Delegate Newsletter | Convention 2015

43RD BIENNIAL CONVENTION • 7-11 NOVEMBER 2015 • LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA

Bring your copy of the Delegate Newsletter with you to the biennial convention!

For quick reference at the event, please fill in the below details: Delegate Name: Chapter Name: Region:

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Welcome Thank you for serving as a chapter delegate at the 43rd Biennial Convention for the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI). It is during the House of Delegates on 10-11 November that official honor society business will be conducted. It is vital that every chapter is represented and has a voice.

Within this newsletter you will find: • • • • •

An explanation of your role as a delegate A schedule of convention events that delegates should attend The complete ballot for the international election along with candidate statements An outline of proposed bylaws changes A list of recently chartered chapters

Prior to convention, please familiarize yourself with the issues the House of Delegates is to address, and communicate with your chapter membership to determine how the chapter would like you to cast its votes. Should you need further clarification about any of the proposed bylaws changes or have questions related to the election, please post your question to the Convention Delegate Discussion Forum for a prompt response. The forum and additional information can be found online in The Circle (http://thecircle.nursingsociety.org) by clicking on “Groups” and then “My Groups.”

In preparation for your trip to convention, please remember to bring this newsletter; you will need to reference it during the House of Delegates. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!

HOUSE OF DELEGATES DATES AND TIMES

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Session I and Delegate Briefing

Tuesday, 10 November

Session II

Wednesday, 11 November

11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Important Delegate Information........................................................4 General Information for Delegates.....................................................8 Learn About the Candidates.............................................................10 Board Officer Candidates..................................................................12 Governance Committee Candidates................................................26 Leadership Succession Committee Candidates..............................35 Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair Candidates....50 Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Candidates..............52 Events of Special Interest for Delegates...........................................82 Newly Chartered Chapters and Chapter Amendments..................84 Proposed Bylaws Amendments................................................. Insert

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IMPORTANT DELEGATE INFORMATION The House of Delegates is the body of STTI that holds legislative and judicial powers. According to Article V. of the 2013-2015 Bylaws, each chapter sends two delegates to represent its voice and act on its behalf in the House of Delegates for items of business before the organization.

A delegate is certified, obligated, and responsible to vote; carry out particular instructions of the chapter; complete assigned delegate duties; and report to the chapter on actions during the House of Delegates.

During the House of Delegates, the following business will take place: • • • •

Adoption of standing rules and order of business Election Reporting session and state-of-the-society address Presentation of newly-chartered chapters and charter amendments • Declaration of the election

• • • • •

Action on bylaws amendments Presentation and adoption of resolutions Departure and recognition ceremony Installation and transition ceremony Presidential call to action

DUTIES OF CERTIFIED DELEGATES Delegates are expected to: • Prepare for the convention by studying the contents of the Delegate Newsletter, particularly the ballot; proposed bylaws amendments; and all other action items.

• Review the convention materials with chapter members and discuss the issues to be considered at convention.

• Attend House of Delegates Session I on Tuesday, 10 November, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Ironwood Ballroom. A quorum of chapters must be present to conduct STTI business. This will be the only time delegates can make nominations for candidates from the floor and cast the chapters’ votes for elected candidates.

• Attend the Delegate Briefing Session on Tuesday, 10 November, immediately following House of Delegates Session I, in the Ironwood Ballroom. Delegates will receive voting instructions for the hand-held devices used on Wednesday and can ask questions about the proposed bylaws amendments.

• Attend House of Delegates Session II on Wednesday, 11 November, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Ironwood Ballroom. This will be the only opportunity for chapter delegates to cast votes on the proposed bylaws amendments and resolutions.

• Vote on all motions that come before the House.

• Prepare a complete report for the chapter that includes work conducted during the business meetings, results of the election, workshops attended, the content of special presentations, and social events.

NOTE: If an authorized delegate cannot attend convention and the House of Delegates, it is the delegate’s responsibility to:

1) Notify his/her chapter and STTI. 2) Transfer all materials concerning convention and the House of Delegates to an alternate.

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CERTIFICATION OF DELEGATES 1. Prior certification required: All members of the House of Delegates are required to be certified prior to House of Delegates Session I on Tuesday, 10 November, beginning at 11:30 a.m. You will be certified at the Delegate Certification desk alphabetically by chapter name, so please be sure to write down your chapter’s name. (Note: Delegate certification is conducted at the delegate certification desk. Delegates may only be certified after they have first completed check-in at the convention registration area. Delegates are required to be registered for the convention.)

2. Certification requirements: To be certified as a chapter delegate, the person’s name is required to appear on the list of delegates submitted by each chapter prior to the biennial meeting.

3. Substitutes or alternates: Persons attending the biennial meeting as a substitute for a previouslynamed delegate or as a delegate not previously submitted must be individually certified at the delegate certification desk.

4. HOURS OF DELEGATE CERTIFICATION DESK: Ironwood Ballroom Foyer FRIDAY, 6 November: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, 7 November: 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, 8 November: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

MONDAY, 9 November: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, 10 November: 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

5. Delegate Briefing: Delegates are required to attend the Delegate Briefing Session on Tuesday, 10 November, immediately following House of Delegates Session I, in the Ironwood Ballroom.

ELECTIONS (FROM ARTICLE V. AND ARTICLE IX. OF 2013-2015 BYLAWS) 1. Voting is by members of the House of Delegates.

Membership in the House of Delegates shall be composed of two (2) delegates from each chapter, the members of the board of directors, chairs of standing committees, the regional chapter coordinators and the past presidents of the society.

2. Each member of the House of Delegates has the right to cast one vote. If any chapter has only one delegate attending, that delegate shall have two votes.

3. Elected positions shall be the officer and non-officer members of the board of directors, the chair of the

Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee, the regional coordinators of the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee, and members of the Leadership Succession Committee and Governance Committee.

4. A majority vote shall elect officers.

5. A plurality vote shall elect the non-officer members of the Board of Directors and elected committee members.

6. In the event of a tie, the election shall be determined by lot.

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ELECTION EVENTS 1. The ballot will be presented and voting will occur in the House of Delegates Session I on Tuesday, 10 November. Nominations from the floor may be made during the House of Delegates at this time. A signed Consent to Serve form must be obtained prior to nominating from the floor or writing in a nominee.

2. All voting for the election will occur at the time designated on the convention schedule. Voting at other times will not be permitted; delegates who are not present may not vote.

3. Election results will be reported to the House of Delegates during Session II, which begins at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 11 November.

4. New officers will be installed in Session II of the House of Delegates on Wednesday, 11 November.

BALLOT VOTING AND VERIFICATION 1. Voting instructions will be given to the delegates during Session I of the House of Delegates. Session I is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 10 November, in the Ironwood Ballroom.

2. A ballot will be distributed individually to each delegate in exchange for a voting card.

3. Delegate voting cards are utilized to verify delegates’ presence at the time of the election.

AGENDA ITEM VOTING 1. Voting on agenda items before the House of Delegates, including proposed bylaws amendments and resolutions, will take place on Wednesday, 11 November.

2. An electronic voting mechanism will be used for many agenda items.

3. Instructions for the voting process will be reviewed for delegates at the Delegate Briefing and during the House of Delegates sessions.

To post questions regarding the ballot for election, proposed bylaws changes, and other items before the House of Delegates, please sign in to the Convention Delegate Forum in The Circle (http://thecircle.nursingsociety.org) by clicking on “Groups” and then “My Groups.”

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ROLE OF THE PARLIAMENTARIAN A parliamentarian is an expert in rules of order and the proper procedures for the conduct of meetings of deliberative assemblies. Parliamentarians assist organizations in drafting and interpreting bylaws and rules of order and planning and conducting meetings.

Delegates have opportunities to speak with the parliamentarian, Colette Collier Trohan, PRP, CPP-T, before each House of Delegates session. This is particularly helpful for groups that have questions about motions or making nominations from the floor.

T he parliamentarian will be available to talk to delegates in the Senna Boardroom during office hours: MONDAY, 9 November 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, 10 November Close of Delegate Briefing – 6:00 p.m.

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GENERAL INFORMATION FOR DELEGATES Electing the leadership of STTI is one of the most important responsibilities of delegates. A ballot of distinguished candidates has been prepared by the Leadership Succession Committee, employing a rigorous peer-review process. The goal of the presentation of candidates is to enable you, the convention delegates, to vote on the basis of candidates’ leadership qualities, their demonstrated understanding of STTI’s mission and goals, and their organizational involvement.

ELECTED OFFICES, ELIGIBILITY, AND TERMS OF OFFICE • Elected positions shall be the officers and nonofficer directors of the STTI board of directors, Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair, members of the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee, Leadership Succession Committee members, and Governance Committee members.

• Active members are eligible for positions on the ballot. Members shall hold no more than one elected office at a time.

• Current Leadership Succession Committee members and STTI employees are excluded from the current ballot.

• All elected persons shall begin their terms of office at the close of the meeting at which they are elected.

• Officer directors: The president-elect will be elected for a term of two years and then succeeds to a two-year term as president. The vice president and secretary are elected for a term of two years.

The treasurer is elected for a term of four years. A maximum of four years may be served unless running next for president-elect.

• Non-officer directors: Non-officer directors will be elected in alternating biennia: three in one biennium and two in the next biennium. The term of a non-officer director is four years. Non-officer directors may serve a maximum of four consecutive

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years (one term) on the board, unless running next for the president-elect position. The Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair will serve a two-year term and may not serve more than two consecutive terms on the board as Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair.

• Committees: A committee member may not serve longer than six consecutive years.

• Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee: The term of office shall be two years.

• Governance Committee: Two members of the Governance Committee shall be elected each biennium for a four-year (4-year) term, and three (3) members of the Governance Committee shall be elected each biennium for a two-year (2-year) term. The two members elected in the previous biennia for a four-year (4-year) term shall continue their service on the committee.

• Leadership Succession Committee: Three members of the Leadership Succession Committee shall be elected each biennium for a four-year (4-year) term, and four members of the Leadership Succession Committee shall be elected each biennium for a two-year (2-year ) term. The three members elected in the previous biennia for a four-year (4-year) term shall continue their service on the committee.

2015 STTI BALLOT PRESIDENT-ELECT

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

FF Beth Tigges FF Robin Toms

2-year term (elect 3) FF Elizabeth Carlson FF Cheryl Johnson-Joy FF Carol Reid

VICE PRESIDENT FF Richard Ricciardi FF Jenny Sauls

TREASURER FF Jose Alejandro FF Kenneth Dion

SECRETARY FF Carole Liske FF Laurie Nagelsmith

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE (elect 3) FF Sandra Bibb FF Deborah Chapa FF Thóra Hafsteinsdóttir FF Kathleen LaSala FF Claudia Lai FF Elizabeth Rosser

FF Pennie Sessler-Branden FF Terry Siek

4-year term (elect 2) FF Marilyn Klakovich FF Marie-Louise Luiking

FF Thomas Méndez FF Larry Slater

LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE 2-year term (elect 4) FF Irmajean Bajnok FF Jacqueline Cassagnol FF Anita Collins FF Geralyn Frandsen FF Scott Emory Moore

FF Stacey Ann Okoth FF Loretta Pierce FF Sujatha Shanmugasundaram FF Mary Wombwell

4-year term (elect 3) FF Jennifer Hatcher FF Reem Mabrouk Abd El Rahman FF Jessica Naber

FF Eileen Richardson FF Agnes Tiwari FF Mary Lou De Natale

REGIONAL CHAPTERS COORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR FF Julie Jones

FF Jayne Lutz

STTI GLOBAL REGIONAL COORDINATORS (elect only the the representative for your region) AFRICA FF Deliwe René Phetlhu ASIA FF Misae Ito EUROPE FF Joy Merrell LATIN AMERICA/CARIBBEAN FF Yolanda Gonzalez FF Juana Mercedes Gutierrez Valverde MIDDLE EAST FF Myrna Doumit OCEANIA FF Helen Edwards FF Eleanor Horton

NORTH AMERICA REGION 1 FF Fang-Yu Chou FF Juli Maxworthy REGION 2 FF Dorothy Dunn FF Shirley Evers-Manly REGION 3 FF Karen Gorton REGION 4 FF Roberta Pawlak REGION 5 FF Lynda Bartlett REGION 6 FF Lucindra Campbell-Law FF Theresa Kyzar

REGION 7 FF Linda Streit REGION 8 FF Sonja Fuqua FF Katherine Pendleton-Romig REGION 9 FF Carolyn Hart FF Patricia O’Malley

REGION 13 FF Denise Isibel FF Wanda Lawrence REGION 14 FF Gloria Chan REGION 15 FF Theresa Damien FF Pamela Reyes

REGION 10 FF Mary Graiver REGION 11 FF Dorette (Dee) Welk REGION 12 FF Janice Agazio 9

LEARN ABOUT THE CANDIDATES CANDIDATE PRESENTATIONS AT CONVENTION Purposes of Candidate Presentations • To share the candidates’ qualifications for the positions, their concept of the office or committee, and their potential contributions to STTI; • To promote informed decision-making by convention delegates; and

• To increase communication among potential officers/ committee members, chapters, and convention delegates.

OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN ABOUT THE CANDIDATES • Regional Coordinator candidates will be introduced at the regional meetings on Sunday, 8 November, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Delegates should plan to attend their region’s meeting.

• Delegates are invited to meet the candidates at their displays in Pinyon Ballroom 1 on Saturday, 7 November, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 8 November, from 9:30 -10:30 a.m. Displays will remain on view until Tuesday, 10 November, at 11:00 a.m.

VIEWING TIMES OF DISPLAYS Saturday, 7 November Sunday, 8 November Monday, 9 November Tuesday, 10 November

Reference the convention program for locations and further details.

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE CANDIDATES SATURDAY, 7 NOVEMBER President-Elect/Secretary Candidates 3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, 8 NOVEMBER 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

4:00 – 5:15 p.m.

V ice President/Treasurer/Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair Candidates Director-at-Large Candidates

MONDAY, 9 NOVEMBER

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5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

7:30 – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

President-Elect/Secretary Candidates

1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Director-at-Large Candidates Vice President/Treasurer/Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair Candidates

RESTRICTIONS FOR CANDIDATES’ CAMPAIGNING • Hosted receptions on behalf of individual candidates are prohibited.

• Candidates and persons promoting the interest of candidates can distribute candidate information only at Meet the Candidate times in Pinyon Ballroom 1.

• STTI staff and board of directors are prohibited from assisting or supporting any individual candidate.

• Candidates are prohibited from engaging in any pre-convention campaigning.

VOTING PROCEDURE, SCHEDULE, AND RESULTS Tuesday, 10 November • During the House of Delegates Session I, the report of the Leadership Succession Committee and the slate of candidates will be presented, with an opportunity for additional nominations from the floor. Prior consent is required for floor nominations.

• The election will be held in the Ironwood Ballroom on Tuesday, 10 November, at 11:30 a.m. Only certified convention delegates will vote. All delegates vote for the Board of Directors, Governance Committee, Leadership Succession Committee, and Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair. Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee members are elected by delegates from their respective regions.

Wednesday, 11 November • The Tellers’ Report is presented to the house at the second session.

• The results of the election will be presented to the delegates during House of Delegates Session II the morning of Wednesday, 11 November. Newly-elected persons will be asked to stand and be recognized at this time. Installation of newly-elected positions occurs later in the session.

• This schedule is approximate and dependent upon the House of Delegates’ agenda.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? The headquarters staff and Leadership Succession Committee members are available to answer questions regarding the election and campaigning.

Staff Contact: Bobbi Arnold (bobbi@stti.org) Phone: +1.317.634.8171 (International) or 888.634.7575 (U.S./Canada toll-free)

Leadership Succession Committee Chair: Suzanne S. Prevost, PhD, RN (sprevost@ua.edu)

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BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES PRESIDENT-ELECT CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE)

Beth Tigges P hD, RN, PNP, BC

STTI’s vision is to be the global organization of choice for nursing. In the past biennium, we have grown to over 500 chapters worldwide, convened the Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing (GAPFON), finalized a broad-reaching strategic plan (2014-2020), and fully implemented a regional governance structure with worldwide regional coordinators and our first office outside of North America in South Africa — indeed a vibrant period of global growth and development.

I have a very strong working knowledge of STTI. Over the past 25 years, I have served in numerous international and chapter positions. My greatest strengths are strategic planning and governance — particularly facilitation of organizational change. As Vice President and member of the Executive Committee (2013-2015), I actively provided strategic leadership of STTI and led development of performance indicators for our strategic plan. As Board Director (2007-2011), I participated in development of the new global, regional structure; STTI’s first virtual chapter; and piloting of the first office outside of North America. As International Governance Committee Chair (2003-2007), I led development of more flexible chapter eligibility guidelines to promote success of chapters worldwide.

During two terms as Region I Coordinator (1993-1997), I coordinated over 50 chapters in a region that spanned five countries and nine time zones. As a chapter president and vice president, I developed a keen understanding of chapter operations and challenges.

I am a tenured associate professor at the University of New Mexico (UNM) College of Nursing (USA) and have roles as an academic leader, PhD educator and researcher that require me to balance the sometimescompeting demands of strategic visioning with practical

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day-to-day operations. I have a PhD in public health and social psychology from Columbia University, a MSN from Yale University, and a BSN from Pennsylvania State University. As a PI or Co-I, I am funded on multiple initiatives by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, including director of evaluation for the UNM Clinical and Translational Science Center.

As President-Elect, I will focus on the following priorities: 1. Global Growth: We will further develop infrastructure and promote membership growth through governance innovations, expansion of our physical or virtual regional presence worldwide, and equal access to our products and services globally.

2. Global Influence: We will strengthen STTI as a global force for nursing by prioritizing GAPFON implementation, developing targeted regional initiatives to promote leadership and scholarship, and forming new alliances with global business partners to meet our mission of advancing world health.

3. Chapter Health: We will foster active, engaged, and enthusiastic local members by encouraging innovation within chapters, exploring new chapter models, and sharing best practices.

4. Connection through Technology: We will expand our use of technology to strengthen members’ connections through our adaptive website, expanding web-based programming, and increasing use of video-conferencing and social media.

According to our bylaws, the President is the Presiding Officer and administers all business. If elected, I will lead by purposefully balancing innovative and fiscally-sound strategic initiatives for worldwide growth and development with sustainability of STTI’s rich traditions and values.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES PRESIDENT-ELECT CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE)

Robin Toms P hD, RN, MN, NEA-BC Robin Toms PhD, RN, NEA-BC, is an associate professor at Texas Woman’s University. She is a member of Beta Beta Chapter in Houston, Texas, and is currently completing a four-year term of office on the STTI International Board of Directors as Director-at-Large. She is a Billye Brown Fellow and was recognized as one of 20 outstanding Texas nurses.

Dr. Toms’ service to STTI includes: president-elect (Epsilon Gamma), president (Zeta Pi), treasurer (Beta Beta-Houston), post-doctoral fellowship selection committee, search committee for the editor of Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, Board Liaison to the Governance Committee, Board Liaison to the Education Committee, Board Member of Nursing Knowledge International, and the Advisory Council on Policy and Globalization Task Force.

Dr. Toms completed a Bachelor of Science in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing from The Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas, and a PhD in curriculum and instruction from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. She is board certified as a Nurse Executive Advanced by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and held ANCC certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Medical-Surgical Nursing from 1987-1999.

