writing a column for each ACHNE Newsletter including a member highlight.
- Actively recruiting members at all ACHNE meetings and at other nursing organization meetings.
- Developing and recommending to the Board of Directors a plan of action for recruitment and retention of members.
- Preparing written reports for the Executive Committee meetings, Annual meeting, and midyear Board of Directors meeting.
- Creating materials necessary for the recruitment and retention of members as needed, approved, and budgeted.
- Monitoring and recommending changes in member benefits.
- Maintaining a list of graduate PHN programs for the ACHNE website.
- Assembling relevant documents and materials for collection by Archivist after the Annual Membership Meeting.
Southern: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, West Virginia
Kate Bernheisel, DNP, MPH, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Why are you interested in this office?
I am interested in this office because ACHNE leads the future of community health nursing education, and the Member-at-Large role allows me to directly support and engage our members. As an educator and researcher focused on innovative community and population health teaching, I am committed to strengthening how we prepare nurses to support health equity. I value the opportunity to connect regions, support educators, and help recruit and retain engaged ACHNE membership.
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
I bring expertise in community and public health nursing, curriculum development, program evaluation, and technology-enhanced pedagogy, supported by a strong record of academic innovation and interprofessional collaboration. My leadership includes service on multiple ACHNE committees, STTI governance roles, AANP national committees, and contributions to national curriculum frameworks. Through grant-funded research, national ACHNE presentations, DNP mentorship, and service on university curriculum and simulation committees, I offer experience that aligns closely with ACHNE’s mission and strategic priorities.
ACHNE Leadership Positions
- ACHNE & APHN PHN Academic Practice Partnership Toolkit Taskforce Member (2023-Present)
- ACHNE Program Committee Member (2022-2025)
Additional leadership positions
- Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), International Nurse Leader Review Committee Member (2023-Present)
- International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) Research Committee Member (2025)
- Association for Prevention Teaching and Research (APTR) Healthy People Curriculum Task Force Workgroup Member (2023–Present)
- STTI Alpha Xi Chapter Governance Committee: Member (2022), Chair (2023)
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) International Committee: Subcommittee Chair (2013-2018); Clinical Practice Committee Member (2014-2018)
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
ACHNE’s key priorities include faculty workforce development, integrating emerging technologies, strengthening academic–practice partnerships, and advancing health equity. I will support these by championing evidence-based teaching innovation, fostering collaborative scholarship, and promoting inclusivity. My goal is to help ACHNE strengthen its national influence and ensure it meets the evolving needs of educators and communities while preparing the next generation of community health nursing leaders.
Western Member-at-Large
It shall be the responsibility of Members-at-Large to serve as the link between membership in regions and the organization for the purposes of communication and recruitment of new members.
Eligibility: Two (2) years as an ACHNE member.
Responsibilities: The Members-at-Large serve as the contact person for the members of the ACHNE regions. The Members-at-Large serve on the Board of Directors and as the Membership Committee. The general Member-at-Large serves as the Chairperson of the Membership Committee. Member-at-Large functions include but are not necessarily limited to:
- Monitoring the membership activities of the organization and submitting to the Executive Committee as requested.
- Writing a column for each ACHNE Newsletter including a member highlight.
- Actively recruiting members at all ACHNE meetings and at other nursing organization meetings.
- Developing and recommending to the Board of Directors a plan of action for recruitment and retention of members.
- Preparing written reports for the Executive Committee meetings, Annual meeting, and midyear Board of Directors meeting.
- Creating materials necessary for the recruitment and retention of members as needed, approved, and budgeted.
- Monitoring and recommending changes in member benefits.
- Maintaining a list of graduate PHN programs for the ACHNE website.
- Assembling relevant documents and materials for collection by Archivist after the Annual Membership Meeting.
Western: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Lauren Acosta, PhD, RN, SANE-A, CPH
Why are you interested in this office?
In my role as a community health nursing faculty member and leader of a division of nearly 100 faculty at the University of Arizona College of Nursing, I am deeply committed to advancing community and public health nursing education. Drawing on my clinical experience in community health and as a sexual assault nurse examiner, I work to prepare students for practice in diverse settings and to understand the complex needs of vulnerable populations. A key focus of my leadership is infusing community health principles throughout our curriculum. As more nurses transition from traditional bedside roles into home and community-based care, it is essential that we equip graduates with the skills, confidence, and perspective needed to thrive in these emerging practice environments. I aim to inspire students to explore meaningful, community-centered nursing roles and to support faculty in adopting innovative, equity-driven teaching strategies. As Member-at-Large for the West Region, I would bring this educator-focused and forward-looking perspective to ACHNE, working collaboratively to strengthen community health nursing education across our region.
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
I bring more than a decade of experience in nursing education, with a strong record of collaborative leadership and curricular innovation. Throughout my career, I have led courses, contributed to key work groups, and chaired multiple committees. Most recently, I served as Chair of the Faculty Council at the University of Arizona College of Nursing, where I represented the needs and perspectives of approximately 150 faculty members to college leadership. I have also guided curriculum revision efforts to ensure our community and population health coursework aligns with the AACN Essentials, strengthening the preparation of future nurses for emerging roles in public and community health. I am a committed advocate for public health nursing; I have a proven ability to build meaningful partnerships with social service agencies and health care organizations in Arizona.
