The Vice President shall serve as the Chairperson of the Program Committee.  It shall be the responsibility of the Program Committee to obtain program ideas from the Association membership regarding program plans to be implemented by the Committee throughout the year.

Eligibility: Four (4) years as ACHNE member, former ACHNE committee member or office holder.

Responsibilities

1. Assists in providing direction and structure for organizational activities through active participation on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
2. Prepares written report for annual and midyear Board of Directors meetings.
3. Maintains regular contact with the President to keep current on organizational issues and up-date President on program activities.
4. Directs program planning for the organization:
   1. Serves as the chairperson of the Program Committee.
   2. Acts as a liaison between the Association and the PHN Section program chairperson for APHA. Coordinates and makes room reservations for midyear meeting of Board of Directors at APHA in conjunction with the PHN Section chairperson.
   3. Cooperates with the Annual Institute’s local member contact in developing a relevant educational program.
   4. Explores new opportunities for program development.
   5. Participates in long-range planning for conference/convention programming
   6. Notifies membership of program activities during Annual Membership Meeting and midyear meeting at APHA.
5. Participates in the orientation of the newly elected Vice President.
6. Serves on appropriate committees or task forces, which are established to address current and future organizational issues.
7. Assembles relevant documents and materials for collection by Archivist after the Annual Institute.
8. Performs other duties as identified by the President.

Candidate for Vice President & Program Committee Chair

Jodi Spiess PhD, RN, GCPH

Why are you interested in this office?

The role of the Vice President is a critical one for ACHNE. As the chair of the Program committee, it is critical that exciting and dynamic ideas are generated throughout the year for the Annual Institute (AI). The AI is a time when community/ public health nursing educators come together for fellowship, the sharing of ideas, professional development, and friendship. I think this is one of the biggest benefits of ACHNE membership. The ability to interact with people who value what you value and just "get you" is hard to find. ACHNE has provided this ability to so many of us and I would like to continue the great work that VP's prior have done. I plan to attend MAL regional meetings (along with other approaches) to get input for future AI's, if elected. It is also extremely important to me to be available to help our President and President elect with their heavy workloads. Thank you for your consideration.

What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?

My background in nursing includes 15 years in hospital, 5 years in public health department, and 10 years in academia, teaching public health nursing in RN-BSN, MSN, DNAP, and MHA programs.  I have found that most students (and people in general) are looking to be seen and to belong. I teach, market programs, and recruit from this mindset. ACHNE is an organization that truly makes us feel seen and like we belong, that is why I love it so much. Listening to our members, keeping an eye on the horizon for public health and nursing changes, and remembering that everyone we work with are human beings is something I want to continue in ACHNE. I will work with members to get input on the AI and organize speakers and events that speak to the needs of our members and also address public health issues.

ACHNE Leadership Positions:

• Midwest Member at Large 2023-2025
• Education Committee 2017-present
• Plenary Planning Education sub- committee 2017-present,
• Spiess, J.A. & Frable, P. (2024). Disaster White Paper.
• January 2021-August 2021, Scholarship and Research Task Force, Association of Community Health Nurse Educators

Additional leadership positions:

• PHN journal reviewer
• COVID 19 Webster University Taskforce
• MO State DOH Covid Taskforce.

What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?

I think the major priorities for ACHNE are continuing membership retention and growth initiatives. I will work with the Members-at-Large to get ideas for what members would like to learn and see represented at the AI. I will also help with recruitment efforts and fun ideas to help members feel they belong at the AI.

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 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:

1. Monitoring the membership activities of the organization and submitting to the Executive Committee as requested.
2. Writing a column for each ACHNE Newsletter including a member highlight.
3. Actively recruiting members at all ACHNE meetings and at other nursing organization meetings.
4. Developing and recommending to the Board of Directors a plan of action for recruitment and retention of members.
5. Preparing written reports for the Executive Committee meetings, Annual meeting, and midyear Board of Directors meeting.
6. Creating materials necessary for the recruitment and retention of members as needed, approved, and budgeted.
7. Monitoring and recommending changes in member benefits.
8. Maintaining a list of graduate PHN programs for the ACHNE website.
9. Assembling relevant documents and materials for collection by Archivist after the Annual Membership Meeting.