Dr. Toms’ leadership and administrative practice experience includes center director of medical and pediatric care, director of training and development, director of Child Development, health system director of human resources, director of nursing professional development and education, and corporate chief learning officer. She currently coordinates the Nursing Health Systems Management (Administration) program for Texas Woman’s University and teaches courses in ethics, policy, leadership, and nursing administration in the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

She holds professional memberships and is active in the American Organization of Nurse Executives, The Council of Graduate Education in Administration in Nursing, The

American Nurses Association, The American Holistic Nurses Association, The Houston Organization of Nurse Executives, and The Southern Nursing Research Society. She currently serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Nursing Administration and the Journal of Nursing Education.

Dr. Toms’ global experience includes service on international steering committees representing nursing for countries in Asia, South America, Europe, and The Middle East. She served as the lead nursing consultant and mentor for strategic planning, policy development, education, and implementation of nursing practice at M. D. Anderson International Espana Hospital in Madrid, Spain.

Her areas of research interest are leadership, ethics, complementary, and alternative therapies. She has presented her research at national and international conferences and published her work in peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Toms serves as a court appointed special advocate, Guardian Ad Litem, for children in Texas.

As STTI President-Elect, Dr. Toms will focus upon: • Growth and development of the society through international collaboration with a focus on advancing world health through scholarship, leadership and service • Retention of new members with specific attention to maintaining relevance and creating innovative opportunities for life-long engagement linking practice and academic settings • Support for STTI global regions with attention to the unique needs and culture of each region and increased support for Regional Coordinators and regional activities Thank you for your service as a delegate. I look forward to meeting you at the convention!

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BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE)

Richard Ricciardi P hD, NP, FAANP, FAAN Dear Colleagues, It is an honor and privilege to be a candidate for Vice President of STTI. I currently serve as healthcare scientist and senior nursing advisor at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). At AHRQ, my research focuses on primary care practice transformation and quality improvement in the areas of teams, team-based care, outcomes measurement, and care of patients with multiple chronic conditions. Prior to joining AHRQ in 2010, I served on active duty in the Army for 30 years and had numerous positions as a pediatric and family nurse practitioner, clinical scientist, and senior leader. In my last two positions on active duty, I served as chief of nursing research at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Director of Research at the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.

In addition to having experience in the clinical, research, and educational areas, I had the opportunity to serve as a member of the Board of Directors on community and national level boards of nonprofit organizations. For example, I served as president of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP), president of the NAPNAP Foundation, Treasurer of STTI, and currently serve as the Chair of the STTI Building Corporation.

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Through these professional and volunteer activities, I have developed strong skills in fiscal management, policy development, communication, conflict resolution, and consensus building. People who have served with me in these roles would describe me as someone who is optimistic, open, and fair in making decisions and a good listener. I believe these experiences have prepared me to be an effective Vice President on the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

My goals while serving as Vice President are: • To steadfastly represent the membership of STTI • To lead strategic planning efforts to achieve the goals of STTI • To strengthen technology and opportunities for collaboration and scholarship in a global nursing community • To evaluate current organizational efforts and ensure fiscal soundness in all practices I am humbled and honored to be a candidate for Vice President. I look forward to representing you as we work in solidarity to make improvements in advancing the world’s health and to strengthen STTI’s vision of being the global organization for nursing.

I pledge to serve you with enthusiasm and dedication, and I respectfully ask for your vote. Thank you.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE)

Jenny Sauls P hD, RN, CNE I have been an active member of STTI for more than 30 years, serving as president, vice president, secretary, counselor, eligibility chair, advisor to the board, and leadership succession chair at the local level. I served on the Leadership Succession Committee at the international level. I was actively involved in the chartering of Iota Beta Chapter and Xi Alpha Chapter.

I have attended the leadership summit for Region 8 and biennial convention serving as a delegate. I have participated in and coordinated numerous meetings, scholarly workshops, and activities sponsored by my local chapter.

I am currently the director for the School of Nursing at Middle Tennessee State University. I have also served as administrative fellow for academic affairs and the associate director for the School of Nursing at MTSU. I have chaired numerous academic committees to include promotion, tenure and review, admissions and standards, curriculum, faculty appeals, resources, student services, sick leave bank, nursing alumni, and faculty services. I have served on various boards at the state level to include the committee for continuing education, planning committee for state convention, and the committee on education. I have served as delegate at the state convention for the Tennessee Nurses Association several times. I currently serve on the June Anderson Women’s Center board of directors as well as the scholarship committee for the Center.

I am also a member of the American Heart Association board of directors.

a timely fashion. I have continued to develop a knowledge base that allows me to convey timely information to my students with a focus on evidence-based practice and current standards of care. I have served as a faculty mentor for numerous faculty with a focus on developing the teaching component of the triad of expectations for academic faculty. I am certified in nursing education and as an Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Instructor and Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor.

I maintained certification in critical care nursing for 13 years and in medical-surgical nursing for 15 years. As an educator, I feel a strong responsibility to encourage my students to continuously strive for excellence in the care they provide, which requires that pursuit of life-long learning and practicing according to the “Golden Rule.”

I stress the role of the nurse as key in providing safe, cost-effective care that includes the patient, family, and all members of the healthcare team, making a difference in the lives of those for which we care.

If elected to the position of Vice President, I will actively work with other members of the Board to achieve the mission of the organization to improve global health and promote STTI as the global organization of choice for nursing. My passion is the advancement of excellence in nursing education.

After practicing clinical nursing in the acute and critical care setting for more than eight years, I became a nurse educator, teaching students at the baccalaureate level, for more than 20 years. I have excellent organizational skills that serve well in completing necessary tasks in

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BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES TREASURER CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE)

Jose Alejandro P hD, RN-BC, MBA, CCM, FACHE, FAAN My professional experience includes operational and financial roles with budget oversight of over $100+ million, which include roles as director of case management at Parkland Health & Hospital System and Tampa General Hospital, senior regional director of case management for 33 hospitals, and professor for various colleges of nursing or business. My leadership experience includes president (2012-2014) and vice president (2006-2008) for the National Association of Hispanic

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Nurses, and treasurer (2010-2014; two terms) for the Case Management Society of America. I have been recognized as a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and the American Academy of Nursing. My leadership experience includes serving on the national nursing advisory committees for the American Red Cross and The Joint Commission. If elected as Treasurer, my goals include increase revenues, advise the board of directors on financial strategies to remain sustainable for years to come, and partner with staff to maintain the fiduciary accountability instilled by the membership.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES TREASURER CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE)

Kenneth Dion P hD, RN, MSN, MBA I am a 35-year veteran of the healthcare industry.

As a teenager, I served as a volunteer patient transporter for the hospital where my mother worked as a registered nurse. Since that time, I have served as a firefighter paramedic, emergency department nurse, nurse consultant, nurse educator, and nurse entrepreneur. This background provides, I believe, specific analytic and communication skills that uniquely qualify me for membership on the Board of Directors of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI).

I received a PhD in nursing administration from The University of Texas at Austin in 2011. For my research, I focused on the relationships between the Magnet status hospitals and the organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and turnover of newly-hired nurse residents. In 1996, I received a joint master’s degree in nursing administration and business administration, also from The University of Texas at Austin. For my MBA program, I concentrated on information management.

My bachelor of science in nursing was earned at the University of Central Florida in 1991.

I am currently on sabbatical. I most recently served as vice president and chief of nursing informatics at HealthStream, Inc., a position I assumed following the acquisition by HealthStream of Decision Critical, Inc., the company I founded and for which I served as chief executive officer for 12 years.

I presently serve as chair of Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing, ascending into this role from chair of the Corporate Committee of the Foundation Board, which I currently co-chair. During my tenure in these positions, the group has met or

exceeded all financial goals set. Serving in these positions has enabled me to form a clear understanding of the corporate structure of STTI and working relationships among its various entities — e.g., the Building Corporation and Nursing Knowledge International — as well as relationships between staff members and the Board.

I am the immediate past president of the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA).

Prior to serving in that role, I served that organization as both treasurer and board member. As a student nurse, I served as treasurer of the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA). For my service to NSNA, I was awarded the association’s highest honor, honorary member.

In the years between serving on the student board of the NSNA and the foundation board of NSNA, I held leadership roles in other professional organizations at both local and national levels, many of which involved membership on executive committees. I have also served on boards of several privately-held companies, guiding one of them through a transaction with a publicly-traded company that resulted in a successful liquidity event for shareholders.

I continue to guide and mentor entrepreneurial organizations as well as nonprofits. Collectively, all of the above have helped prepare me to serve on the Board of Directors of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International. If elected my primary goal will be to assure the continued fiscal health and growth of the organization.

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BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES SECRETARY CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE)

Carole Liske P hD, RN, MS Commitment to STTI Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) has strongly influenced my professional growth by providing opportunities for scholarly engagement with international nursing colleagues. This collegial interaction inspires me to achieve professional excellence and provide enthusiastic support of STTI — its mission, vision, and international influence. A successful Board enhances the organization and staff operations, and furthers the growth of chapters around the world. Slated as candidate for Secretary of the Board is truly an honor. If elected, I pledge to leverage my enthusiasm, organizational talents, verbal and written communication skills, technological expertise, knowledge of parliamentary procedure, and working relationships with STTI staff to support STTI Board and House of Delegate activities.

Leadership and Service My membership in STTI began as charter member of the chapter affiliated with my undergraduate program.

Currently, I retain active membership four chapters — Theta Pi (BSN), Beta Omega (MSN), Omicron Delta (PhD) and the Phi Gamma Virtual Chapter of which I was a charter member. Local chapter leadership positions included two terms as president of two chapters, as well as president-elect, vice president, faculty counselor, leadership succession committee chair, and secretary.

During my presidency of Lambda Upsilon, the chapter won the first Key Award in chapter history. As the current president of Phi Gamma Chapter, I facilitated the development of a strategic plan aligned with Key Award criteria. Regional service included serving as co-chair of membership engagement and as chapter consultant to the Western Governors University Honor Society of Nursing. At the international level, I was elected to the

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Leadership Succession Committee (2009-2011), appointed to the Nursing Research Congress Planning Committee (Australia, 2011-2013), and currently serve on the International Membership Engagement Task Force (2013-2015). During biennial conventions, I have served as a delegate, presenter, moderator, and volunteer. In addition to my gifts of time and talent to STTI, I have shared my treasure by providing financial support to local and national organizations that promote global health and wellness, to Phi Gamma Chapter, and to advance nursing knowledge and scholarly research as a STTI Foundation Virginia Henderson Fellow.

Position Priorities As Secretary of the STTI Board and Executive Team, I assure the members of the organization that I will serve with dedication in fulfilling all duties authorized by the Board. I will focus on recording the proceedings, accurately recording meeting minutes, and upholding the integrity of the document repository. As a member of the Board, I will work closely with STTI staff to maintain corporate minutes. Understanding the importance of the House of Delegates in determining organizational infrastructure and operations, I will confirm quorum and clearly present resolutions to delegates for consideration for approval. Finally, I will continually assess the technologies used to record and store minutes and proceedings to ensure the integrity of the historical documentation of Board and House actions.

My past leadership experience and award-winning mentoring at Western Governors University will allow me to offer a new perspective while successfully serving as Secretary of the Board Executive Team, and if requested, as chair of the Board Leadership Development Committee.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES SECRETARY CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE)

Laurie Nagelsmith P hD, RN, CNE Serving on the Board of Directors in the role of Secretary is an opportunity I will continue to embrace with a sense of purpose, integrity, and diplomacy. The role is important to STTI, and over the past biennium, I have learned the responsibilities of the office.

I believe my primary responsibilities are to make the work of the Board transparent and to support achievement of STTI’s mission and strategic plan. My education as a community health nurse allows me to see global issues systematically. My professional experiences as an administrator and educator give me an appreciation for the multidimensionality of the challenges we face. All these experiences provide a strong base to continue to serve you well as a member of STTI’s Board of Directors.

has focused on adult education and measurement.

I hold a master’s degree in nursing with a focus on community health, a doctoral degree in educational psychology, and am certified as a nurse educator. My areas of expertise are competency-based education, population health, and public policy and regulation related to nursing education.

I am a recipient of the chapter’s recognition and research awards. While president, I led the process of creating our first strategic plan and was instrumental in building closer collaboration between our chapter and region.

I have been an educator for over 17 years and am currently associate dean for nursing at The State University of New York, Empire State College. Previously, I was the associate dean for governmental and regulatory affairs for a national nursing program. In that role I collaborated with a variety of professionals to shape public policy around nursing education.

My practice experience has been in a variety of acute care, community, and educational settings as the director of a college health service, a community health improvement coordinator, a home care nurse, wound, ostomy and continence consultant, a nurse educator, and an acute care medical-surgical nurse. My scholarship

I have been a member of STTI for 25 years.

I am a member of the Tau Kappa-at-Large Chapter and have been an active member since the chapter was chartered. My history as a member demonstrates a high level of engagement — • program chair 2004-2010 • vice president 2007-2009 • president-elect 2011-2012 • president 2012-2014 • leadership succession committee member 2015 – present

Goals for the position: I would welcome the opportunity to continue to serve you as Secretary. I will continue with a strong sense of purpose and commitment toward furthering the mission and vision of STTI. I am particularly excited to be part of STTI’s growing commitment to being intentionally global.

Carrying out the goals and objectives within our current strategic plan will take all of our talents and passionate commitment as we work to enhance the scholarship, leadership, and service of nurses worldwide. I will accomplish this by continuing my strong commitment to seeking clarity and understanding, staying focused on goals, assuring the work of the Board is transparent to the membership, and diplomatically working toward our shared vision.

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BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE)

Sandra Bibb D NSc, RN, FAAN I am honored to run for the position of Director-at-Large on Sigma Theta Tau International’s (STTI) Board of Directors.

STTI’s mission of “Advancing World Health and Celebrating Nursing Excellence” and current focus on servant leadership, connectedness, transformation, and gratitude resonate with me; my longstanding commitment to service, my personal approach to leadership, and my area of research focus and creative activity. My professional career as current dean of the college of health professions at Wichita State University, prior associate dean for faculty affairs in the Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing at the Uniformed Services University, and 30 years served in the United States Navy as an active duty nurse have been, and continue to be, shaped by the tenets of servant leadership. These tenets include valuing and developing people, building community, displaying authenticity, and providing and sharing leadership. These same tenets can be used to characterize healthy organizations and throughout my tenure as a member of STTI I have known the organization to be both a healthy and helping organization with an expanding vision towards global health. Becoming Director-at-Large will provide me with the opportunity to expand my service and leadership and give back to an organization that is committed to transforming global health in the 21st century.

I have been an active member of STTI since 1982 when I was inducted into the Zeta Mu Chapter in San Diego, California. I also joined the Tau Theta Chapter in Bethesda, Maryland as a charter member in 2004. Over

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my 33 years of STTI membership I have served in local, regional, and international capacities. I am ready to increase my level of service and support to STTI’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.

I have over 25 years of experience in senior and executive leadership positions and over 20 years of experience in the area of population health and outcomes. My specific area of research focus has been on the study of access to care in populations with universal health coverage. I have also focused on designing and implementing health promotion and disease prevention programs with emphases on eliminating health and healthcare disparities and promoting cultural competence and alternative approaches to improving access to care in vulnerable populations. I am invested in interdisciplinary/interprofessional education, collaboration, research, and practice.

Additionally, I value and respect the interest of all people; support collaborative/cooperative management and decision making; actively engage in succession planning and leadership development; and am both a strategic thinker and strategic actor. Throughout my career I have served on various board committees and task forces as a member and chair and I am a successful team member, team leader and consensus builder. I welcome the opportunity to serve STTI as a Director-at-Large. If elected, I will draw on my years of leadership experience, insights gained from my research and creative activity, advocacy in promoting cultural sensitivity, and servantleadership style in carrying out the role and responsibilities for the Directors-at-Large.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE)

Deborah Chapa P hD, RN, ACNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP It is my great privilege to be nominated for Director-atLarge for Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI). If I am elected, my goal is to assist in promoting the mission of STTI through the development of increased avenues for advancing world health. Through this service to the organization I will help promote and celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.

I believe in the society’s vision that STTI should be the global organization of choice through nursing. Through this vision, we as an organization have the ability to make positive global changes in health.

I have a varied background of skills and work experience that I will bring to the Board of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI). I have been active in the organization for several years serving as president and vice president in two chapters. I have also been a volunteer on the planning committee for a biennium, mentored at the regional level, and served on the renewable gifts committee. I have administrative experience at the university level and am currently the director of the doctor of nursing practice program at George Washington University (GWU). I have a background in nursing research and also am practicing as an acute care nurse practitioner in palliative care.

I have extensive experience working virtually with GWU as faculty and president of Phi Epsilon. These skills have enabled me to build relationships across the country and around the world. Phi Epsilon Chapter has active members across the United States and Canada. Through their service to STTI, members stay connected to each

other, the organization, and GW. Phi Epsilon has promoted global health through sponsorship of a school in Ecuador for clothing and supplies for children. This promotes the mission and vision of STTI. Locally, in America, we have sponsored community partnerships to promote the mission and vision with health screenings and health fairs.

Because of my role as director of the doctor of nursing practice, I have had the opportunity to work with global partners in Thailand to assist with the development of a PhD in nursing. As a result of this partnership, it is my hope to expand the exchange of excellence in scholarship and education between the two universities.

My research involves psychosocial issues, cardiovascular disease, and evidence-based practice. I have presented my work internationally at conferences, have published in international journals, and served as a reviewer for international journals. I have been recognized as a fellow for both the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the National Academies of Practice for my scholarship and leadership.

I would welcome the opportunity to serve on the Board for STTI as I believe STTI should be the professional organization for nursing worldwide. My aim for service as Director-at-Large is to work with other members of the board to promote the mission and vision of STTI. My skills and enthusiasm will foster success.

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BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE)

Thóra Hafsteinsdóttir P hD, RN, MSc, BSc It is with great passion and enthusiasm that I respectfully submit my application to serve as a Director on the Board of Sigma Theta Tau International. Over the years STTI has been developing into a global society for nurses all over the world. My interest in serving on the STTI Board of Directors stems from my work and passion in working with nurses in all arenas of nursing and my belief in the importance of nursing impacting the health of the world population. As one of the founders of the Rho Chi-at-Large Chapter, I have served in numerous chapter positions. In addition to being a member of the Rho Chi, I am a member of Zeta Omega-at-Large Chapter and various national and international nursing organizations in Iceland and the Netherlands. Concerning my international experience, I entered into nursing as it would enable me to work in different countries. I am used to working with different cultures. After working in Iceland, I worked for some time in Ethiopia and moved 25 years ago to the Netherlands, and have been working in both countries during this time. I admire dynamic diversity and multiculturalism.

After serving as a president of the Rho Chi-at-Large Chapter, I served as the first Regional Coordinator for STTI in Europe from 2011 until spring 2014, and thereby gained experience in working in leadership on a European level. In 2014, I was appointed to serve as a Director on the Board of STTI, which gave me good experience in board leadership and governance on an international level.