ACHNE Leadership Experience
- Member, Education Committee 2023 - 2024
- Member, Association of Community Health Nurse Educators &Association of Public Health Nurses – Practice Partnership Toolkit Workgroup Member 2023-2024
- Archives Committee 2024 - 2025
Additional Leadership Experience:
- University Governance & Faculty Leadership
- University of Arizona: Currently serves as Faculty Council Chair (2024–2025) and member of the Undergraduate Council & Program Committee.
- Northern Arizona University: Held multi-year leadership roles including Chairperson of the Program Evaluation Committee and member of the Faculty Development and Annual Review committees.
- Academic Standards: Actively contributes to Peer Review (Ad-Hoc) and University Writing Advisory committees, ensuring institutional quality and faculty accountability.
- Curriculum & Program Innovation
- Taskforce Leadership: Led BSN Curriculum Revision (2022–2024) and served as MEPN Domain Champion for AACN Domain 3 (Population Health).
- Strategic Planning: Contributed to the Master’s Entry to Professional Nursing (MEPN) Taskforce to align program outcomes with national standards.
- Forensic Nursing & Community Advocacy
- Sexual Assault Response: Active member of the Southern Arizona Sexual Assault Response Team (2020–Present).
- Global Research: Contributed to the International Association of Forensic Nurses Research Committee (2021–2023).
- Advisory Role: Served on the Family Justice Center Advisory Committee, bridging the gap between clinical forensic practice and community justice.
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
Despite the inclusion of Population Health as a domain within the new AACN Essentials, many nursing programs still prioritize acute care experiences. At the same time, trends indicate that nurses will increasingly move from bedside care into communities, making it essential that pre-licensure programs prepare graduates for this shift. As an experienced community and population health instructor with extensive curriculum leadership, I am committed to advocating for the integration of population, community, and public health content across the nursing curriculum. I believe this content should not be an afterthought, but threaded and scaffolded throughout programs, ensuring that every graduate is prepared to promote health equity and well-being in the communities they serve. As a Member-at-Large, I would collaborate with faculty across institutions to strengthen this curricular focus and elevate the role of community health nursing in shaping the future of our profession.
Maria Matza, PhD, RNC, PHN, CCSN
Why are you interested in this office?
I am seeking the position of Western Member-at-Large for ACHNE because I am committed to strengthening connections, scholarship, and leadership among community and public health nurse educators across the Western region. With extensive experience in population health nursing, academic teaching, and community-based clinical education, I bring a strong understanding of the diverse needs, strengths, and challenges facing nursing programs throughout the West.
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
In my role at California State University, Fullerton, I lead Population Health clinical education with a focus on health equity, family systems, culturally responsive practice, and innovative community-academic partnerships. I regularly collaborate with faculty, community agencies, and inter-professional partners to support student learning and address population-level health priorities — experiences that translate directly to ACHNE’s mission of advancing excellence in community health nursing education.
Additional leadership positions
I am currently the President of the Orange County (CA) Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. I have just completed 2 consecutive terms on the policy committee of the national organization (NAHN). I have been with the OC chapter since it began in 1994. I have been secretary, vice-president and president. As past president, I have served multiple times as president. I was also on board of the California School Nurse Organization (CSNO) in multiple board roles and was CSNO-SS President from 2004-2006. In 2006, I was elected by my peers as CSNO SN of the Year. I am also a community board member for the Orange County Coalition of Community Clinics and Health Center. This is my second round of serving. This has been an excellent opportunity to learn the community board position in a multidisciplinary setting, and serving the first-time during Covid offered unique insight. I also continue to serve on The UCI Chao Cancer Community Equity Board; this is another board that is interdisciplinary and offers a voice for nurses to represent our community.
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
As Western Member-at-Large, I would work to actively engage regional members, elevate their voices, and foster collaboration across programs and states. I aim to strengthen communication of ACHNE initiatives, support regional networking, highlight scholarship and best practices, and encourage participation from both established and emerging educators. I am particularly passionate about mentoring early in career faculty and supporting the growth of the community/public health nursing workforce pipeline — a pressing priority across the Western region. With a collaborative spirit, strong organizational skills, and a deep commitment to advancing community health nursing, I would be honored to represent the Western region on the ACHNE Board and contribute to initiatives that support educational innovation, equity, and leadership development.
Nominating Committee - 2 Positions Available
It shall be the responsibility of the Nominating Committee to propose candidates for the positions of President, President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Members-at-large, Chairperson for the Nominating Committee, and Nominating Committee members. The Nominating Committee shall prepare the ballot for membership voting.
Eligibility: Two (2) years as an ACHNE member.
Responsibilities:
- Conducts Fall call for nominations for officers.
- Compiles nominations and completes ballot for spring elections.
- Upon return of ballots, tallies results and notifies the Association President.
- Notifies all nominees of the election results.