Candidate for General Member-at-Large & Membership Committee Chair

Scott Harpin, PhD, MPH, RN, APHN-BC, FNAP

Why are you interested in this office?

I would like to continue my cabinet-level service to ACHNE as the Membership Committee Chair to sustain the momentum we've had the past two years, intersecting the work of Program and Membership Committees. As the lead of the Strategic Plan 'Membership' Pillar, much of that work has been scoped out for 2024-2026: I would like to help see those activities through with the energy of the Members-At-Large.

What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?

I've been an Ex-Officio member of the Membership Committee since June 2024 and worked closely with the current committee chair. Dr. Giest throughout her term. In addition to ongoing leadership within ACHNE, I have been a leader in academic nursing in a Division Chair and full Professor at the U of Colorado, Specialty Director of our DNP/MPH Dual Degree, and other national level task forces supporting Advanced Public Health Nursing.

ACHNE Leadership Experience:

• Vice President & Program Committee Chair 2023 – 25
• Nominating Committee 2022 – 23
• "Mentorship" Strategic Planning pillar leader 2020 – 22

Additional Leadership Experience

• YHC/CU Street Medicine Board of Directors/Treasurer
• National Academies of Practice Program Committee
• Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine Program Committee & Nursing Research SIG
• State of Colorado Child Fatality Prevention System Co-Chair (Governor Appt)
• Minnesota Public Health Association

What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?

ACHNE membership levels are almost back to pre-pandemic levels, which is something to celebrate! But continuing to grow membership while also meeting the wishes and desires of members to get what they want from our organization is an ongoing priority. Also, keeping ACHNE itself, relevant, as a sub-specialty academic nursing organization, is an ongoing issue and priority for leadership.

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.

Northern Region: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont.

Eligibility: Two (2) years ACHNE member, member of the Northern Region

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:

1. Monitoring the membership activities of the organization and submitting to the Executive Committee as requested.
2. Writing a column for each ACHNE Newsletter including a member highlight.
3. Actively recruiting members at all ACHNE meetings and at other nursing organization meetings.
4. Developing and recommending to the Board of Directors a plan of action for recruitment and retention of members.
5. Preparing written reports for the Executive Committee meetings, Annual meeting, and midyear Board of Directors meeting.
6. Creating materials necessary for the recruitment and retention of members as needed, approved, and budgeted.
7. Monitoring and recommending changes in member benefits.
8. Maintaining a list of graduate PHN programs for the ACHNE website.
9. Assembling relevant documents and materials for collection by Archivist after the Annual Membership Meeting.

Candidate for Northern Member at Large

Lisabeth M. Searing, PhD, RN

Why are you interested in this office?

I love being a part of ACHNE and would love to share that with more CPHN instructors from my region, hopefully to grow the organization so that it will continue to thrive.

What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?

I bring strong knowledge of the organization and of the work of many committees to this position. These will help sell ACHNE to prospective members. I have been a member of ACHNE since I first started as a CPHN instructor in 2009. I recently chaired the nominations committee without a co-chair and helped write a year-round schedule to increase the visibility of open positions. I have been a member of the Communications Committee for many years and chairing or co-chairing that committee for the past four years. Early on, I worked to increase engagement with the list-serv. In recent years, I worked to bring back the newsletter and to create a social media presence. As a part of the communications committee, I have worked with other chairs to share what is happening with their committees, giving me insight into many of the functions of ACHNE.

ACHNE Leadership

• Nominations Committee 2022 – 24, Chair 2023 – 24
• Communications Committee, 2011 – 25, Co-Chair 2021 – 22, Chair 2023 – 25

What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?

The primary issue facing ACHNE, as with most organizations like ours, is financial. While we are doing okay, we would benefit from increased membership. We have a great product and need to get the word out to more people who might buy. Continuing the ongoing efforts of the membership committee and coming up with more ways to interest CPHN instructors in joining, is essential to our continued success.