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If I will become a Director on the Board of STTI I will facilitate nurses in the global community of nurses to develop chapters. Due to the threatening economic situation in many countries around the world, we will need to closely explore ways for supporting chapters in struggling countries. If I become a Director on the Board of STTI I will encourage leadership development of nurses in the clinical practice, education, and research arenas. We need to explore ways on how to empower nurses and support them in being emancipated with other professionals. We need to use the media more wisely to strengthen a more positive image of nursing.

If I become a Director on the Board of STTI I find it important to strengthen the collaboration between nurses and other healthcare professionals in scholarship to improve the patient care in the global community.

STTI has good collaboration with the United Nations (U.N.) and other international organizations. Also, STTI has built up the GAPFON partnership to strengthen the voice of nursing globally. Still more collaboration is needed between STTI and nursing and healthcare organizations, both on a regional and international level.

Thereby, we may strengthen the value of nursing, participate in and influence health policy, nursing leadership and practice, education, and the global health agenda. These issues and concerns moved me into applying for the position of Director on the Board of Sigma Theta Tau International.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE)

Kathleen LaSala P hD, RN, PNP, CNE Kathleen B. LaSala believes it would be an honor to serve as a Director-at-Large for Sigma Theta Tau International, an organization dedicated to advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service across the globe. Her career has provided opportunities to be a nurse leader, educator, scholar, and healthcare provider, and she would like to expand that service to the STTI board and membership.

Her clinical practice, education, and leadership expertise provides a solid background for the collaborative skills necessary to be an effective team member and leader in this role. If elected, she would focus on supporting the STTI strategic plan for 2014-2020, while enhancing effective communication and the organizational commitments of STTI. Dr. LaSala was inducted into the Epsilon Psi STTI charter chapter as a new BSN graduate in 1980 and has actively served in numerous chapters throughout her professional career, including Epsilon Psi Chapter (1980-83, 2007-09), Beta Kappa Chapter (1982-97), Nu Iota Chapter (1996-98), Xi Phi Chapter (1998-2007), Zeta Omicron Chapter (2009-2014), and currently in Alpha Xi Chapter at the University of South Carolina. She has served in various chapter-level offices (including counselor, secretary, treasurer, president-elect), committee chair positions, and has just completed a national RN-BSN study funded by a STTI research grant award in 2014.

Dr. LaSala earned her academic degrees in Virginia, with a BSN from Radford University (1980), MSN and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate from University of Virginia (1983), and PhD in Nursing from George Mason University (1995). She is a certified nurse educator by the National

League for Nursing, and has previously served as a certified pediatric nurse practitioner.

Dr. LaSala has worked in nursing practice as a pediatric nurse practitioner in primary care, acute care, and in rehabilitation care.

She is currently associate dean of academic affairs and professor at the University of South Carolina, and previously served as faculty and administrator at the University of Northern Colorado (director and professor), Radford University (director and professor), and the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (associate dean, graduate and undergraduate director), and director for the Outreach Center of Health and Human Services and assistant professor at James Madison University. She has served in leadership roles on local, state, and regional committees, including Robert Wood Johnson’s Campaign for Action, South Carolina Action Coalition co-Chair, AACN State Governmental Liaison, and Rural Health and Tobacco Cessation consultant to two governors.

Her areas of expertise include pediatric nursing, education, public policy, and administration. Her research has focused on tobacco cessation issues, healthcare policy in rural health issues and more recently with academic issues including civility, mentorship, and team-building. She has disseminated her research and service outcomes in multiple journals and professional conferences, secured millions in research and project grant funding, and worked as a mentor to students, faculty, and practitioners. She believes cultural diversity and collaboration are essential to address our international health issues.

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BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE)

Claudia Lai P hD, RN I am currently a professor and the director of the Centre for Gerontological Nursing (CGN) at the School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). I have practiced nursing in Hong Kong, Canada, and England, and worked briefly as a volunteer nurse in India.

Besides my native tongue, Cantonese, I also speak Putonghua.

Inducted into STTI in 1995, I have been an active member ever since. I have taken up president, vice president and other roles with Pi Iota Chapter. I have also served STTI through joining the Futures Advisory Council (2006-2008), contributing to the Reflections on Nursing Leadership (RNL) online magazine (2007-2009; 2010-2014), being one of the judges for STTI keys and awards (2007, 2009, 2013), and serving two, 2-year terms as the Regional Coordinator of the Asia Region (2011-2015).

In my clinical nursing and academic career I have engaged in numerous leadership roles. I worked as a charge nurse and also briefly as a clinical nurse specialist before I embarked upon an academic career (PolyU) in 1996. I was one of the associate heads of my school from 2006-2009. I have also been members to various management committees at both the school and university level.

With regard to leadership in research and practice development, I led an aging and health research group at SN from 2004-2008, and then helped my colleagues to take turns taking on leadership roles in the group.

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Under my leadership, our group become a Centre for Gerontological Nursing (CGN) in May 2012. We became a member of the Global Aging Research Network of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics in the same year. Since November 2014, we are one of the members of the National Hartford Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence in the U.S. Not only did I volunteer my time with STTI, I have served the Hong Kong Alzheimer’s Disease Association since 1996. My other voluntary commitments include serving on the Specialized Committee on Elderly Service of the Hong Kong Council of Social Services, and various other community service agencies. I am an honorary advisor to many non-government organizations in Hong Kong. These roles reflect that I am recognized by both nursing bodies and those external to nursing as an expert nurse and leader in elderly care.

I understand that if nominated, my role will be to work together with the Board to realize the vision and mission of STTI. One of my key responsibilities will be to work with the Board to formulate a concrete action plan and implement the strategic goals of STTI for the years ahead. It will be my privilege and honor to bring an Asian voice to the Board. I consider myself an internationalist and I believe global vision and actions should transcend geographical or other physical or cultural barriers. I respect STTI’s attempts to be truly global. If elected, I will work with the Board on its key endeavors to promote health and well-being for humankind through advancing nursing scholarship, leadership, and service.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE)

Elizabeth Rosser D Phil, RN, MN, Dip N Ed, Dip RM, RNT Leadership: As professor of nursing and deputy dean, education and professional practice, I lead the quality assurance and enhancement of education across the wider faculty of health and social sciences. With 1,000 nursing students, I am the professorial lead for nursing and keen to inspire students about STTI and to lead a quality patient experience with high standards of care.

With five years of experience on the university board, I can contribute my expertise to take on the role of Director-at-Large and drive STTI’s strategic vision, particularly in supporting it to develop as an intentionally-global society.

Experience: Having served almost four years on the central Governance Committee I have learned a great deal about STTI, and as chair of the chapter chartering review group, I bring a balanced and measured view from the European perspective. I am currently seeking a successor for my role as president of the Phi Mu Chapter (England) so that I can support the transition of a key leader who will take the chapter forward. This will allow me to take on the role of Director-at-Large. My successor will also relieve me of the responsibilities of the myriad of committees I either chair or support in the European region, thus freeing up time to devote to the STTI Board.

Engagement: I am a passionate STTI member and spend a deal of time organising scholarly events across England to harness the energy of new members and existing members to contribute to the work of the honor society. I have promoted the introduction of new

chapters in Scotland, Ireland, Italy, and Germany, initially inviting members to join the Phi Mu Chapter so that the champions can understand the work of the society from a European perspective.

I am a passionate leader, believing in each individual’s potential to drive change. I am a good listener and able to hear the voice of the ‘least heard’ and with my previous scholarship and leadership roles in Colombia and Brazil as well as my current roles in Scandinavia, I feel well placed to support the Board from a non-U.S. perspective.

What I would like to accomplish if elected. I offer: • A vibrancy and passion to ensure that the Board represents the interests of its members and is bold in its leadership.

• To listen to Board debates and to influence the decision-making from a European perspective.

• My experience of setting up a new chapter in England, my experience in the European Region and also from the Governance Committee, centrally, and seek to support and influence the ongoing charges that the Board embraces.

• To encourage a transparency to the membership of the work of the Board whilst maintaining confidentiality where appropriate.

• To proactively encourage the application of new chapters, particularly in Europe and inspire innovative ways to retain existing members worldwide.

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CANDIDATES GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM)

Elizabeth Carlson P hD, RN STTI has a long history of strong governance as evidenced by our global expansion and impact as an international organization. As we continue our staged growth within the regions, the role of the Governance Committee will be key in maintaining relevance for our members and chapters. As a member of the Governance Committee, I bring extensive experience in addressing issues related to organizational governance and understand the intricacies of decisions as they relate to the mission, vision, and values for STTI. I have a strong working knowledge of STTI and believe that I provide insight needed to think critically about the bylaws to meet the changing needs of our organization. During the past eight years, I served in several positions locally and internationally. My experiences include: • Invited to develop ‘Interpreting Financial Information’ for STTI Educational Programs (2015) • International Awards for Nursing Excellence Reviewer (2015) • Career Management Center volunteer, 42nd Biennium (2013) • Philanthropy Chairperson, Gamma Phi (2013-15) • Virginia Henderson Global Nursing e-Repository Reviewer (2013) • Evidence-Based Practice Award Reviewer (2013) • 42nd Biennial Convention Abstract Reviewer (2013) • 24th International Nursing Research Congress Abstract Reviewer (2012) • Invited author for STTI Nursing Leadership Blog (2112-present) • Leadership Academy Abstract Reviewer (2012) • Redefined the Leadership Academy with Cynthia Vlasich, Director, Education and Leadership (2011) • International Small Grant Reviewer (2011-2013) • Task Force on Globalization, Chairperson (2011-2013) • Virginia Henderson Fellow (2011-present) • Candidate, Treasurer, International Board of Directors (2011) • Co-Sponsored Partner Grants Reviewer (2011) • Research Grant Review Committee (2010-13)

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• International Evidence-Based Practice Award Committee (2010-13) • International Abstract Reviewer (2010-13) • International Chapter Spirit of Philanthropy Award Committee (2010-11) • International Service Learning Task Force, member (2009-11) • President, Gamma Phi (2009-13) • Candidate, Region 5 Coordinator (2009) • Board Leadership Development Fellow (2008-10) • Treasurer, Gamma Phi (2007-09) Other memberships: • American Nurses Association • Illinois Nurses Association • American Organization of Nurses Executives • American Association of Critical Care Nurses • Institute of Medicine, Chicago I have served in a leadership role in a variety of clinical and academic positions at Rush University Medical Center since 1976. I am professor and chairperson of Adult Health and Gerontological Nursing at Rush University College of Nursing. I have a long history of sustained contributions to teaching, practice, and research; I was instrumental in the development of the Rush DNP program, served as director, Systems Leadership DNP and currently head a multidisciplinary research team studying implementation issues in the deployment of electronic health records.

Additionally, within the college governance system, I have served as chairperson of numerous committees.

I am a member of the AONE Preparing Nurse Executives to Lead Population Health Initiatives Taskforce, IOMC Board of Directors and Bylaws Committee, and the Editorial Board, Journal of Orthopaedic Nursing. I present nationally and internationally and have authored numerous publications and book chapters. I have been nominated and recruited to manage and oversee both professional and volunteer/ community groups and to serve on several nonprofit boards.

As a member of the Governance Committee, my extensive experience provides me with the insight and knowledge to address the governance challenges of this dynamic organization.

CANDIDATES GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM)

Cheryl Johnson-Joy P hD, RN I am enthusiastically seeking re-election to the International Governance Committee. I have had the opportunity to serve on the committee since elected at the 2011 biennium. The experience gained, including serving as co-chair of the Bylaws Committee, has been invaluable. The International Governance Committee continues to evaluate international and chapter bylaws for relevance and to evaluate chapter charter applications. During my four year term, many important issues and concerns have been addressed to facilitate Sigma Theta Tau International’s (STTI) continued mission as a global organization. I consider it an honor to have been part of this process and wish to continue serving in this capacity. Re-election to a two year term would provide a measure of continuity to discussions in progress and would assist newer members in learning the history behind issues addressed by the committee.

While my experience as a member of the International Governance Committee most qualifies me for seeking the position, leadership experience in STTI at the local level also enhances my capabilities. I have served as faculty counselor, vice president, two terms as secretary plus a year as interim secretary, one year as presidentelect, and 2 years as president. I currently serve as Governance Committee Chair, chapter delegate, and mentor to newly elected officers. I also have first-hand knowledge of the chapter amendment process having facilitated the addition of a third school to our at-large chapter.

I am currently associate dean and professor in the Division of Nursing at Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences in Memphis, Tennessee. Colleagues

there tell me that I have a keen eye for detail. This quality enhances my ability to teach nursing research, serve on the provost’s council, Peer Review Committee, Institutional Review Board, chair of the nursing Selection and Progression Committee, and as accreditation site evaluator for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. These experiences whereby rules, regulations, as well as bylaws must be applied fairly and consistently to all parties, while taking into account various perspectives, enhance my ability to serve effectively on the International Governance Committee.

I support the mission and vision of STTI. The organization is challenged with continued global growth. Initiatives to support growth include the review and amendment of bylaws to ensure inclusion of nurses from diverse cultures. The International Governance Committee is charged with ensuring continued excellence and adherence to clear standards during the review of chapter charter applications as we expand globally. Eligibility concerns with global growth are ongoing issues, as are eligibility and growth on the national level. I am committed to engaging in dialogue, not losing sight of the values of STTI, to determining guidelines for potential chapters in other countries that use different evaluation criteria; as well as to identifying strategies, including chapter structure, to enhance STTI engagement of nurses in clinical practice facilities in the U.S. If re-elected, I will thoughtfully consider different perspectives in discussions about the shared and unique issues that we experience as diverse nurses and the bylaws changes that this may necessitate.

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CANDIDATES GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM)

Carol Reid P hD, MAppSc(Research), Grad.Cert.Hlth.St.(Sexual Hlth) I am a registered nurse with more than 30 years of experience in a variety of contexts. I have worked in general, mental health nursing, community health, HIV/AIDS, alcohol and drug nursing, government level policy development, and nursing research.

Examples of these include, selfmanagement of chronic diseases, drug and alcohol, sexual health, and HIV nursing for people in hospital and in the community setting. Currently I hold the positions of lecturer in the School of Nursing at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) where I also undertake research activities including, workforce development, nursing assessment practices, and nursing self-efficacy. Other research activities include, addressing clinical nursing issues and practice development needs of nursing staff to inform the provision of competent nursing care that meets professional practice standards. I have successfully built clinical and teaching teams across all areas and levels of staff and have a commitment to equality of respect across these groups. This is achieved by collaborating with staff members in order to reduce gaps in service delivery and develop innovative and evidence-based methods to bring about practice improvements.

Qualifications • 2014-present: Graduate Certificate Academic Practices Candidate QUT • 2012: Doctor of Philosophy (PHD), QUT • 2003: Masters Applied Science (Research), QUT • 1997: Grad Certificate Health Studies (Sexual Health), The University of Queensland • 1995: Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing), University of Central Queensland • 1979: Registered Nurse (General Certificate), Princess Alexandra Hospital

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Leadership My record of providing leadership in major administrative managerial and research roles within the nursing profession gives me the foundations to support the governance committee position within Sigma Theta Tau International. My current position of lecturer and previous positions of nurse researcher, nurse unit manager and clinical nurse consultant enables me to demonstrate effective leadership. My expertise in the role of principal policy advisor for the Queensland Government Statewide Alcohol and Drug Program resulted in the development and implementation evidence-based alcohol and drug policies through effective consultation. I also hold a number of key positions: • Voluntary member of a hospital Human Research Ethics Committee.

• Committee member (counsellor) for Phi Delta Chapter-at-Large • Member of the Australian College of Nursing (MACN) • Research fellow: Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital • Research fellow: Princess Alexandra Hospital • Roles on different committees supporting the marginalized, disenfranchised and multicultural populations in our Australian society.

Accomplishments if elected As an active and current committee member of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) since 2011, I uphold my understanding and knowledge of the STTI mission, values and initiative priorities. If elected, I will take the opportunity to provide support and leadership to the nursing profession on a global scale. As a result, my leadership skills will strengthen and I will gain knowledge of the requirements of the committee in order to provide optimal support for other nursing professionals globally.

I anticipate that I will have the opportunity to work with chapters across the globe and either learn from them or contribute to their advancement through collegial and collaborative relationships.

CANDIDATES GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM)

Pennie Sessler-Branden P hD, RN, CNM Governance is the nucleus of STTI around which the organization functions. As a nurse educator, clinician, and longtime volunteer, I have come to appreciate the incredible power that each of us has to effect change in healthcare and the nursing profession globally. To this end, I have been involved in professional organizations on many levels and have grown to understand where my interests lie and how my strengths fit into the important work of governance.

To me governance evens the playing field for everyone in STTI across the globe by guiding every chapter in fair and equitable ways. It allows us to move into the future through deliberate and vital steps. In governance, a leader needs to be able to observe, evaluate, listen, and communicate the many issues that come up, while building a stronger, more prosperous organization chapter by chapter using clear and meaningful standards.

Governance must be visible to and understood by STTI members thus ensuring fair and strong governance globally. My experience in governance and leadership, as evidenced by my multiple roles in nursing and volunteer work in STTI, Hadassah, academia, and the STTI Experienced Nurse Faculty Leadership Academy (ENFLA), have afforded me opportunities to lead, govern, and build consensus in local and global forums.

For decades I have developed and strengthened my abilities to lead by consensus, see the small and big pictures, and make tough decisions when necessary, all of which are integral skills for a Governance Committee member to have. One example of this is when I led and

managed the CT Region of Hadassah as its president, with a small administrative staff, over 8,000 volunteer members, and a budget of more than $1 million. There I was able to spearhead successful governance plan and strategic fundraising initiatives.

I have found that my organizational skills have served me well in achieving completion of major projects and building an interdisciplinary network. In my career, I have worked with diverse groups of patients, colleagues, and students. This has afforded me multiple opportunities to better understand diversity and multiculturalism. Over the years, I have successfully written/co-written and received funding from private and professional grants. I have been actively involved in mission trips for nurses and students to Israel and Central America and have active relationships with nurse leaders and educators there.

I believe I have many qualities and a high level of experience to bring to the STTI governance table. If elected to the STTI Governance Committee I would like to accomplish a couple of things. These include: increased local involvement in governance, incorporating a governance mentoring program for leaders; and an ongoing conversation about governance to increase understanding of it, through The Circle or other venues. Everything we do should inspire nurses to become better, more engaged leaders who understand that governance is key to STTI’s mission and outreach. I would be honored to have your support in this journey.

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CANDIDATES GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM)

Terry Siek M SN, RN, NEA-BC Over the past 24 years in nursing, I have had the privilege to work my way up from being a bedside nurse to management and to executive leadership. During that time, I have completed my master’s degree in nursing with an emphasis in education and have become certified in nursing administration through ANCC. I have remained active in organizations that promote the profession of nursing. I have been on many committees for AONE and have served as the president for the Kansas Chapter, KONL. I also am a member of the American Assembly for Men in Nursing and have served on the education committee. As an active member of KSNA, I have served on committees and as an officer. I am currently on a task force for ANA exploring the barriers that exist that keep nurses from practicing to the full extent of their licensure. Outside of nursing, I have served on the local United Way Board of Directors and have been the campaign chair.

I believe my affiliation with Sigma Theta Tau International has given me great opportunities.