- Notifies the Board of Directors of election results at the Spring Board meeting.
- Notifies ACHNE members of election results at a time determined by the Association President, either via electronic means and/or in person at the Annual Business Meeting.
- Participates in the orientation of the newly elected Chairperson-elect.
- Assembles relevant documents and materials for collection by Archivist after the Annual Membership Meeting.
- Performs other duties as identified by the President.
Candidates for Nominating Committee (select two)
Conni DeBlieck, DNP, APRN
Why are you interested in this office?
I have a strong leadership background with PINE, STTI, and ACHNE, as well as experience in the NMSU Graduate Program. I have gained valuable insights into public health nursing practices and collaboration, developed strong leadership skills through committee roles and organizing events, and gained a deep understanding of the challenges faced by community health nursing educators. My active participation in ACHNE has also provided me with advanced knowledge in nursing research and policy development. With my diverse background, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to ACHNE's mission and goals as a leader within the organization. In addition, I am interested in the nominating committee position due to their passion for recognizing and promoting talent within the ACHNE organization. I believe that being part of the nominating committee would allow me to contribute my skills in identifying individuals with the necessary qualities for leadership roles. I believe that carefully selecting candidates for key positions can ensure a diverse and dynamic leadership team, driving positive change and growth within the ACHNE organization.
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
Due to my extensive knowledge and track record of leadership in PINE, STTI, and ACHNE, in addition to my participation in the NMSU Graduate program, I am highly qualified to assume a leadership position within ACHNE. Engaging in PINE (Public Health Nursing Excellence) has provided me with invaluable knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of public health nursing and the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Through active participation in STTI (Sigma Theta Tau International) and coordination of numerous events, I have had the privilege of cultivating robust leadership capabilities. Furthermore, my active engagement in the ACHNE has endowed me with a profound comprehension of the obstacles encountered by educators in community health nursing and underscored the imperative for novel educational methodologies.
ACHNE Leadership Experience
- Nominating Committee
- Education Committee
- Research Committee
Additional Leadership Experience:
Including serving as president, governance, counselor, and secretary on the STTI (local Chapter Pi Omega board) since 2010. Since 2015, I have held the position of Co-Chair for the Partnership in Informatics Nursing Education. Additionally, since 2022, I have been a member of the Mental Health Coordination Board at NMSU. I also serve as the MSN-DNP Program Director at NMSU School of Nursing.
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
In order to address these concerns or priorities, one could advocate for resources and support for community health nursing education programs as a leader in ACHNE. With the aim of facilitating networking opportunities where members can share their expertise and optimal methodologies. In order to champion opportunities for professional development that are specifically related to curriculum development, research skills, and leadership training. Collaboration with other organizations in the domain of nursing education and active participation in policy discussions are effective strategies for cultivating interdisciplinary cooperation. Additionally, it offers support for initiatives that aim to reduce disparities through the implementation of inclusive curriculum development, culturally sensitive methods, and community engagement strategies. Moreover, it is imperative that leaders of ACHNE stay updated on prevailing trends, actively engage in member consultation regarding concerns, and cooperate in order to resolve the identified challenges or priorities that confront the ACHNE.
Carly Tribbia, DNP, RN, CPH, CNL
Why are you interested in this office?
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve on the Nominations Committee because it aligns closely with my current work the communications committee, where part of our committee’s goal is to focus on enhancing our online presence for both those that are already ACHNE members and those external to the organization. Additionally, my personal experiences in managing quality improvement projects will be helpful in ensuring there is a streamlined process for preparing and reviewing applications, as well as effectively communicating with nominees. Lastly, as newer PHN faculty, I am eager to pursue leadership experiences within a national level organization. I have been an active member of ACHNE since my time as a nursing student and have envisioned deepening my involvement as I advance in my career.
What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?
I currently serve on the ACHNE Communications Committee and participate in the curriculum revision task force at my university. Previously, I contributed to my department’s Faculty Advisory Committee, where I reviewed promotion packets and provided recommendations to strengthen candidates’ materials for committee review. In addition, I have served on the board of a nonprofit organization, where I supported fundraising initiatives and worked to increase awareness of the organization’s mission and vision.
ACHNE Leadership Positions
- Member, Communications Committee
Additional leadership positions
I currently serve on the Curriculum Revision Task Force at my university, where I have been an active member for approximately two years. Within this role, I contribute to the communications sub-workgroup, supporting efforts to transition to competency-based education (CBE). Specifically, I have helped develop faculty resources designed to provide education and guidance on preparing for CBE implementation. This experience has strengthened my ability to craft clear, targeted messaging and create tools that facilitate understanding and engagement.
What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?
Advocating for the nursing profession and advancing community/public health nursing is more critical than ever. To achieve this, we must amplify our collective voice by strengthening our online presence and fostering strategic partnerships with affiliate organizations. Equally important is sustaining a strong and effective leadership team. In this role, I would ensure members have clear, comprehensive candidate information to support a transparent and well-informed election process. Lastly, we must keep ACHNE at the forefront of leadership in community and public health nursing education, research, and practice.