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:

1. Conducts Fall call for nominations for officers.
2. Compiles nominations and completes ballot for spring elections.
3. Upon return of ballots, tallies results and notifies the Association President.
4. Notifies all nominees of the election results.
5. Notifies the Board of Directors of election results at the Spring Board meeting.
6. 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.
7. Participates in the orientation of the newly elected Chairperson-elect.
8. Assembles relevant documents and materials for collection by Archivist after the Annual Membership Meeting.
9. Performs other duties as identified by the President.

Candidates for Nominating Committee (select three)

Rebecca A. Geist, DNP, RN

Why are you interested in this office?

The Nominations Committee faces the critical challenge of identifying members who can effectively represent the interests of ACHNE as leaders. With the evolving trends in nursing, the next generation of leaders must be prepared to advocate for the vital role registered nurses play across all practice settings, embrace the vision articulated by ACHNE, and support long-standing members.    If elected to serve, I will collaborate with fellow committee members to identify and promote nurse leaders who can realize ACHNE's goals and vision.

What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?

I have a diverse background encompassing 17 years in hospital nursing management, 7 years in public school nursing, and 13 years in academia, specializing in community, population, and public health nursing. This breadth of experience has equipped me with a strong working knowledge of various nursing specialties.    As a nursing faculty member, I prioritize teaching students the importance of valuing various backgrounds and perspectives and fostering an environment of respect and belonging among themselves, their peers, and the patients and families they serve.    In the current landscape of nursing and advanced practice specialties, there is a tendency to work in silos, preventing us from functioning as a cohesive unit. ACHNE has a robust governance structure that has facilitated significant changes over the years, delivering exceptional support and leadership.    As a member of the Nominating Committee, I am dedicated to advancing the ACHNE mission by promoting qualified and committed leaders to fill key positions within the organization.

ACHNE Leadership Experience

• Member at Large Chair 2023 – 25
• Nominating Committee 2022 – 23
• ACHNE Abstract Reviewer 2023 – Present

Additional Leadership Experience

• Voice of Hope, Lubbock, Texas, Board Member
• Texas School Nurse Organization Nomination Committee
• Texas Nurse Association Nomination Committee, Parliamentarian, House of Delegates, and Leadership Succession Committee
• Texas Nurse Organization Leaders Social Media Committee
• National League of Nursing Nominations Committee
• School Health Advisory Committee for Lubbock Independent School District- Health Chair
• Nursing Made Incredibly Easy and Nursing 2024, Reviewer, Journal Articles.
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Human Trafficking Collaborative Committee Member
• Texas International Education Consortium Committee Member
• Appointed to The Office of Governor Greg Abbott- West Texas Academic Collaborative for Child Sex Trafficking Research Program Committee Member

What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?

After serving on the ACHNE Nominations Committee and Member at Large (MAL) Chair, I recognize the importance of rejuvenation commitment and dedication to our organization.  As the Mal Chair (2023-2025), we successfully grew AHCNE membership back to pre-COVID-19.  Additionally, we implemented monthly meetings with each Member at Large leader: International, Midwest, Northern, Southern, and Western, which facilitated connections among members, fostered friendships and encouraged sharing ideas.   As a member of the Nominating Committee, I aim to assist with succession planning and collaborate with the Members at Large to cultivate dedicated AHCNE leaders.  Today, nurses and student nurses face numerous challenges, such as the need for flexibility, feeling unheard by their organizations, being overworked, and dealing with shortages while prioritizing patients' safety.  By staying connected

Mary Ellen LaSala, PhD, RN

Why are you interested in this office?