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I started my involvement with STTI as a charter member of Nu Zeta Chapter at Fort Hays State University the year I graduated with my BSN. I have served on the local board of directors in many offices including treasurer, president and governance committee chair. I have also had the opportunity to serve on the regional level as a committee member and as the Region 3 Coordinator for one biennium.

I currently serve on the international level as a member of the Nurse Leader Review Committee.

I am running for the office of Governance Committee member because I believe in the honor society. Our bylaws are what shape the honor society and continue our success. On my chapter level, we have been struggling to help move people from the way they remember the bylaws to be, to the way that they actually are written. As we grow in our international efforts, the bylaws have been changing to address the different views of the world. While we change the bylaws to account for diversity, we also want to be certain that the society is not weakened. As a member of the committee, I want to help secure the future of our organization.

CANDIDATES GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT TWO FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM)

Marilyn Klakovich With over 30 years in nursing leadership, my STTI experience includes leadership in two chapters, chair of the SoCal Consortium Conference Committee, and Region 2 Committee Awards and Recognition chair. In my work with the consortium and Region 2, I have formed close working relationships with many chapter leaders. International experience includes the Chapter Key Award Task Force as well as the Service Advisory Council for the 2007-2009 biennium. As a 2008-2010 Board Leadership Development (BLD) Fellow, I understand the importance of the Governance Committee and I am familiar with reliable sources for continuing education on governance to support lifelong learning related to board leadership development. During my mentored experience with the NLN, I participated in board orientation, strategic planning, and leadership transition.

My research for the last seven years has focused on interpersonal communication competencies in nursing

DNSc, RN, NEA-BC

students. In the process of doing that research, I have learned a great deal about my own communication skills and have strived to develop in that area. I have also collaborated with nurses in other countries to assist them to translate the Interpersonal Communication Scale (developed by a colleague and I) for use in their research.

If elected to serve on the Governance Committee, I would work collaboratively with other committee members by drawing on my leadership background and experiences as a BLD fellow to participate in decision making based on knowledge of the mission and strategic goals of the society as well an understanding of the global environment in which we operate. I would work to ensure that our bylaws are updated to meet current and future demands for the society, and would make informed decisions on qualifications of potential new chapters.

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CANDIDATES GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT TWO FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM)

Marie-Louise Luiking M A, RN In my professional career I have worked and have been involved in nursing, nurse education and multiple nursing organizations in Europe. From the start of my career in England to my present location in the Netherlands my work brought me in contact with multiple healthcare systems across Europe. My field of expertise is intensive and critical care nursing and my research has nursing autonomy and professionalism as its main focus. In 2009 I was the recipient of the STTI Research Utilization Award for research on nursing autonomy in delirium diagnosis.

Being an active member of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) since 2006, the STTI has played an increasingly larger role in my professional career as a nurse and nurse leader since then. I have been able to serve in various leader positions at chapter, European regional and global task force levels. As past chair of our chapter’s programs committee it was my responsibility to plan, organise and oversee the chapter induction ceremonies, diner and scholarly events that we organise each year. I chair the Rho Chi-at-Large symposium committee, which collaborate with the national nursing federation for the Netherlands: “Verpleegkundigen & Verzorgende Nederland” to organize the now yearly national nursing research symposium.

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I am currently the president of the Rho Chi-at-Large chapter. This is the STTI chapter for the Netherlands and Flanders (Belgium), which is organizing the STTI 3rd European Regional Conference to be held in 2016.

In my view the STTI has a significant role to play in organizing nursing at a global level and I would like to make a contribution to further this. Earlier this year the Governance Committee approached me to take part in a brain storm session with other members of the Governance committee and STTI members to discuss potential alternative members such as midwives to officially affiliate with STTI and to recommend alternative chapter models e.g. within clinical settings.

This session illustrated to me that an input from the European continent could help to achieve this global level.

As a member from outside of the United States of America I can help move forward the Vision 2020 goals with a perspective from other countries on some important issues. For STTI as a leader in nursing it has to address nursing and health issues in a global manner, which I believe can be achieved by global collaboration. The Governance Committee can help to make the organization continually relevant for all members. It is charged to maintain the integrity of the organization and work towards flexibility of the organization with changing times.

CANDIDATES GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT TWO FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM)

Thomas Méndez P hD, MSN, BSN My professional career has been characterized by the themes of scholarship, leadership, and service that define The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI). I hold BSN, MSN, and PhD degrees in nursing and am currently employed as an assistant professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. With over 35 years of nursing experience, I have functioned successfully in clinical practice, nursing administration, nursing education, and research roles. My current teaching and research role, as well as my past positions in clinical practice and nursing administration, have required me to work with students, patients, and colleagues from a variety of countries, ethnicities, and cultures. My research interest is the impact of culture on health and I have completed several studies exploring mental health in Hispanic populations, a focus consistent with the STTI mission of advancing world health from a global perspective. My career experiences in the areas of clinical practice, administration, education, and research allow me to evaluate issues of governance from a variety of different perspectives that represent the diversity of the STTI membership.

If elected, I will apply my leadership experience, multicultural perspective, and history of active

participation in professional nursing organizations to serve on the STTI Governance Committee. I hold memberships in the Zeta Pi and Alpha Delta Chapters and have demonstrated a record of successful leadership. I have previously served as chair of the STTI Alpha Delta Chapter Governance Committee (2013-2014), chair of the Research Award Committee (2011-2013), and will serve as chapter president of the Alpha Delta Chapter beginning the fall of this year.

I view the role of the Governance Committee as an administrative function that relies on leadership, organization, and collaboration to guide the organization toward greater fulfillment of the STTI mission and vision. As a member of the committee, my role would be to participate actively and commit my knowledge and experience toward a collaborative effort to progressively advance STTI as a premier organization for the nursing profession. If elected, I am confident that my leadership experience, global perspective, and service-oriented approach will allow me to function successfully as a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Governance Committee. Thank you for this opportunity to be of service.

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CANDIDATES GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT TWO FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM)

Larry Slater

PhD, RN-BC, CCRN

Fellow STTI constituents, With a desire to contribute to STTI’s global influence in nursing as one of its dynamic leaders, I am excited to pursue election to a four year term on the Governance Committee. I am proud to have faithfully served STTI at the chapter, regional, and international levels, understanding the difference nurses make at all levels to advance healthcare and policy. It is this leadership experience and dedication that drive me to serve our honor society in its advancement of global health through excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.

The Governance Committee has two distinct roles: (1) preservation of the organizational structure through effective implementation and updating of the bylaws, and (2) nurturance of societal growth through eligibility review for chapters and individuals. As a nurse, I value collaboration to improve outcomes; as a researcher, I know the importance of details; as a faculty member, I respect and am responsive to the voices of constituents; as an STTI leader, I am committed to realizing the vision to be intentionally global. Recent expansion to include the Middle East region demonstrates STTI’s responsiveness to growth in international nursing. My work with the Virtual Chapter Work Group and the Chapter Charter Review Task Force has prepared me to engage with these processes and be at the forefront of our honor society’s growth.

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At the chapter and region level, I led the development of the membership ambassador role to promote new member engagement. I collaborated with inductees from other states, the Regional Coordinator, and subsequently the Membership Ambassador Task Force dedicated to expanding the program throughout STTI. As chapter president, I gained experience in bylaws, induction, Chapter Key Award application, annual reports, and membership issues, all of which are integral to governance. As my career crossed regions, I again had opportunities to serve as chapter vice president and president-elect. At the international level, I served on the Clinical Partnerships Task Force, designed to assist local chapters in developing relationships with clinical partners. In that role, I worked with committee members to promote the relationships clinical partnerships can bring to STTI and how developing the global nursing workforce is based on those partnerships. As a scholar in the Nurse Faculty Leadership Academy sponsored by STTI and Elsevier, I implemented an individualized leadership development plan for advanced skills to lead across many global platforms.

My service in STTI at all levels has given me a deep understanding of our mission, structure, and operations.

I would be honored to serve as a four year member of the Governance Committee to enact a more longitudinal role to further the honor society’s growth.

I would proudly promote excellence in constituent services and maintain the currency, responsivity, and engagement of members and chapters in our selfgovernance process. Thank you for your consideration.

CANDIDATES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT FOUR FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM)

Irmajean Bajnok P hD, RN, MScN Leadership is what defines success, decisiveness, team spirit, taking the right course of action, and good outcomes. These are all necessary for organizations and associations to survive, adapt, and thrive in today’s complex and ever changing society. Sigma Theta Tau (STTI) has weathered the changes in nursing, healthcare, and society, based on its rich traditions, ability to grasp, create, and use new knowledge and be in the right place at the right time, with the right leadership. The importance of identifying and profiling potential leaders for STTI has never been greater. As STTI both leads and responds to changes in health and the health system, impacted by the social determinants, it is critical that its leadership reflects creative new approaches and honors the traditional pillars of love, courage, and honor.

STTI has great potential to influence the direction of global health and how we care for the most vulnerable among us.

I am thrilled to be on the ballot as a candidate for the Leadership Succession Committee. The leadership within STTI must reflect the diverse, dynamic, and passionate nature of our membership. It must be prepared to take STTI to even greater heights both locally and on the world stage in relation to a healthy and just society, through generation and use of knowledge about what makes good health. My pledge, is to do all I can to work with the Leadership Succession Committee to identify and acknowledge volunteer leaders, and to develop a broad slate of competent and creative candidates, prepared to engage in dynamic dialogue and campaigning, to achieve the most action oriented,

passionate and effective team of leaders at the helm of, and throughout STTI. I have had considerable experience in leadership roles in nursing and health care throughout my career. In addition, my professional contributions have included significant volunteer leadership roles as the president of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) and as a member of the Council of the College of Nurses of Ontario, as well as numerous other board, committee and association work activities. In my current role as director of the International Affairs and Best Practice Guideline Centre at RNAO, I have the privilege to work with volunteer leaders who give their time and expertise to develop best practice guidelines. In addition, I work closely with clinical and academic nursing leaders, in all sectors around the world, who engage in achieving quality nursing care and better health outcomes through use of best evidence in practice and education.

I am a strong advocate for point of care leadership in nursing and healthcare, and have worked and mentored nurses in all stages of their career to “lead where they stand”. STTI, with its many opportunities for volunteer leadership, makes a terrific contribution to leadership development in nursing, and as a member of the Leadership Succession Committee, I would be honored to be able to utilize my past experience and skills to enhance this mandate and to enable strong effective leadership at STTI.

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CANDIDATES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT FOUR FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM)

Jacqueline Cassagnol M SN, RN, PMC I have been a nurse almost two decades, and have worked in various settings including medical surgical, pediatrics, geriatrics, in nurse supervisory roles of nurse manager, director of nursing, and most recently as a nursing professor at Dominican College in Orangeburg, New York. I am also the founder and president of Worldwide Community First Responder, Inc. and a founding member and immediate past vice president of the Nanuet Chamber of Commerce in Nanuet, New York, where I provide health education and first aid and response training.

In 2010, I was inducted into Zeta Omega-at-Large Chapter and I have been involved with STTI ever since. I have held various positions locally, regionally and globally. I was first invited by a chapter leader to serve as a membership ambassador, and I enjoyed serving as a liaison between newly inducted members, the chapter, and organization.

I was then elected as a chapter leader. I chose to become a chapter leader because I am very passionate about STTI’s mission. Being a chapter leader enables me to apply my knowledge to make a difference for the greater good of people’s health and well-being, improve my chapter, and make an impact on health globally.

Leadership is being able to know how to communicate and convey the need for change. This is something that I work very hard on to fulfill STTI’s mission and vision.

I have had the opportunity to become a better leader by learning leadership skills from my mentors and other chapter leaders. The most rewarding aspect of being

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a chapter leader is to be able to bring change. In November 2013, Zeta Omega-at-Large Chapter not only received the prestigious award of the Chapter Key Award, but was also selected as the December 2013 Chapter Website of the Month. We received these recognitions because of the changes that we made to improve our chapter and website. I was happy that my chapter leaders approved my proposed changes.

In January 2014, I was recommended as a chapter leader who works hard and deserves recognition.

STTI highlighted me in the March 2014 issue of Chapter Leader Emphasis (CLE). CLE is a printed publication mailed to all chapter leaders twice yearly. I was honored to be recognized worldwide as a chapter leader.

Year 2014 was a great year. STTI President, Hester Klopper, appointed me as a member of the International Member Connect and Engagement Task Force. STTI Region 14 Coordinator, Teresa Torsney, appointed me as the Region 14 Communication Chair.

I enjoy serving in these two positions connecting and engaging STTI members locally, regionally and globally.

In December 2014, Teresa Torsney presented me an award of appreciation for contributions made for the Region 14 biennial conference. STTI is an organization that supports its members. I enjoy networking with the most dynamic nursing leaders and scholars. They inspired me to seek an international-level position.

As a member of the Leadership Succession Committee, I will bring my experience and commitment to the mission of STTI to develop members in organizational leadership roles.

CANDIDATES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT FOUR FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM)

Anita Collins I was the partner to the director of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Rwamagana, Rwanda (August 2014-2015). Presently, I am a Master’s of Science educator, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Rwanda. My main focus in research and education is on nursing diagnostics, clinical decision-making, and critical thinking. As head of Fortis Institutes of Nursing (April 2011-July 2014), I was responsible in the implementation of nursing language related to the classifications of nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes (NANDA-I, NIC & NOC) in Fortis nursing educational initiatives and select hospitals. I have been the principal of three nursing colleges and taught at graduate and master’s levels. I served in the rank of major in the Indian Military Nursing Service.

PhD

I was a member of the Education and Research Committee, NANDA – I, member of the Globalization Task Force STTI, and am a member Upsilon Xi-at-Large, Swansea and Cardiff University chapter STTI. I was selected by STTI Task Force on Legacy to present a special session at the convention in Indianapolis in November 2013. As candidate for the Leadership Succession Committee it will be my endeavour to increase membership, bring visibility to STTI in health education and service sectors in the second and third world countries, and serve the organization to the best of my ability.

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CANDIDATES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT FOUR FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM)

Geralyn Frandsen E dD, RN My name is Geralyn Frandsen and I am running for a two year term on the Leadership Succession Committee. I am the assistant director of the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing at Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri. I am committed to the mission of Sigma Theta Tau International. During my 37 years in nursing I have continually striven to advance my knowledge of nursing, and to serve the profession through scholarly activities, leadership, and service. In my service to the honor society I have been convention chair for two biennial conventions. I also served as

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a member of the Governance Committee in 2007-2009.

During the 2011-2013 biennium I had the privilege to serve as a mentor in the Nurse Faculty Leadership Academy. I have also served as an abstract reviewer for congress and convention, in addition application reviewer for the education grants awarded to honor society members to attend congress or convention.

All of my involvement solidifies my ability to serve on the Leadership Succession Committee. If elected I will strive to represent all members of the honor society ensuring a ballot will be representative of the members of Sigma Theta Tau International for the 2015-2017Â biennium.

CANDIDATES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT FOUR FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM)

Scott Emory Moore M S, APRN, AGPCNP-BC My name is Scott Emory Moore, MS, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, and I hope that you will consider me for a two year position on the Leadership Succession Committee (LSC).

Having had the privilege of serving Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) at various levels, I have found it to be a dynamic and diverse organization of global nurses.

I believe that I can contribute to the organization’s continued development through applying my experiences with STTI and ensure that the ballot is representative of all members from around the world. As STTI moves forward and becomes more involved with global initiatives, ALL members need a voice in shaping the future of the organization.

If elected to the LSC, my role will be to represent the members’ and society’s best interests through thoughtful recruiting and vetting of potential candidates. Through selection of a strong set of candidates that represent the diversity of STTI members we can ensure the continued growth and success of the organization. I have made a commitment to this organization, and see the role of the LSC as integral in representing the membership of the organization and their diverse needs. Sigma Theta Tau International is my personal organization of choice, and it is because of this dedication that I believe I can effectively promote the mission and vision of STTI as a member of the Leadership Succession Committee.

Since my induction (2009), STTI has been a key part of my professional development as a nurse; early mentoring and involvement with STTI provided me with opportunities for engagement, service, and leadership development at the local, regional, and international levels. For the 2013-2015 biennium I was appointed to

chair the Next Generation Leaders Task Force, charged with developing board recommendations focusing on early career development and engagement of emerging leaders in STTI. I also currently serve as a member of the Charter Review Task Force (2011-2015) and the STTI Foundation’s Fellows Committee (2013-2015). During the 2011-2013 biennium I was appointed as a member of the International Legacy Building Task Force charged to explore the legacies of nursing around the globe. In 2009, while attending my first biennium, I was elected Regional Coordinator for Region 7, and served as a member of the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee (RCCC), the RCCC liaison to the International Governance Committee (2009-2011). In addition, I have held various positions within chapters including chapter president and delegate. I also maintain active memberships in several other professional organizations including ANA, AANP, and GSA. Currently pursuing my PhD in Healthcare Genetics at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, USA, I expect to graduate in winter 2016. I have been awarded a 2014-2016 National Hartford Center for Gerontological Nursing Excellence Patricia G. Archbold Predoctoral Scholarship and I am the recipient of the Oliver Kent and Bettye C. Cecil Fellowship in Geriatrics and Genetics.

Additionally, I continue to work part time as a graduate assistant (teaching & research) and adult-geriatric nurse practitioner. Continuing my educational journey has enhanced my awareness of the need for strong leadership in nursing.

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CANDIDATES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT FOUR FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM)

Stacey Ann Okoth M SN, RN, MBA, CNML, NEA-BC Hello, my name is Stacey Okoth. I am running to be your next Leadership Succession Committee member. I am currently a nurse manager at York Hospital in York, Pennsylvania and adjunct professor at York College. My previous experience includes various leadership positions with Kaiser Permanente Health System and St. Joseph Health System, situated in Northern California.

I hold an undergrad and graduate degree from Penn State University and Jacksonville University. Further, I have had the opportunity to travel to many countries including Dubai, Germany, and Kenya to experience different cultures and gain an appreciation for different leadership styles and expectations.

For the past two years, I served as president of STTI, Eta Eta Chapter and have worked on issues such as outreach and retention of current and future members by partnering with the college and the community to

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organize events such as blood pressure screenings and blood drive. I have effectively increased student engagement through the implementation of social media, philanthropy, and leadership development opportunities. Our board members voted unanimously to implement our first ever student intern and have been successful in gaining access to on-campus events and increased awareness of member benefits. As a result, our chapter has had an increase in application for our 2015 undergraduate induction.

My role as president and nurse manager has prepared me well for this role to identify and develop future leaders of STTI. I am committed to working together to ensure that our leaders accurately represent our diverse membership and our future leaders are capable of collaborating with you to help resolve the issues that matter. My goal is to develop a diverse pool of candidates by encouraging the professional development and advancement of our members. Thank you for your vote.

CANDIDATES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT FOUR FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM)

Loretta Pierce M SN, RN, BSN, NE-BC Education: • Creighton University Interdisciplinary Doctorate in Education Focus Leadership, July 2012 -present • Methodist College, Omaha, Nebraska Master’s Degree in Nursing Education, 2006 • Clarkson College, Omaha, Nebraska Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 1994 • Midland Lutheran College, Fremont, Nebraska Bachelor of Arts Degree in Behavioral Sciences with concentration in Sociology, 1988 Experience: • Nebraska Methodist College Adjunct professor 2015- Present Instruct master’s level nursing students in the online Nurse Executive Leadership Track.

• The Nebraska Iowa Western Veterans Hospital Interim ICU manager 2015- Present Manager of ICU and Telemetry Unit • The Nebraska Iowa Western Veterans Hospital Magnet coordinator 2013- 2015 • The Nebraska Iowa Western Veterans Hospital Manager emergency department 2010- 2014 Manage a level 2 ED • The Nebraska Iowa Western Veterans Hospital Clinical educator 2009-2010 • The Nebraska Medical Center Biocontainment unit nurse 2008- 2010 • The Nebraska Medical Center Clinical educator 2006- 2009 • The Nebraska Medical Center ICU lead registered nurse, 2005- 2008 • Clarkson College, Omaha Nebraska Instructor 2002-2006 • The Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska Organ recovery coordinator, 2000-2002Professional Offices Held: • Sigma Theta Tau November 2005 delegate • Sigma Theta Tau 2006-2007 Director

• Sigma Theta Tau 2010-2012 Director • Sigma Theta Tau Omicron Epsilon Board of Directors – Leadership Succession Committee 2010-2012 • Sigma Theta Tau 2012-2013 vice president • Sigma Theta Tau 2013 Delegate Omicron Epsilon Chapter • Sigma Theta Tau 2013-2015 Director • Sigma Theta Tau Omicron Epsilon NE collaborative chair 2011- present Professional Affiliations: • Member of Sigma Theta Tau, Omicron Epsilon Chapter • Member of ANA • Member of NLN • Member of NeLN • Member NOVA Presentations: • 2012: Nursing congress 2012 poster “Navigating Obstacles Unique to Women Along Their Journey to Leadership” • 2013: 1st Annual EBP and Caring Science Day (May): Speaker “Transformational and Servant Leadership in Practice” • 2013: Sigma Theta Tau 42nd Biennial International Convention Indianapolis Indiana (Nov): Speaker “Transformational and Servant Leadership in Practice – From a New Managers Perspective” • 2014: Nursing congress 2014 poster “Analysis of Change Initiative: Shared Governance” Accomplish if elected: The Leadership Succession Committee helps to identify and nurture the leaders of today and tomorrow. It is through recognizing the leaders we have within our ranks and understanding the need to develop others we will grow stronger as an organization. Leadership evolves as we transform our profession to meet the needs of others.

Leaders provide an iatrical part in ensuring transformation occurs through mentoring others to success.

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CANDIDATES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT FOUR FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM)

Sujatha Shanmugasundaram P hD, RN, RM, MACN Dr. Sujatha Shanmugasundaram is a lecturer in nursing from Melbourne, Australia. She is an experienced international academic and a researcher with strong international alliance in community health nursing, palliative care nursing, nursing education, and aged care nursing. Dr. Shanmugasundaram has been an active member of The Honor Society of Nursing, STTI Eta Pi Chapter since 2005. Since then she was committed to serve for the STTI’s mission, in advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.

In addition, Dr. Shanmugasundaram holds an extraordinary research chair position with The Honor Society of Nursing of Eta Pi Chapter, Wisconsin University, Oshkosh, USA for the past two years. Dr. Shanmugasundaram is also a one of key person of board of directors of Victorian and Tasmanian At-Large Honor Society of Nursing at Melbourne, Australia in which she actively engages with the current project in developing a chapter. She organised an induction ceremony and professional development day in June 2015 at Victoria University which was a great success. She played a major contribution in recruiting the members of the society and currently sitting 136 members in two years time.

Dr. Shanmugasundaram has been playing a vital role as global ambassador of STTI for the past three years. As an ambassador she travelled internationally to a few universities in Middle East and promoted the importance of part of the STTI to the academics. She made a huge contribution in creating a global visibility to the nursing community across the world.

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As a research scholar, Dr. Shanmugasundaram was successful with several grants and awards from the professional organisations and STTI. In particular, she received Edith Anderson Education Leadership Award in 2012. Currently she involves in many number of collaborative researches with national and international universities of India and Middle East. She has done several publications in international referred journals and she presented her research papers in national and international conferences. Also, Dr. Shanmugasundaram is an accredited research supervisor for Master’s and PhD courses. She has been a supervisor for more than 10 master’s students. In addition, she is also an international thesis examiner for both Master’s and PhD students. Her areas of teaching interests were: aged care nursing, palliative care nursing, nursing issues, nursing research and research interests includes both quantitative and qualitative research in palliative care, chronic illness, dementia, simulation, nursing education, aged care, and oncology.

Her passion towards nursing profession is countless and she contributed a lot through evidence based practice in her teaching, research and clinical practice globally. She is very dynamic and enthusiastic person and always strives to move forward with Dr. Klopper’s slogan of serve locally, transform regionally, and lead globally.

As STTI Leadership Succession Committee (2015-2017), Dr. Shanmugasundaram will focus on: • Global initiative to become a member • Promoting network through professional development programs • Strengthen an international alliance with various nurses from the world • Recruit and retain the members

CANDIDATES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT FOUR FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM)

Mary Wombwell E dD, RN, CNE I value the work of the honor society and am dedicated to see the society continue for future generations. I have been an active member of the Delta Tau Chapter-atLarge serving in various roles (president, college counselor, secretary, treasurer, nominating, and governance). Serving in these offices and roles has given me an understanding and insight into experiences which promote the workings of the chapter. My relationship with the chapter has allowed me to grow, develop, and

meet colleagues who challenge and inspire me. This is an important developmental activity for me professionally and for nursing. I believe I can be useful on the Leadership Succession Committee and will work to demonstrate the values and achieve the mission of the honor society.

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CANDIDATES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM)

Jennifer Hatcher P hD, RN, MPH I am an associate professor of nursing at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing. Having earned my PhD in nursing in 2006 after years of caring for nurses at the bedside I went on to earn an MPH in 2012 so that I could contribute to the field of health disparities research.

Since 2006, I have spent more than a decade focused on the health of various underserved populations including African Americans, rural Appalachians, prisoners, TGLBT, and others. My passion is centered on helping to give voice to those who have been denied an equal voice, both nationally and globally. To that end I am the director of diversity and inclusivity in the College of Nursing, helping to enrich the environment with efforts to provide equal access, opportunity, and voice for those underrepresented in the nursing workforce, including students, faculty, and staff members. In addition, I currently lead a DREAM team of researchers (Disparities Researchers Equalizing Access for Minorities) that includes students and other scientists focused on improving access to quality healthcare for those who have not been treated equitably in the healthcare system.

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I have been the treasurer for Delta Psi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau for the past four years and am now seeking to transition into international leadership in the organization. If I am elected to the Leadership Succession Committee I plan to focus my efforts on being sure our leaders represent the people that they lead. I am invested in leadership reflecting the views and demographics of the organization and the global community of nurses represented by such. I believe it is critical that leaders of teams, organizations, and systems are charged with being the voice of the people that they are leading, making their concerns and visions front and center. If elected, I will attempt to recognize diversity of thought, culture, age, gender, and ethnicity as important attributes of our leadership team. While our leaders must always be qualified and educated they must also be able to articulate a vision for the organization that incorporates the diverse views of its international membership.

I am honored to have been selected for the ballot as a leadership succession committee member and I look forward to the opportunity to participate, if elected, with other members of the committee to ensure a ballot of qualified and diverse leaders is presented for STTI’s consideration during my tenure.

CANDIDATES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM)

Reem Mabrouk Abd El Rahman D NSc, RN, AT Dr. Reem Mabrouk Abd El Rahman is an assistant professor of nursing administration at the University of Damanhour, Egypt. In addition to teaching, Dr. Mabrouk is an executive director, Quality Assurance Unit; principal coordinator of training at University Quality Assurance Center; and associate trainer (IBCT). She is member of various organizations: Sigma Theta Tau International, U.S.A; African Society for Quality in Healthcare (ASQH); OSHA; Board of Director at Association of Faculties of Nursing Graduates. She is reviewer of many international nursing journals. She also participated in many training

programs to develop nurses’ leadership skills, quality of patient care, patient safety, and managerial skills. When elected for this position, I’d like to develop leadership skills for members in order to be able to fit in any position of the organization; ensure representation of members in different committees; and serve as a resource person for any leadership advices and issues. Moreover, task or duty assigned to me, will be properly executed.

Hope to serve STTI at the most that I can. Thank you.

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CANDIDATES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM)

Jessica Naber P hD, RN I am Jessica Naber, candidate for the Leadership Succession Committee.

I received a BSN from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky (2002), an MSN in Education from Bellarmine University in Louisville (2007), and a PhD in Nursing from the University of Tennessee (2012). I have practiced in cardiac care at Jewish Hospital in Louisville and in home health as a care manager, and I have done expert witness work for several attorneys. I began teaching full time at MSU in 2007 (Fundamentals, Rural Health Issues, Philosophy of Science, Theory, and Research in the BSN, MSN, and DNP programs), and I am currently in this teaching position.

I have been a member of STTI since 2001, holding a dual membership for two years. I was involved with STTI as a student, applying for and receiving several grants, and being named an STTI Rising Star by UT faculty in 2011. I am a member of my local chapter’s Leadership Succession Committee, assisting with recruitment and membership efforts and aiding the president as needed. I have spoken and presented at the STTI induction ceremony multiple times, most recently about the value and lifelong benefits of membership.

My professional objectives fit with STTI’s mission, as I am passionate about health; service; international relationships; scholarly activity by students, practitioners, and educators; educational excellence; and leadership. I work with undergraduate students frequently on research activities, with goals of them understanding the research process and potentially

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presenting and publishing. Students under my guidance have presented at the state Capitol every winter and every spring at MSU’s Scholars Week. I am the thesis adviser for honors students, one of whom is presenting at the biennial convention, and the capstone adviser for numerous DNP students. I also maintain my own research agenda, publishing articles and presenting at conferences, including three times at STTI international research congress. I am a member of MSU’s International Studies Advisory Committee, and I am the nursing study abroad ambassador, guiding international students and advising on study abroad opportunities. In May, I taught a course to 20 nursing students in Budapest, Hungary. I am on the University Honors Program Committee, participating in scholarship selection for the university and nursing.

I have held many other leadership positions at the university, including faculty senator and Alpha Omicron Pi faculty adviser. I was chosen as the Outstanding Researcher for the School of Nursing and Faculty Academic Adviser of the Year in 2013.

I would be honored to serve on STTI’s Leadership Succession Committee. I have chosen STTI as the professional organization that I want to work with and for because I am passionate about its mission and vision for the future of nursing. I will be efficient, just, thoughtful, and organized in candidate selection, ballot preparation, and campaign monitoring. I will work hard at preparing and dispersing materials to elicit nominations from a diverse, representative group.

Finally, I will use my previous experiences and my skills to develop and be a mentor for individuals who strive for leadership in STTI.

CANDIDATES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM)

Eileen Richardson BA(Hons), MA(ED), RGN, SCM, RNT I am a registered general nurse a qualification obtained in 1959 followed by qualification as a state certified midwife in 1960 Having worked for five years in clinical practice finally as a ward sister in a medical ward I spent two years qualifying at Edinburgh University as a registered nurse teacher with a certificate in nursing studies (education) in 1966. From that time I worked initially as a nurse teacher and later as a senior teacher with management responsibilities. During these years I obtained both a BA in Nursing Studies (Ed) and a MA (Ed) in 1968 and over the next 30 years I continued in nurse education in a variety of roles.

In 2001, I was given an invitation to attend the biennial convention of STTI in Indianapolis by courtesy of a member of the Iota Chapter at Vanderbilt University.

This was my first introduction to the honor society.

Later in 2004 I was inducted into the Iota Chapter having worked for four years with colleagues from Vanderbilt on an EU/US project. These were significant events and I was impressed by what I saw and heard. As a result of these contacts in 2007 a Society for Caring Scholarship was set up at Bournemouth University. In 2011 the society became an honor society of STTI finally being chartered in 2011. I have acted as secretary for the society from then until now.

Before the England society was set up there were developments in Europe and I attended meetings in the Netherlands which helped me to appreciate the mission and vision of the society. This helped me to work with the England chapter to develop its own

society. I attended the biennium in 2011 with our president. Now that we were an honor society attending and participating further enabled me to become familiar with the concept and function of STTI and its individual chapters.

With a strong commitment to the mission and vision of STTI I have on many occasions discussed its importance with my international contacts both in Europe and in Australia. Scholarship in nursing has been of importance to me since the 1960’s when I was a student of the Nursing Studies Department at the University of Edinburgh. There I understood the importance of research and its application to practice and education in nursing. Belonging to STTI has confirmed my belief in the importance of scholarship, research, and education in promoting excellence in nursing practice.

If elected I would use my past experience and knowledge to contribute to the work of the Leadership Succession Committee. My work experience over many years with people of different backgrounds and abilities and in particular committee work I have done at local, national, and international level should contribute to my working knowledge with such a group. I would hope to bring to the group a different background and level of experience especially internationally and that this would contribute positively to the work which I would do with energy and conscientiousness

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CANDIDATES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM)

Agnes Tiwari P hD, RN, FAAN, CMgr FCMI I am honored to be considered a candidate for Leadership Succession at Sigma Theta Tau International. Since joining STTI 10 years ago, I have been committed to its vision in leading nursing professionals to advance global health.

Having assumed nursing leadership positions in four continents since the 80s, I am wellversed with competing demands, evolving priorities, complex challenges and diverse opportunities across nations and cultures. I have served in these roles: Hong Kong (nursing council member; head of HKU School of Nursing); U.S. (president-elect, Academy on Violence & Abuse; WHO advisor; FAAN); U.K. (former head of nursing programs, St George’s Hospital), China (National Health & Family Planning Commission’s expert panel member); Australia (honorary professorships). Based on my current and past work and service, I am in a position to effect genuine positive change; articulate aspirations of the global nursing community; strive for the highest possible level of health and well-being for populations internationally. The world of nursing faces considerable resource and manpower constraints and a constant need for knowledge and skills update. I would like to be part of the STTI leadership who work to help inspire and influence generations of leaders and role models in local and regional chapters.

Coordinating priorities and initiatives among chapters and regions requires a pluralist and multiculturalist approach. My leadership style emphasizes strong commitment to forging sustainable partnerships, alliances and resource networks to address healthcare issues and improve nursing standards. I support shared governance, inclusive, participative decision-making, accountability, transparency, and above all, exemplary

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leadership and respect for the nursing profession. During my career I have worked to embody values of honor, excellence, servant leadership, diversity, connectedness, transformation, and gratitude. I advocate sustainable organizational development through innovation and mentoring. I appreciate the many opportunities that enabled me to champion causes on behalf of the abused, the underprivileged, under-represented victims and families, nursing professionals, and aspiring mentees and students.

Inspired by STTI’s mission to advance world health and celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service, I consider it a great privilege to work for Leadership Succession. I shall strive to accelerate development of STTI organizational leaders across chapters and regions throughout the span of their careers; and advance the significant role of nursing professionals in healthcare policies, reform, innovation, teaching, research, scholarship, and practice to achieve holistic excellence. Working on STTI’s networks, I am confident that the future for nursing promises a collaborative and representative community that will aim to overcome inequality, segregation, and barriers to participation. Other priorities include: enhancing STTI’s visibility and reach by capitalizing on its brand of excellence; anchoring stakeholders’ support to advocate and prioritize needs of nursing professionals; and grooming the next generation of nursing leaders through active engagement.

Finally, research is another area of contribution that enriches my career and nursing science. My work in the prevention of and intervention for interpersonal violence has led to international awards including as a Fulbright Senior Research Scholar at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in 2016.

CANDIDATES LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE CANDIDATES (ELECT THREE FOR A FOUR-YEAR TERM)

Mary Lou De Natale E dD, RN, CNL Professional Background • Professor at University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions in community and mental health nursing and maternal child nursing; undergraduate and graduate curriculum.

• Clinical research associate in gynecology, obstetrics, and infertility.

• Clinical staff nursing in pediatrics, maternity (neonatal ICU), and the intermediate ICU. • Research in service learning, prevention and health, and prevention of older adults/ family.

• Commissioner of the Senior Care Committee/HICAP counselor at the county level.

Qualifications in Leadership for the Chapter Member of Alpha Gamma Chapter and Beta Gamma Chapter.

International level of Sigma Theta Tau • Governance Committee (November 2009-2015) completion of a 4 year term; re-elected to 2 year term • Reviewer for Chapter Key Award (2015) • Member of the Award Committee (2011-2013) • International Task Force (2008-2009) • International Task Force, Membership Involvement and Retention Task Force (2007-2009) • Awards coordinator for Sigma Theta Tau International Region 1 Chapters (2005-2007) Regional Level of Sigma Theta Tau, Alpha Gamma Chapter, San Jose State University (Chapter #25) • Leadership Succession Committee for Alpha Gamma (2012- 2014) (2014-2016) • Board of Directors for the Alpha Gamma Chapter (2004-2006) • President of Alpha Gamma Chapter (1996 -1998)

Regional Level of Sigma Theta Tau, Beta Gamma Chapter, University of San Francisco (Chapter #49) • Vice president (2014-2016) • Faculty counselor for Beta Gamma (2007-2009) (2009-2014) • Vice president (2014-2016) • Membership involvement chair (Spring 2003 to present) • Corresponding secretary (1999-2001) Accomplishments in Serving on Leadership Succession Committee One of the highest priorities of serving on the Leadership Succession will be to promote mentorship and educate members in leadership potential and roles in STTI. Collaboration with members of the committee will be directed to nurses and their service to others, recognition of professional partnerships in practice settings, and future mentorship opportunities. As a member of the Leadership Succession Committee, I will support the potential that each member can be the change for their community of STTI while transforming care and compassion.

As a member of the Leadership Succession for this 4 year term, I would support the education of members on their roles in STTI, promote mentorship, support for nominations, and act as a resource on the strategic direction in Sigma Theta Tau locally, nationally, and globally.

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL CHAPTERS COORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE)

Julie Jones M S, RN-BC I am honored to be a candidate for the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair (RCCC). As the current RCCC Chair, I lead a team of 20 Regional Coordinators who assist over 500 chapters throughout the world. I collaborate with the staff at STTI to develop a robust training schedule for the RCCC that both develops the appropriate skillset for each Regional Coordinator to support chapters and mentors potential future leaders of our organization.

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If you re-elect me to continue my role as RCCC Chair, these are my goals: 1. In concert with the Regional Coordinators and staff at STTI: a. Establish best practices through chapter health to support the chapters. b. Develop a strategic plan for the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committeethat is aligned with STTI strategic plan.

2. As a member of the STTI Board of Directors: a. Work with the board to be the conduit of information between the Board and chapters. b. Represent chapter and member interests at the Board level.

3. Help support Regional Coordinators to be the future leaders of the society.

I have been active in STTI ever since my induction because I feel that this is a truly global organization for nurses.