I am honored to submit my nomination for another position on the Nominating Committee ACHNE. Having served as a member of this committee in the past for two years, including as Co-Chair for one year, I bring a deep understanding of its responsibilities and a strong commitment to fostering leadership within our community.    Throughout my tenure on the Nominating Committee, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated colleagues to ensure that ACHNE continues to attract and cultivate passionate, qualified leaders who will guide our organization and the field of community health nursing education. In my role as Co-Chair, I have actively contributed to refining the processes by which we identify and nominate candidates for leadership positions, ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and alignment with ACHNE’s strategic goals.    I am particularly proud of the work we've done to enhance our outreach and communication strategies to ensure that all members feel empowered to step into leadership roles. This work has reinforced the importance of building a diverse and dynamic leadership team that reflects the values and goals of ACHNE, especially as we continue to address emerging challenges in community health nursing education.    As a long-standing member of ACHNE and an advocate for the importance of community health nursing in academia and practice, I am dedicated to ensuring that our nominating process is fair, inclusive, and strategic, aligning with the needs and aspirations of the broader ACHNE community. I am committed to supporting the growth of emerging leaders who will further the mission of ACHNE and strengthen our impact on community health nursing education.    I would be honored to again serve on the Nominating Committee and to contribute to the ongoing success and leadership of ACHNE. I appreciate your consideration of my nomination, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue supporting the work of this important committee.

What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?

I have held many academic leadership positions over the years, which includes Chair of the Undergraduate Program at Stony Brook University, Hofstra University, and Nassau Community College. I have been Program Director and currently Director of Special Projects. I have been Chair of the Curriculum Committee for many years, and Chair of the Wellness Collaborative for the School of Nursing at Stony Brook University to name a few.

ACHNE Leadership Experience

• Northern Member-at-large 2023 – 2025
• Nominating Committee 2021 – 23, Co-Chair 2022 – 23
• Program Committee

What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?

ACHNE is at a critical juncture in its continued growth and impact on community health nursing education. There are several key priorities and challenges that we must address to strengthen the organization and advance our mission. Below are some of the major issues I feel that are facing ACHNE, and how I believe I can contribute to addressing them:    Leadership Development and Succession Planning  One of the biggest challenges for any organization is ensuring a pipeline of capable, diverse leaders who are ready to step into key roles. ACHNE needs to continue to foster leadership development, particularly for underrepresented groups, to ensure our leadership is reflective of the diverse populations we serve.  As a current member of the Nominating Committee and with my experience as Northern Member-at-Large, I am committed to ensuring that our nominating process actively seeks out diverse candidates from all backgrounds and regions. I will advocate for policies and practices that help identify and cultivate emerging leaders, ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of ACHNE.    Engagement and Retention of Members With changes in the landscape of community health nursing and the increasing demands on nursing education, there is a need for greater member engagement and retention. ACHNE must continue to offer relevant, timely resources and educational opportunities that meet the evolving needs of our members.  Having served on the Program Committee for the Annual Institute, I understand the importance of providing high-quality, relevant programming to our members. I will continue to advocate for educational content that addresses current challenges in community health nursing and promotes networking and collaboration among members.    Advocacy for Community Health Nursing Education Achieving policy recognition and strengthening advocacy for community health nursing education at local, state, and national levels is essential to advancing our profession.  With my background in leadership within ACHNE and my experience in representing the interests of the northern region as Member-at-Large, I am well-positioned to support advocacy efforts that elevate the role of community health nursing education within healthcare systems. I will help amplify ACHNE’s voice, ensuring that our contributions to public health are recognized in policy discussions.

Michele Lopez, DHED, MA, CNE, CDE, CHES

Why are you interested in this office?

With over 25 years of dedicated membership in this community, I am deeply committed to the mission and values that our chapter upholds.

What expertise and leadership experience do you bring to this position?

My experience in similar organizations has positioned me to contribute effectively on the Nominating Committee. Most recently, I served as President of the Professional Nurses Association-Dutchess/Putnam County, a position I held for 2 years. Prior to serving as President, I served as Vice President and Board member (5 years). Having served in many academic committees, I’m quite familiar with recording minutes, preparing reports, and developing policies and procedures.

ACHNE Leadership Experience

• Awards Committee
• Membership Committee.
• Scholarship & Awards applications Reviewer

What do you see as the major priorities or issues facing ACHNE and how would you contribute to addressing them?

As a member of the Nominating Committee, I see a major priority for ACHNE as ensuring strong and diverse leadership that can effectively address the evolving challenges facing our organization. I believe my experience has prepared me to identify and recruit qualified candidates who possess the necessary skills and vision to guide ACHNE forward.