I have learned how to become an effective leader on the board of directors and what it means to be intentionally global. I would like to continue on the board to develop as a leader to help support the vision and mission of STTI. My Leadership Experience at STTI: • International Leadership • Current RCCC Chair, serving on the Board of Directors for STTI, Chair of the Technology Taskforce, Board Liaison to Member Connect and Engagement Taskforce

• Regional Leadership • Region 15 Coordinator - Established robust regional committee that met the needs of chapters throughout the region • Regional Program Committee Chair -Technology Taskforce Chair • Chapter Leadership • President-Increased member engagement and board re-engagement through increased and consistent communications, use of new technologies for engagement and participation, online registration and payment for chapter activities, and increased member value • Fundraiser Chair • Leadership Succession Chair • Governance committee • Chapter Key Award Taskforce - Culminated in the chapter receiving its first Key Award and the Ethel Palmer Clarke Award, given to the chapter with the highest score on the Chapter Key Award My Leadership Experience outside of STTI: • Co-founder of the first chapter with the American Nursing Informatics Association • Vermont State Nurses’ Foundation President; developed the first online scholarship registration • Vermont State Nurses’ Association District One Secretary • Regional Director of Education for Vermont SGNA I have been a nurse over 15 years in various settings including oncology, women’s health, surgery, medicine, endoscopy, and most recently as clinical informatics nurse in the electronic health record department. I received my bachelor’s degree in nursing at Rhode Island College and my master’s degree in adult nurse practitioner program at the University of Vermont. In my free time, I like to race cars up mountain roads with my husband with the New England Hillclimb Association.

CANDIDATES REGIONAL CHAPTERS COORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE)

Jayne Lutz M S, RN, PHNCP-BC, CNE I have practiced in critical care, pediatrics, mother/baby, labor and delivery, home health, hospice, and public health. I received master’s degrees in maternal-child health and community/public health nursing. I have been a nurse educator for 29 years.

I have been active in STTI for more than 35 years. Locally, I have served as development committee chair twice, secretary three times, senior counselor three times, president-elect twice, and president twice. I have received the following chapter awards: Excellence in Education, Excellence in Practice, Excellence in Chapter Involvement, and Excellence in Leadership. I have served on the Regional Coordinating Committee for North America – Region 13, and for the past two biennia I have served as the Region 13 Coordinator.

As Regional Coordinator, I helped write the new criteria for the Chapter Key Award. I recruited two coordinating committees and four subcommittees.

Together we developed regional goals, produced the first four newsletters for our region, wrote Leader Lines, educated chapters on the Showcase of Regional Excellence application and conducted a prize drawing for early submissions, and sent out a timeline for the completion of the Chapter Key Award application. I held conference calls, talked with struggling chapters, assisted with strategic plans, answered questions, and presented the keynote address at seven induction ceremonies.

I established four nurse-run clinics in local housing authority properties to provide care to these vulnerable communities. I have written multiple grants to fund these clinics. I assisted in founding the Immigrant Access Clinic to provide medical care to uninsured immigrants and am on the board of directors and planning committee to establish a more holistic health center for the uninsured

and underinsured — The Mustard Seed Community Health. All of these are practice sites for our students. The partnerships and collaborations necessary to promote these sites enhanced my communication skills and ability to motivate others to be inspired by a worthwhile venture. Besides contributing to the honor society’s goal of advancing health and celebrating nursing excellence in leadership and service, they relate well to the communication, collaboration-building, and motivationinspiring requirements of the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair.

Knowledgeable and supportive Regional Coordinators are crucial to the success of chapters. As the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair, I want to inspire the Regional Coordinators to be that needed resource. By dividing Regional Coordinators into small groups to discuss chapter issues, they will be valuable resources for each other, and in turn, support chapters. During orientation, Regional Coordinators must master accessing the chapter and regional management systems and setting preferences for updates to share this with chapters. Outgoing Regional Coordinators have a wealth of knowledge and should be invited to the Regional Coordinator orientation. Frequent communication with Regional Coordinators to determine their needs could build part of the agenda for Regional Chapter Coordinator meetings; the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair must work WITH, not FOR, the Regional Coordinators.

I have goals and experience that qualify me to be the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair; my most valuable qualification is my passion for the success of local chapters and the vision and mission of STTI.

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – AFRICA

Deliwe René Phetlhu P hD, RN, MCur, RM I am a registered nurse, midwife, and educator currently appointed as an associate professor at the School of Nursing at the University of the Western Cape. Professional experience include working as a community health nurse in primary health care clinics and a manager (sub-district) for communicable diseases, which included tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in the Department of Health. As a nurse educator, I worked as a lecturer and senior lecturer teaching community health science, professional practice, and research methodology. I was subsequently appointed as a programme director for post-graduate studies and head of the department nursing in North-West University, Mafikeng campus, South Africa. I possess a PhD, Master in Community Health Nursing, BA in Nursing (Nursing Education and Management) and diploma in General (Community Health, Psychiatric) Nursing Sciences and Midwifery. My research focus is in HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, health policies and social capital. My other interest include leadership and child health. I have been involved in funded collaborative projects such as research on HIV stigma in five African countries, which included South Africa, Lesotho, Malawi, Tanzania, and Swaziland. This project was done in collaboration with University of California, San Francisco in the United States, and University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH); Maternal-Child Health Nurse Leadership Academy, South Africa Pilot, funded by Johnson & Johnson in collaboration with STTI; and currently a project in the improvement of implementation of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS policies in rural Western Cape funded by the National Research Foundation.

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I have held different leadership positions which include a member of the research portfolio in the Forum of University Deans in South Africa (FUNDISA), the president of the Tau Lambda-at-Large chapter and Regional Coordinator for Africa in the 2013-2015 STTI biennium. I have received an award in recognition of my community engagement work from the city of Matlosane, South Africa. I also led the disaster management forum, which was a collaboration of the department of health and the city council of Potchefstroom. I was also appointed as the advisory member for the Potchefstroom AIDS council and the North-West University Senate.

With two new at-large chapters started in Africa, I would like to make sure that the initiatives started in my past term as the Regional Coordinator for Africa (2013-2015) as stipulated in the strategic plan are realised. My goals include ensuring the success of the community engagement projects which are well defined for Africa, raising funds that will be used to support our members in research and presenting their work in different conferences, and mentoring young leaders as part of our succession plan. Most importantly my team and I will support new chapters’ leaders in ensuring that their work is efficiently carried out and their roles and responsibilities are well understood. I intend to grow the membership of STTI in Africa in collaboration with the chapters and recruit, facilitate, and support development of new chapters through the Africa STTI regional office. Making STTI visible as an organization of choice will be one of our key focuses under my leadership.

CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – ASIA

Misae Ito P hD, RN, NMW Misae Ito, PhD, RN, NMW, has been a vice president of Tau Nu Chapter since the establishment of Tau Nu Chapter in 2006 and was one of the executive committee members establishing the first chapter in Japan in the Yamaguchi University Nursing Honorary Society between December 2004 and March 2006. I worked as an associate professor at the Fundamental Department, Yamaguchi University until March in 2008 for seven years after obtaining the master’s degree of science in nursing in the U.S. During Yamaguchi University I worked with American and Australian nursing professors. I also have done and doing international research projects. Those experiences brought me the international and multiculturalism aspects.

I am now a professor at the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Welfare, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, and teach at the undergraduate, master, and doctoral graduate programs. My research interests are the matters related to nursing ethics, family nursing, and an international comparison. I have gained several grants as a primary investigator and co-investigator such as Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

I have worked as an editorial committee member of the Japan Society of Nursing Diagnosis since 2004. I am also a member of the board of trustees of the Japan Society of Nursing Diagnosis since 2011 and Japan Society of

Nursing Research since 2014. I also worked as a chairman of the executive committees at the 15th Japan Society of Nursing Diagnosis in September, 2009 and the 21st Japan Association of Research in Family Nursing in August, 2014.

In the Asian Region, I work with Dr. Claudia Lai, the first Asian Regional Coordinator, and other Asian nurse leaders on behalf of Tau Nu Chapter.

I am also a member of the organizing committee of the 1st Asian Regional Conference in Armenia, November 2015. I have worked as a mentor in an online community within STTI―the Global Nursing Leadership Mentoring Community since 2015. I recognized a regional leader and great working relationship with chapters in Asia.

If elected, my key responsibilities as an Asian regional coordinator will be to: • Particularly promote connectedness within the Asian community of nursing.

• Support members in pursuing their vision for STTI. • Disseminate and apply nursing knowledge in promoting nursing scholarship.

I would like to do my best for coordinating among the headquarters and Asian regional nurse leaders if selected as an Asian Regional Coordinator under promoting the STTI’s mission.

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – EUROPE

Joy Merrell P hD, MScN, BScN(Hons), RGN, RHV, RNT, HV Tut Cert As a professor of public health nursing at the College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, I am an experienced nurse educator, researcher, and leader; and since July 2014, I have been the European Regional Coordinator.

My involvement with STTI began in 2001 when I joined Eta Iota Chapter in New Hampshire USA and was a founding member of the Swansea Honor society (established 2002) and served two years as treasurer and four years as president. I led the honor society to be chartered in 2008 as Upsilon Xi-at-Large Chapter with Cardiff University and served four years as president. Between 2009 and 2011, I also served as the unofficial Regional Coordinator for Europe as the global regions had not been established and was instrumental in developing the European strategic plan. I ensured the work of the region was disseminated to the wider STTI membership through securing special sessions at the leadership summit in Amsterdam (2011), and at the biennial conventions in 2009, 2011, and forthcoming in Las Vegas. I have led a research team of European members in conducting an online survey which explored European members’ expectations of STTI and the factors which sustain their membership.

I was instrumental in establishing the inaugural STTI European Regional Conference in Cardiff in 2012.

I have served on two international task forces including a chapter leadership and mentorship task force for President Carol Huston and on the Policy Advisory Council for President Karen Morin. Since 2011 I have served as chair of the Regional Membership Involvement

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Committee and been an active member of the European Regional Committee. I have utilized technology to facilitate regional connection and collaboration through establishing virtual scholarly events such as celebrating International Nurse’s Day, and a scholarly event for postgraduate students to present their research to foster future research collaborations across Europe and enhance student recruitment.

Since 2014 as chair of the European Regional Committee the strategic plan for Europe has been reviewed and the activities and achievements of the European chapters have been disseminated at the Leadership Connection event in Indianapolis. I currently serve on the scientific and planning committees for the 3rd European Regional Conference to be held in Utrecht from 6-8 June 2016.

The European region has achieved much and is expanding as Ireland achieves honor society status.

However, there is much more to do to raise awareness and widen the membership of STTI across Europe, and support countries where there are already a number of STTI members to establish honor societies. We need to ensure that the European region meets the needs of European nurses, whilst ensuring the mission and vision of STTI is retained.

If elected, I see my role as supporting European members and being responsive to their needs, facilitating collaboration and networking both regionally and internationally, and enhancing a European identity within STTI. I will continue to ensure that the views and needs of European members are conveyed to the wider STTI membership and to the International Board.

CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – LATIN AMERICA/CARIBBEAN

Yolanda Gonzalez D NS, RN, MSN I am a doctor in nursing science and I have the ability to talk in public, intellectual, and interpersonal abilities to be a leader. I am dedicated to work and studies, I’m a very good thinker with the ability to use theory and research knowledge for practice, I am organized and bilingual (Spanish/English), and I am a good researcher, perseverant, and very friendly. I have cultivated a good network at a national and international level with professionals of different disciplines in Latin America and the Caribbean, doing multicentric and multicultural research in partnership with professors of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada (CAMH) and of the Organization of American States (OAS). Since 2007-2014, I have been an active member of the Roy Adaptation Association (RAA); 2015 member of RAA Executive Board, and Panama chapter president. In 2008 I became a member of STTI Colombia chapter.

I worked for 19 years as a nurse in surgery, medicine, adult critical care, coronary unit, and coordinating the seniors programs in the hospital and community level.

I have been working for 22 years in nursing faculty at the University of Panama in bachelor´s, master’s, and doctoral nursing programs and coordinating masters in

cardiovascular nursing program. I started the Sigma Theta Tau chapter in Panama.

If I am nominated and elected in promoting STTI, I will do the following work in a very systematic way: 1. Create academic, research, and practice network between nursing scholars of different countries of the region, and their recognition

by STTI. 2. Promote an academic support group through the network for the creation of more doctored nursing programs in the region because there are just a few in the region such as Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Panama; to enrich the knowledge and discipline of nursing.

3. Compromise in fostering network and communications with the good development of research, education, nursing practice and nursing science in Latin America and the Caribbean region.

4. My disposition to work for the development of nursing true Sigma.

All this network will enhance nursing Science as a whole for the well-being of the population.

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – LATIN AMERICA/CARIBBEAN

Juana Mercedes Gutierrez-Valverde D NS, RN, MSN, BN Juana Mercedes Gutierrez-Valverde is a professor and coordinator for Internationalization and Academic Exchange and international represent-ative of the School of Nursing at The Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL). She completed her Doctorate and Master in Nursing Science in UANL, and the bachelor’s in nursing in The Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana. She received a scholarship from The National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT) for doctoral studies. Also, she completed the Web-Based Genetics Institute, which is hosted by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and she did a research stay in the Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Nursing in Memphis, Tennessee. She took an Internationalization of the Higher Education Course with the Inter-American Organization for Higher Education.

Her principal research interests are in Diabetes Type 2 in adults and in the environment and genetics interaction in the chronic illness. She has presented her work in different forums in Latin American, Europe and North America. She has national and international publications. She is participating as co-researcher in different projects.

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Her professional experience includes serving as nurse of ER and ICU adults in Mexican´s Privates Hospitals.

She participated as a professor in the International Nursing Collaboration PhD at the University of Balearic Islands. Currently, she is a professor in the undergraduate and graduate programs in the School of Nursing at UANL. She is teaching nursing care of patients with chronic conditions in the undergraduate programs; thesis, chronicity, and self-care seminary nursing theories in master program; and models and nursing theories in the doctoral program. She is doing mentorship for research with master and doctoral nursing students as director of thesis.

She has nursing teacher certification by Mexican Council of Nursing Certification and professor certification by the Mexican Secretariat of Public Education.

She holds membership in professional organizations including International Society of Nursing in Genetics, Southern Nursing Research Society, International Orem Society for Nursing Science and Scholarship, The American Association of Diabetes Educators, and Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI). She was inducted in STTI since 2004. She received a grant from Giving Circle of Delta Chapter to attend the Leadership Forum of STTI in 2012. As well, she was a member of the Globalization Task Force of STTI 2011-2013. Actually, she is a Regional Coordinator for Latin & South America/ Caribbean (2013-2015) of STT and she is part of the Board of Directors of Tau Alpha Chapter as secretary.

CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – MIDDLE EAST

Myrna Doumit P hD, MPH, BSN I am one of the founding board members for the Chi Iota Chapter at the American University of Beirut, School of Nursing. I am also member of the Epsilon Phi Chapter, Duquesne University. I have been a nursing faculty for around 26 years. I have a PhD in nursing, a post master’s degree in nursing education, a master in public health, diploma in educational management and leadership, and a bachelor of science in nursing, and currently I am the assistant dean at the Lebanese American University School of Nursing. Recently, I was elected vice president of the Scientific Committee of Arab Schools of Nursing and Midwifery. During my 26 years of teaching nursing I was always close to students. As nursing club advisor every year we plan for social and educational activities.

I am a people’s person. Therefore, if I am elected to this position I would like to see more chapters in the Middle East area and I could help with my experience as a founding member of the Chi Iota in helping societies to develop into chapters.

In addition I would like also to have more collaboration among chapters in order to unify effort and enthuse members to be active and involved. In summary, I would like to keep the STTI Middle East chapters alive, active, and visible through healthy competitions, conferences, and collaborative meetings.

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – OCEANIA

Helen Edwards P hD, RN, BA, BA(Hons), FAAN, FACN, OAM I have been a nurse for 42 years having held academic appointments for 32 years.

I have served on numerous national and international committees and currently am a director on the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council Board and a board director of the largest hospital and health service in Queensland. I also served as HOS of Nursing for Queensland’s largest university nursing course.

I hold a Diploma of Applied Science, Bachelor of Arts and a PhD. My current position is assistant dean – international and engagement – for the faculty of health, Queensland University of Technology. Due to my work related to nursing education in the Asia-Pacific area I hold honorary professorships at three universities in China and Vietnam and a visiting professorship in the UK. As a nursing leader, I significantly increased the international profile of the school in relation to international student engagement and research. I also spent time in the Solomon Islands and Vietnam assisting nurse educators to update their curricula to meet regional standards. I am a very active researcher and currently oversee a large federally funded wound management research program. I have been an invited speaker at numerous conferences in the Oceania and Asia-Pacific area and have supervised Masters and PhD students from countries including Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, and Taiwan - so I have a great interest in international healthcare. In recognition

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of my influence and work in nursing education and research I was awarded an Order of Australia Medal by the Australian Government in 2012. I have also been inducted into the STTI Researcher Hall of Fame and admitted as a Fellow of the American Academy of the Nursing. I am currently a member of the Leadership Advisory Council of STTI and have been a fellow of the Australian College of Nursing since 1980.

I had major leadership role overseeing the organisation of the STTI Chapter-at-Large to be established at QUT, Brisbane, and Australia. The chapter has been very successful with other universities joining. This stimulated greater interest in STTI and its work. My application for this role is very consistent with my current international and national role and my commitment to professional leadership. I am in a position where I can champion the mission of STTI and encourage members to be actively involved. More importantly I would support chapter leaders and members to develop and achieve their strategic plan and actions. My style of leadership is based on engagement and facilitation and working with people to achieve the outcomes they consider relevant and achievable. I would encourage the chapters in the region to consider the sense of community they want to build in their region. I would also very much like to work with the chapter leaders to ensure the Oceania Region establishes their vision for the future of nursing that will advance global health and thus be involved in the GAPFON initiative. If appointed, I would place this role as a priority on my professional leadership plan.

CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – OCEANIA

Eleanor Horton P hD, RN, M Hlth Sc, B Hlth Sc, Ad Dip Nsg I am a registered nurse with work experience in Australia, England, and New Zealand. I have teaching experience in both undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programs in Queensland, New South Wales, and New Zealand. I completed my postgraduate studies in New Zealand and Australia.

I have an advanced diploma in nursing, a certificate in professional leadership and adult and tertiary teaching, a bachelor in health science (nursing), a master’s in health science (nursing) and a doctor of philosophy.

My management and clinical experience spans the public and private health and community sectors. I have been employed as operating theatre supervisor, a director of an aged care facility and in the management of a large nonprofit community organization. I have been program leader of undergraduate and postgraduate programs and courses in schools of nursing and for faculty-wide programs.

I have coordinated the nursing programs at satellite campuses and have established a new nursing campus at a satellite campus and coordinated nursing program delivery. I have served terms on various university boards and committees.

I was involved with women’s healthcare in New Zealand and served on the Board of Directors for the International Council for Women’s Health Issues. I have also served on the Executive Board for the Philosophy of Education Society of Australasia, provided editorial reviewing for nursing journals and text books and education conference papers, and review for research grants and awards.

My history includes consumer involvement and advocacy in healthcare and I am on national and state stroke organizations.

I am deputy chairperson of the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service District Consumer Advisory Group. I am chair of a rehabilitation consumer group that is assisting the health service with the transition process of moving from a small rehabilitation service to a new tertiary hospital rehabilitation service.

My research areas are care of the older client, rehabilitation and the politics of difference in nursing.

I was a founding member and am currently president of the Phi Delta–at-Large Chapter and member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Oceania Region Members.

If I was successful in being elected to this position I would develop a regional conference and use this opportunity to highlight and celebrate those that we have successfully been inducted into the Researcher Hall of Fame. I envisage the conference to have a student component as many of our students do not continue with their membership post registration but if we had a forum where they could present as students or new graduates then we may be able to keep more of them involved in the chapters.

I would canvas all chapters and if possible develop and implement a service plan of action for the region. It has been my experience that when service is targeted it is more likely to be successful and achieve good outcomes. My passion is advocating for quality healthcare for all and for increasing the visible presence of STTI in the Oceania Region.

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 1

Fang-Yu Chou P hD, RN It is my honor to be nominated as the candidate for the North American-Region 1 Coordinator position. I have been a STTI active member since 1998 and am affiliated with three different chapters (including the Asian and Northern American Region 1) during my membership tenure with the STTI. I have experience in serving various roles for the STTI in the national, regional, and chapter levels, including chapter president, chapter vice president, chapter secretary, chapter treasurer, chapter program planning chair, regional program planning member, and STTI research grants and abstract reviewers for the research congresses. Additionally, I have leadership experience in my academic work institution and other national association in various roles such as committee chair, coordinator, and faculty senator to contribute strategic planning, decision-making, and shared governance. I consider myself as an analytical thinker who makes decisions to deliver the best possible outcomes based on the maximum information received while planning the execution within available resources.

I carry out my work in a reliable, organized, and collaborative matter.

I embrace and value multiculturalism, diversity, and cultural humility highly and consider them as part of my personal and professional philosophy. These values are humbly influenced by my cross-continental educational background and personal background as an immigrant.

These values are reflected in some of my professional

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experiences. In addition to my past experience as nurse educator in Asia and current nurse educator in the U.S., I had different international experience for scholarship collaboration, including Fulbright exchange scholar in the Asian region, and research collaboration in Puerto Rico. I also served to help promote diversity and transculturalism in Oncology Nursing Society and in my work institution (San Francisco State University). I believe altruism and humility are the keys to establish sustaining diversity and multiculturalism. These are the principles that I follow when I decide to serve and contribute in any role and capacity.

If elected as the Region 1 Coordinator, I believe I can contribute to the STTI strategic planning by providing perspectives, derived from my personal attributes and experience serving at the local chapter and professional experience, to help advance the STTI’s mission of global nursing education and scholarship and the strategic plan stipulated by the society executive committee. I foresee myself to be an active contributor to work along with all chapter leaders in our Region 1 and regional committee executive to: 1.) promote professional collaboration and networking at the regional-regional, chapter-chapter, and member-member levels, and 2.) to foster scholarship, quality nursing education, and multiculturalism by cultivating the diverse expertise and resources from all chapters in the Region 1. I look forward to have the opportunity to serve as the Regional Coordinator and work with the chapter leaders in our Region 1.

CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 1

Juli Maxworthy D NP, RN, MSN, MBA, CNL, CPHQ, CPPS, CHSE Welcome to the 2015 Biennium Meeting here in Las Vegas Home of Region 1!

First, I want to thank you for taking the time to read a little about me. I know we are all busy and obviously you have a genuine interest in finding out about the candidates for Region 1 Coordinator. So let me tell you a little about myself.

I feel fortunate to have been a nurse for 30 years. During those years I have had multiple roles ranging from frontline staff in critical care to Vice President of Quality/ Risk to my current role as an assistant professor and department chair. As you are probably aware, one of the gifts of the nursing profession is the flexibility to move from one area to another when one has passion about the profession and an interest in personal growth.

Having been the Region 1 Coordinator for the past biennium has been one of the highlights of my career and that is why I am running again to continue my work. Region 1 now has Gmail, Facebook and Twitter accounts as a way to connect with members. We have expanded the use of The Circle which has provided another means to connect chapters. We had a successful research conference in 2014 and are co-sponsoring a pre-conference here at biennium. We sponsored a trip to Barcelona and hope to have another one in 2016. The regional quarterly video calls have provided the ability for chapters to connect and

share their experiences and to gain support with the roundtable discussions that occur during our calls.

At the local level I have been seriously involved with STTI for the past decade, when, as a recent graduate student became the Leadership Intern (2005-2007) for the Nu Xi-at-Large Chapter. My next role within the chapter was president elect (2007-2009), then president (2009-2011). I have been Succession Planning chair (2011-2013) and a faculty counselor for the Beta Gamma Chapter (2013-2015). I have kept myself involved at the local level to stay in touch with the day to day workings of a chapter.

At the International level I had the opportunity to run for Treasurer in 2009 but did not successfully win. However, I was asked to become part of the STTI Foundation Board where I served from 2009-2011 as Chair of the Fellows Committee and the Chair of the Foundation Board (2011-2013). The opportunity to serve STTI in that capacity was an honor and a privilege. I then proceeded to successfully obtain my current role as Region 1 Coordinator. All these experiences have cemented my commitment to the organization for the rest of my nursing career!

I would be honored to receive your vote. Please feel free to contact me at withmax@comcast.net should you have any questions or comments.

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 2

Dorothy Dunn P hD, RN, FNP-BC, AHN-BC Dr. Dunn has been an active member of Sigma Theta Tau International for many years. She has served as president-elect for Iota Xi at Florida Atlantic University and currently is serving as president for Lambda Omicron at Northern Arizona University. She is the 2013-2015 Region 2 Coordinator and is running for a second term. As Regional Coordinator, communication as connection is a priority. Dr. Dunn

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and the Region 2 Committee have successfully opened communication to STTI chapters of West Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California via the fall and spring newsletter and use of The Circle. At both the chapter and region levels, global health is a passion for Dr. Dunn. Connections with chapter leaders are a must to disseminate and share strengths and challenges of improving health of the world’s people, all members of North America Region 2, and for all of Sigma Theta Tau International.

CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 2

Shirley Evers-Manly P hD, RN, MSN, FAAN Shirley D. Evers-Manly, PhD, MSN, RN, FAAN, serves as the associate dean for administration at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, (CDU) a Historical Black and Hispanic serving institution, Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing (MMDSON).

She has won numerous prestigious awards for her accomplishments and contributions to the community and to nursing. She is an internationally recognized expert in oncology nursing within the context of public and community health. For over 30 years, she continues to make significant contributions in the areas of service and activism, advocating for policies that ensure early cancer detection and screening to eliminate health disparities and inequities. She gives voice to those who feel they have no voice. Recently, she was recognized for her leadership by Congresswomen Barbara Lee and Donna Christensen for her role to help promote First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden’s initiative to provide nursing care to veterans and their families. She works diligently with politicians, hospital administrators, and public health officials to advance health worldwide. Her work with the Bay Area Black Nurses Association, for which she served as author of the organization’s global outreach programs, has been instrumental in advancing the practice of public and community health nursing throughout the world.

Dr. Evers-Manly’s understanding of underserved populations and designing and implementing innovative programs that focus on health promotion and illness prevention enrich the public’s well-being and brings a humanistic approach to strategic, quality and cost-effective healthcare—leadership assets and skills. Dr. Evers-Manly is an intelligent, dynamic,

innovative, visionary, and creative individual. She exudes energy. When people are around her, they feel energized, renewed and feel that they can make a difference. She has the ability to motivate and make you believe in what you are doing—that the work is not greater than you. She is the consummate administrator, teacher, practitioner, and researcher.

In addition to being at CDU MMDSON, she holds a faculty position at the University of California, San Francisco, where she served for three years as the Assistant Dean of Academic Services and Diversity Enhancement and is the past president of the Sigma Theta Tau International Alpha Eta Chapter and the vice chairperson of the board of trustees for the East LA Hospital. She received her BS Nursing and MS Nursing degrees at Samuel Merritt School of Nursing and PhD at the University of California at San Francisco School of Nursing.

My Goals are as follows: • Mentor, educate, and support chapter leaders and advise them on how to overcome the challenges chapters face in their day-to-day operations.

• Help chapters engage new members and stay connected with long term members.

• Work with the chapter leaders by advancing initiatives that meet the needs of the honor society and by facilitating collaboration opportunities for members within the region and within the STTI organization • Help chapters to gain visibility within community and help them recognize and showcase the local and regional work they do • Help chapters facilitate strategic and session planning

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 3

Karen Gorton P hD, RN, MS, ATC Karen Gorton has been a member of Sigma Theta Tau International since 2002.

During this time, she has not only worked in the hospital environment, but within academia. Presently, Dr. Gorton is with the University of Colorado College Of Nursing since 2013. She currently serves as the assistant dean of undergraduate programs as well as an assistant professor. Prior to her work at the University of Colorado, she was within the School of Nursing at the University of Northern Colorado for five years, with responsibilities ranging from doctoral research fellow, to assistant professor and for 12 months serving as the assistant director for undergraduate programs. Karen also spent five years at Carroll College (now University) as an assistant professor, and concurrently served in administrative roles for three years. Prior to entering academia, she was an emergency department nurse for one of the busiest emergency departments in Wisconsin.

As I seek re-election as the Regional Coordinator, I realize the amazing work that has gone on within Region 3. I have had the opportunity to work with various chapters on strategic planning, be present at inductions, and be present at chartering ceremonies.

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What a privilege and honor it is to see all the amazing work that is done within our region. During the past two years, I have come to appreciate our diversity, commitment to nursing, servant leadership, and connectedness. I would like the opportunity to continue to serve chapters in our region as we seek to: become better connected within the region; grow and develop as unique chapters; refine and develop strategic plans; attend chapter meetings; share experiences and opportunities across the region; and facilitate regional transformation.

I believe these past two years have allowed me to work with an evaluation committee from across the region as we evaluate applications for not only the Showcase of Regional Excellence and for the Chapter Key Award applications outside of our own region. I would like to continue to develop a meaningful committee structure to meet the needs of Region 3. I would also like the opportunity to continue to develop increased communications within Region 3 via The Circle for all of the chapter leadership within Region 3. While these are my goals, I would like to hear from chapter leaders what their goals for our region are prior to establishing any formal regional goals.

CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 4

Roberta Pawlak P hD, RN, NEA-BC It is with deep enthusiasm that I run for the office of North America Region 4 Coordinator. I have been an active member of STT (now STTI) for 35 years, inducted through my baccalaureate nursing program to Zeta Nu Chapter in Buffalo, NY. I began my involvement on the local board, and continued my service in my local Chapter, Beta Eta-at-Large in Madison, Wis., where I have held various positions over the past 14 years including vice president, bylaws chair, counselor, delegate and president and past-president. I have participated in the Region 4 Committee and have presented at several STTI Conventions. Chapter level work has strengthened induction levels of new members (750+), established and maintained scholarships for nursing practice and research; contributed to the schools of nursing through building and scholarship funds, and produced many educational offerings. I have served as Region 4 Coordinator for the past two years, and would like an opportunity to continue my work in serving chapters in our region, strengthening our community through networking and peer mentorship as we apply resources available through STTI. My professional career has included an extensive clinical background in pediatric nursing, education, and leadership. The past 16 years I have been a nurse educator and administrator at Edgewood College, Madison, Wis., where I have taught in the undergraduate and graduate nursing administration programs, recently introducing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in leadership.

My background includes work on numerous committees (operational, regulatory and strategic) in both practice and education.

I have completed the STTI Leadership Institute, a Graduate Fellowship through the Maternal & Child Health Bureau, and served in an elected board position for the Council on Graduate Education for Administration in Nursing (CGEAN), where I hold the position of VP of Membership and Bylaws. All of these experiences have awarded me the opportunity to develop leadership and strategic skills I am hoping to continue to apply to the elected position North America Region 4 Coordinator.

Service at the chapter and regional levels has enhanced my awareness of the challenges chapters have with chapter health including membership engagement and strategic direction. If re-elected to the North America Region 4 Coordinator position, my role would be to contribute to and support Region 4 chapters in these areas, which are foundations for chapter sustainability and growth. I look forward to growing my involvement in chapter leadership support, continuing to build a stronger regional connection. I appreciate your vote consideration, and look forward to the opportunity to serve!

Thank you.

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 5

Lynda Bartlett M S/MBA, RN, BSN I am currently the patient care manager of the Clinical Resource Center at the University of Chicago Medical Center where we provide nursing care at the bedside to research subjects participating in a wide variety of studies. The center is a combined adult and pediatric unit that currently supports more than 70 different research protocols from diverse disciplines, including pediatric and adult endocrinology, psychiatry, clinical pharmacology, molecular genetics, pulmonology, transplant, and surgery. I am a member of the Nursing Research Committee where I review nursing research protocols and assist in the planning of the annual nursing research symposium. I also serve on the IRB at the University of Chicago where I review research protocols for continuing review. During Nursing Grand Rounds, I presented “Neonatal Diabetes: A Model for Personalized Genetic Health Care.”

Since 2005, I have been an adjunct faculty member in the School of Nursing at Saint Xavier University; I teach the Nursing Care of the Adult Clinical Practicum. The students participate in mock codes using simulation and they provide nursing care to patients with complex disease. Throughout their clinical experience I encourage them to critically think and prioritize the care of their assigned patient. I also serve on the alumni board and adjunct faculty council for Saint Xavier University.

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I have participated in a medical mission with the Diocese of Joliet in Sucre, Bolivia where we cared for patients after surgery with a variety of conditions such as cleft lip repair and hip replacements. I have also observed healthcare systems in Cuba, Jordan, and Croatia.

I have been actively involved with STTI at the chapter level since 2003. I have served as president, vice president, leadership succession committee, and governance chair. I have helped coordinate many chapter events and have mentored many new board members to their various roles. At the International level, I am currently contributing towards becoming a Virginia Henderson Fellow, I am a part of the Region 5 Coordinating Committee for Award Judging, and have also participated in the 2015 International Award Judging. I am also a contributing author to Night Shift Nursing: Savvy Solutions for a Healthy Lifestyle, a book that is published by STTI. If elected to my position, I hope to increase regional connections, communication and collaboration between chapters within Region 5, provide chapter assistance with the development of strategic plans, act as a liason between STTI and chapters and members, increase active membership involvement, and work effectively with the regional committee.

CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 6

Lucindra Campbell-Law PhD, ANP, PMHNP-BC I have been a nurse over 30 years in various settings however, my current practice as a behavioral health psychiatric nurse/adult nurse practitioner is with a population of military service members preparing for or returning from deployment. The focus is identifying and referral for treatment those service members who may have post-traumatic stress (PTSD) or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) I have been involved with STTI ever since I was inducted in 1994 into the Eta Phi Chapter. I currently have dual membership in the Eta Phi and Zeta Pi Chapters. At the chapter level, I have served in various board positions including president, governance committee chair, faculty counselor and leadership succession committee chair.

As current governance chair of my chapter, I was able to support leadership development in the Eta Phi Chapter.

Our “Reach One” communication plan helped to increase new membership and re-engagement of board members and members.

I served on Sigma Theta Tau International Service Institute Task Force in 2009-2011. The committee was charged with furthering the creation of a STTI service institute, to identify strategies for increased recognition of members engaged in service activities, and identify nonprofit service organizations which were related to STTI’s identified global priorities

Peavy, School of Nursing named the University of St. Thomas Honor Society of Nursing. In December of 2014 we held our first induction and inducted 32 undergraduate students and community leaders. Our ultimate goal is to submit application for charter in 2016. This is what one board member had to say about my leadership: “Dr. Campbell-Law many years of experience as president and chair will undoubtedly serve to lead the chapter and its newest board members in the right direction.”

The new honor society has become very active on a global level by partnering with the Bethel’s Global Reach “Helping Haiti” missions. One faculty board member will be taking five nursing students to Haiti in August 2015 to serve on a medical mission. The group will be donating medical supplies and “Mama Packs” items for pregnant mothers and newborn babies.

My goal as Region 6 Coordinator is to carry on the tradition of supporting Region 6 chapter leaders through the following means: Facilitate chapter-tochapter networking and collaboration opportunities within Region 6 and STTI; I will work with existing chapters and new chapters and collaborate with chapter leaders to meet the needs of the chapters and fulfill the mission of the honor society.

In addition to my leadership role in the Eta Phi Chapter, I spearheaded the development of a new honor society in 2013 at the University of St. Thomas, Carol and Odis

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 6

Theresa Kyzar P hD(c), RN, MSN, MBA I believe Region 6 is very dynamic, fast growing, and innovative in its contribution to Sigma Theta Tau International. Serving as the Region 6 Coordinator would truly be a great honor! As a very active member in STTI and other nursing organizations for many years, I have successfully served as the Beta Chi Chapter’s vice president, president-elect, delegate, and as the recent president.

I was also appointed to the STTI Global Health Strategies Task Force and served as the ad hoc chair—Global Health Education Subcommittee (2010-2012). I am currently a member of the STTI Region 6 Committee.

In each of these leadership roles, I have been honored to associate and collaborate with the many talents of other chapter leaders and embrace their unique diversity as part of a larger outreach effort to establish the annual STTI Regional Conference in Region 6. This has become a very successful event and has continued to grow and expand with an increasing number of chapters taking part each year. I truly enjoy working with other chapters by serving as a mentor to build professional bridges to promote collaboration and resource sharing to encourage increased STTI member participation in Region 6.

I have an extensive background with over 25 years of progressive experience in nursing academics, executive management, quality improvement, risk and regulatory compliance, accreditation procedures, and bioethics.

I am an academic leadership fellow with the American Association for Colleges of Nursing and I have been honored with other national nursing organizational

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appointments. I have worked as a member to the National Education Committee (2007-2009) for the American Organization for Nurse Executives (AONE).

I also received an appointment to the AONE International Committee (2009-2011) that focused on assisting nations such as Croatia, Romania, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar with establishing nursing leadership competencies as part of their education curriculum and training programs. I enjoy serving as a frequent speaker and guest lecturer at many educational events. Currently, I am a doctoral candidate and anticipate completing my PhD in early 2016. I am an active member of the ANA, AWHONN, and the American Society for Humanities and Bioethics.

STTI is a unique, positive force in the world that honors nursing’s past, present, and future through educational empowerment and the pursuit of knowledge.

STTI contributes to the betterment of health for people from all nations. When nurses move themselves forward using the gift of learning to serve others, they truly advance the world. I will bring my diverse experiences to respectfully honor and build upon the positive contributions of prior regional leaders. I believe in the importance of relationship mentoring for new (and future) chapter, regional, and international nursing leaders. I want to contribute my talents to STTI’s geographic outreach by supporting the positive growth and increased involvement of chapters in Region 6. This includes supporting CE events and building community service involvement by advocating for the needs of the underserved, seeking opportunities for mutuality and inclusiveness among cultures and increasing nursing diversity throughout STTI.

CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 7

Linda Streit P hD, RN As a member of the nursing community, my skills and talents center on the ability to organize teams and develop leaders. Over the course of my career, I have found that Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) has been instrumental in both my personal and professional development. Since becoming a member in 1983, I have attended all but one biennial convention. In addition, I have attended STTI conferences in Greece, Taiwan, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. As a member of STTI for over 30 years, I continue to maintain and affirm my commitment to the vision and mission of the organization. I have held nearly every officer position at the chapter level. Over the last 10 to 20 years, I have worked to become more involved at the international level. Through positions such as serving as a delegate, a volunteer to judge awards, working to support the organization through sponsorship, service as a volunteer at conventions, and currently serving in the role of North America Region 7 Coordinator (RCC), I feel I have been involved in many aspects of the organization.

Each and every role in the STTI organization has led me to gain satisfaction through involvement as a dedicated member. I also support STTI through giving and becoming a Virginia Henderson Fellow.

My position in nursing began through employment in the emergency department as a new graduate nurse. Since this time, I became clinically proficient in critical care areas and later extended my knowledge and experience in oncology. Throughout my career I have enjoyed

teaching and I began to prepare for an academic career by advancing my education. I currently serve in the dean position which does not remove me from teaching, since all aspects of my position affect teaching and the development of faculty. I have also learned how to develop successful academic programs and I have been able to support those programs through writing and attaining over $3 million in education, training, and program grant funding.

It has been my privilege to serve as the 2013-2015 Region 7 Coordinator for STTI; an experience that has allowed me to realize the needs of members within the organization. Through my RCC role, I have been able to begin to experience the many varied and common chapter struggles. Assisting chapters through service and support is an integral component of my current role. If re-elected to the North America Region 7 Coordinator position, I will work to continue to actively engage area chapters, support the needs of the chapters, and serve as a supporter of the grassroots member. Through my interaction with members of chapters in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Puerto Rico, I feel I have been able to extend assistance and support at a higher level. I have been able to learn so much from all of fellow members and colleagues throughout the region. I would be pleased to continue this professional service through the 2015-2017 term.

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 8

Sonja Fuqua P hD, RNC-E By way of introduction, I am a charter (1986) member of Theta Beta Chapter at the University Of Mississippi School Of Nursing and the current North American Region 8 Coordinator. I have served in many other roles across the years…including chapter president and STTI convention delegate on numerous occasions. I have also submitted Chapter Key Award and Showcase of Regional Excellence applications that resulted in awards. Professionally, I have served in many leadership positions including management of employees. I have been responsible for coordinating programs, and implementing grants. This has honed my skills in pulling things/people together to meet the goals of a shared vision.

A vital role of the Region Coordinator is to establish and/ or maintain cohesiveness of the chapters of the region and to support individual chapter health processes. Our Region 8 Committee has been very active in that regard.

During my tenure as president-elect of Theta Beta Chapter (2006-2008), I became an active member of our region’s committee and remained until taking on the role of Region 8 Coordinator and leader of the committee. I have participated in the regularly scheduled conference calls, attended each Region 8 conference, served on the conference committee,

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presented at two of the conferences, chaired the Region 8 awards committee, served as judge for CKA and SRE, and worked closely with the region’s chapter leaders to promote the mission of STTI. In so doing, I believe that I have established a sense of the role, met my goal for the term, and established resources and relationships to assist me moving forward.

If re-elected, I would like to continue the work that we are doing in Region 8. We have an active chapter leader’s group that networks, supports one another, and shares “pearls of wisdom” during scheduled conference calls and Circle postings. Region 8 established the inaugural group of membership ambassadors and set the model for same for STTI. They take the initiative for a regional project and present at our regional conferences. Under the direction of our appointed membership ambassador coordinator, I want to see this group continue to grow and flourish. I will strive for even more cohesion between the region’s chapters, work with struggling chapters on chapter development and retention, and support ongoing health of those chapters that are doing well.

My role will not stop at the chapter level, I’ll continue to serve as a liaison between chapters and international to ensure that information flows both ways and chapters stay on track with STTI rules, regulations, and deliverables.

CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 8

Katherine Pendleton-Romig D NP, RN, MSN My nursing career began in 1980 as an LPN. Continuing my education, I earned additional degrees including ADN, BSN, and MSN. In 2012 I completed a DNP in nursing administration and academic nursing education at Samford University. In 2009, my professional work shifted from the bedside to academic nursing education.

In 2008, I was inducted into Xi Alpha Chapter, currently serving as the publicity committee chair. I served on the governance committee from 2012-2014. In 2014, I became a member of Iota Beta Chapter and currently serve as the vice president.

If elected as the Region 8 Coordinator, my main goal will center on engaging members throughout the region to accomplish regional objectives set forth by STTI. My leadership style embraces the philosophy of servant leadership. It will be my mission to involve Region 8 members in the work to be done. As the Region 8 Coordinator, I will be visible and promote transparency related to development of regional goals. My paramount goal in serving Region 8 involves including members. It’s not about me...it’s about we!

I served as the co-chair of the planning committee for the 2014 Region 8 Conference.

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 9

Carolyn Hart P hD, RN, CNE After many years working as a trauma neurosurgical intensive care nurse, I obtained my PhD and moved to the world of academe. My membership in Sigma Theta Tau International provided the resources necessary to transition from an expert bedside nurse to having a leadership role in education. I received a Sigma Theta Tau International/National League for Nursing Grant to fund my dissertation, and was awarded an education grant to attend my first biennial convention. While at the convention, I experienced first-hand the sincere effort of Sigma members to mentor nurses in their career and learned about the resources available to support career progression. I applied and was accepted as one of 16 nurses into the Nurse Faculty Leadership Academy. Currently, I am one of six nurses who has been selected to attend the 1st Emerging Educational Administrator Institute. These opportunities have allowed me to rise in my profession, and as a result of my NFLP experience, I moved to another state to open a new department of nursing and create undergraduate and graduate nursing programs for Wilson College. I have received many benefits through my association with STTI, and it is now time to give back.

I am honored to be nominated for a position as the North America Region 9 Coordinator. As a Coordinator, I would be able to advance many of the issues that I think are key to STTI’s continued success. I believe support of strong and active chapters working to

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increase membership, knowledge of the benefits of membership, and active participation in the organization is essential. This would be accomplished by listening to concerns and helping others to focus actions on mutually established goals. As I understand from my personal experiences, members of Sigma can reach out to other nurses to ensure that they are aware of the benefits of belonging to STTI. One major benefit of Sigma is that our organization has the resources to support a nurse over their career and can support growth in any direction and over a lifetime. I believe in the power of personal relationships in mentoring other nurses to understand how Sigma can help them achieve career growth. In turn, this contributes to a strong organization with participating members. As a Regional Coordinator, it would be my responsibility to provide my area chapter leaders with the support they need to ensure their chapter is a vibrant and viable organization.

I think I bring enthusiasm, dedication, and an inclusive outlook to Sigma. I am able to foster enthusiasm and to recognize and celebrate the achievements of others which contributes to a strong and energetic chapter.

Leadership starts with listening, respect, and a solutionoriented attitude. I believe in vision, but it is just as important to develop logical steps to implement agreed-upon goals. I enjoy the challenge of creating an implementation process that encourages participants to use their creativity and passion in working together to achieve our desired outcomes.

CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 9

Patricia O’Malley P hD, RN, CNS, CCRN Emeritus I am grateful to STTI for the opportunity to run again for Region 9 Coordinator. The first term was rocky. However, patience of Region 9 leaders as well as the understanding and compassion of STTI leadership, I was able to serve as able while healing. There are no words to really express my gratitude for this.

Now that I am well, I hope to serve a second term if Region 9 members want me to and complete the work I promised in 2013. If not, I understand and will serve the newly elected Coordinator. This role is amazing, complex and rewarding! Meeting members, learning about work and dedication, you realize how precious STTI membership is.

I have been a member of STTI since 1984. I have been privileged to serve as chapter president, vice president, secretary and various board committees. Other experiences include Chapter Key Award preparation, mentoring students and publications. I participated in the life of Region 9 by attending chapter events & symposia, induction speaker, and consultation for strategic planning, Chapter Key Award, and identification of resources. Region 9 has so very much talent and treasure to offer the STTI community and the world!

Region 9 has dreams for the future!

One experience this term was life changing for me. All of us have had the opportunity to summarize evaluations from a conference or seminar we have planned or provided. This past year, as part of my work with the Southern Ohio Northern Kentucky or SONK Consortium

of Region 9, I was reviewing the participant evaluations from the February meeting. The speaker was Dr. Betty Ferrell who graciously came for the day to present the emerging paradigms in palliative and end of life care for nursing science and practice. This conference came to be from our committee members hearing Dr. Ferrell speak at the biennium. We wanted our region to hear what we heard at the biennium. We invited Dr. Ferrell and were so happy for her acceptance and support.

The evaluations said it all; “thank you to the persons who planned this day and brought Dr. Ferrell here; I want you to know – this day has changed my life forever”; “I didn’t know you could heal while dying, I didn’t know what I wanted to do in nursing- but I do now”; I am so glad I am a nurse”; “Thank you for having this day and changing my life.” This is just a small sample of the participants’ responses. I was changed again as well.

Can you see??? STTI changes lives! STTI chapters’ support of members brings meaning and depth to the nursing journey as well as outcomes we cannot even imagine. Mentoring, supporting, educating, planning, providing under STTI’s leadership, mission and goals are gift for all of us as well as the nurses and communities we serve.

Reflect now on how you have impacted others in your STTI journey and give thanks! And thanks for considering me again for Region 9 Coordinator.

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 10

Mary Graiver M SN, RN I received my BSN from Saint John College of Cleveland and began my nursing career at University Hospitals of Cleveland in Medical-Surgical Nursing. Subsequently I attended Case Western Reserve University and received my MSN. I have been a member of STTI since I was inducted into the Alpha Mu Chapter at Case-Western Reserve University in 1978. Shortly thereafter I began teaching at Saginaw Valley State University in a new BSN Nursing program with many first time educators. I have traveled the ranks from instructor to associate professor. In December of 2014 I retired from my academic position.

As a member of STTI for 37 years, I have been active over the past 30 years first with the development of our honor society, Theta Chi, followed by many officer positions over the years. I have served as president three times which involves being the president–elect for two years prior. I also have served as counselor. Chapter health has always been a major concern for me. I have had the experience of attending many of the conventions and have always believed that STTI was the best of all organizations in nursing. Currently I am the North American Region 10 Coordinator.

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I believe that with my experience over the past years with STTI I can continue to support chapter health as the Region 10 Coordinator. I have listened to the needs of my chapters, mentored others, and initiated change.

I am also in a stage of my career where I can be more of a mentor by sharing my experiences and listening to the needs and successes of other chapters. I will also continue to support our regional conference held every two years that brings together leaders from all over Region 10.

Based upon the above I believe that I can continue to serve the individuals of Region 10 and especially mentor future leaders. Assisting chapters to meet the goals of STTI is a challenge which can be attained by collaboration with the chapters, listening to their ideas and concerns and sharing this information with all to assist and support the chapters of Region 10. With my experience I can continue to serve as the liaison between all the chapters in Region 10 and STTI. I will also continue to encourage the use of The Circle as a means of communication. Finally, I will continue to support the biennial Region 10 conferences first begun in 2010 that brings together all of the chapters to network, share research and scholarly activities all of which are vital to our mission.

CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 11

Dorette (Dee) Welk P hD, RN, MSN I am honored to have the opportunity to serve STTI and Region 11 chapter leaders as your Regional Coordinator. Since serving in the RC position in 20092011, I have deepened and broadened my knowledge about STTI through service both on the International Board of Directors and as Chair of the Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee (2011-2013). In these roles, I increased my working knowledge of the full spectrum of the honor society’s benefits and resources.

I look forward to returning to the grassroots of STTI in Pennsylvania and New York and sharing what I know and understand in practical down-to-earth ways. What we don’t readily know, we will find out from the excellent STTI staff and website!

An RC has four responsibilities: serve as a representative of STTI, facilitate regional connections and collaborations through chapter leader calls, webinars, and use of Region 11 Officers Connect on The Circle, lead the Regional Committee, and provide chapter assistance with development of strategic plans. The RC is the “wind beneath the wings” of chapter leaders who have the direct contact and influence on chapter members in their career development through implementation of the strategic plan. But even strong wings or best intentions are not sufficient if a chapter leader has questions about a role or the chapter board could benefit from some additional knowledge and direction that can result in growth. That’s a “let’s call on Dee!” moment that I trust will occur! Let me know what may ground “your wings” so that I may individualize my efforts with your chapter to take it to a new level with you.

As RC, I will challenge each chapter to do something in 2015-2017 that represents such a growth outcome. I will promote and support each chapter’s efforts to collaborate with at least one other chapter and/or co-sponsoring agency for a program or event. If you are already doing this collaboration, we will explore other ideas for expansion of your strategic plans. We will enact STTI initiatives designed for our growth.

True, we are starting this biennium from different points in our histories, accomplishments, finances, and future plans. Together, we will take what has been good and make it better. We will identify what “could be” and make it happen. We will energize one another as nurses do to maintain and infuse vitality into the chapter board rooms through our improved knowledge of our own elected or appointed roles and STTI resources to help nurses to advance their career goals.

An STTI member for 41 years, I hold membership in Eta and Theta Zeta. I currently serve as a career advisor, circle facilitator, and member of the Chapter Charter Review Committee, International Wartime Nurse Heroes Task Force, Region 11 Coordinating Committee, and Eta Governance Committee. I served in this biennium as a judge for several international awards. A long-time nurse educator with an adult health clinical focus, I serve on two university advisory committees. My current research relates to good work in nursing.

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 12

Janice Agazio P hD, RN, CRNP, FAANP, FAAN I have been honored to serve as Region 12 Coordinator for this biennium and to be seeking re-election for the next biennium. I am an ordinary professor at The Catholic University of America in the School of Nursing and assistant dean for doctoral programs. I have been at CUA since 2004 after serving on the faculty at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and after retiring from the Army Nurse Corps after 22 years of active duty service in 2000. My clinical background is in pediatric nursing and I am certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner. I maintain an active program of research focusing upon the impact of deployment on military families, children, and military nurses.

I joined Sigma Theta Tau in 1978 as a charter member of Gamma Omicron and have maintained active membership since that time transferring to Kappa Chapter when I began my master’s program in 1984 and adding membership in Tau Theta as I helped with their charter while at USUHS. I have an extensive background in holding leadership positions at the local, regional, state, and national levels in nursing organizations and have served twice as president at the chapter level, first for Tau Theta and currently for Kappa Chapter My goals if elected: 1. Continue to build community: This past biennium, I worked to connect with other chapters in the Region 12 area through reaching out to chapter leadership, participating in the two consortia, attending several inductions, and holding conference calls with chapter

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leaders. I would continue to reach out to all the chapters in our region for joint activities and chapter development. I have experience in mentoring and building coalitions in other organizations and would bring my energy and enthusiasm in providing support to our region’s chapters in meeting the goals of STTI. We have many opportunities to expand our activities and use our telecommunication connections to build our regional community.

2. Promotion of shared scholarship: This biennium we continued our revitalization of the Chesapeake Consortium to hold a 2014 conference with plans for another in early fall 2015 with support from the DC metro area chapters. My goals would include continuing the build our alliances for future conferences, support both the TriState and Chesapeake Consortia in our region, and to collaborate and build scholarship in our region.

Moving STTI’s global mission forward: I began to build networks with RCC’s in other regions during this biennium and would seek out more opportunities for global collaboration if re-elected. As Regional Coordinator, I will continue to seek out opportunities for global outreach in research, coalition building, and leadership development with our international colleagues.

This past biennium, I found it extremely rewarding to meet members of chapters all over our region. I am ready “to hit the ground running” in meeting the needs of our region and achieving the goals set for this biennium. Thank you for your support this past biennium and in this election!

CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 13

Denise Isibel M SN, RN, CNE I am currently running for Region 13 Coordinator.

I currently hold a full time faculty position at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. I teach in our pre-licensure and post-licensure bachelor program. My specialty areas include nursing administration and community health. In addition to my teaching duties, I am a full time DNP student at Vanderbilt University in the Systems Leadership tract.

I have held various positions in our chapter Epsilon Chi most recently as president for the past two years. In 2012, I actively chaired our chapter’s involvement in the research symposium jointly hosted with our fellow chapter Delta Iota. During my time as president, I also coordinated our fall research symposium to include our visiting research scholar event.

Upon my first attendance at a biennial convention in 2011, I wanted to be more involved in STTI. At that time, I volunteered to be the Region 13 Membership Committee and for the past biennial have served on the communications committee. As a member of the communications committee I was instrumental in publishing our first two newsletters.

I have always been drawn to being involved. As a military dependent, travels created the ability and need to become actively involved in our spouse groups and family awareness teams. I have served as president to multiple spouses groups.

I developed and managed family support groups during deployments including Desert Storm. Building consensus, team building, and motivation are my strengths. More hands make the job easy and more fun.

I have come to meet many fellow scholars as an active member in Region 13 and hope to continue building our region in the next two years. As the new Region 13 Coordinator, I hope to continue the involvement of our multiple chapters and continue with our research symposiums on opposite conventions years. I believe it is important to increase involvement in committees and work with every chapter to contribute to the scholarship of the region.

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 13

Wanda Lawrence P hD, RN I am seeking the leadership position for Region 13 Coordinator of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society (STTI) because, I believe I can provide the guidance and leadership and have the skills necessary for the region’s success.

These skills include the ability to communicate well with a diverse group of people in different settings, as well as possession of good organizational skills. My professional leadership positions include education coordinator for a coronary intensive care unit and three telemetry units in a 530 bed teaching hospital; nurse director of a 37 bed CHF cardiac telemetry unit and a six-bed angioplasty unit.

I have served as director of adult health in an academic institution, NCLEX coordinator, and coordinator for global initiatives for a department of nursing.

I have had the opportunity to serve in leadership positions both professionally, as well as in my personal life. I was asked to chair a task force who facilitated a complete evaluation of a nursing curriculum resulting in recommendations which were presented to the faculty and curriculum committee. As chairperson of the nursing curriculum committee, I facilitated necessary research related to the recommendations to design a curriculum for the 21st century nursing program, which was approved.

In addition, I established a new faculty coalition Piedmont Nursing and Allied Health Faculty Coalition which represents nursing and allied health faculty in a 12 county region. Strategies to improve the nursing shortage in the region were identified and a regional mentorship workshop was conducted.

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I was youth director for a region representing more than fifteen counties in North Carolina. Responsibilities included communicating with each local chapter on a regular basics and visiting them to offer ideas for involving and retaining youth in their program. I worked with youth leaders and planned regional leadership workshops to mentor them in their leadership role.

If nominated to this position, I look forward to serving as a strategic leader in the region and bringing the chapters together to help them pursue specific directions in achieving the goals and mission of STTI. I will communicate with chapter leaders on a regular basis and foster connectivity between chapters by establishing webinars and video conferences so that we can create a system that will bring the chapters in alignment with the international organization.

I envision establishing a working regional committee involving members from each of the chapters in the region. I believe it is vital that chapter members see themselves as important and connected to international. I would like to see the chapters come together to network on improvements in membership and chapter initiatives. I will assure that chapters within my assigned region are abreast of news and events in STTI. I will foster activities to assure that chapters have a strategic plan to achieve the biennial goals. In closing, the role of the regional coordinator will be both challenging and rewarding. I believe I could make a difference by providing guidance and leadership to continue to move Region 13 to achieve its goals.

CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 14

Gloria Chan B SN, RN-BC, CCRN-CSC, PCCN I am currently a Graduate Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist (SRNA) at Rutgers State University of New Jersey Nurse Anesthesia Program. I remain per diem Senior Staff Nurse II at Maimonides Medical Center in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit. As a senior staff nurse, I was lead nurse for the Beacon Award Task Force for the unit. I researched a new evidence-based protocol process change on regarding blood glucoseinsulin management specific for cardiac surgery patients that is now being implemented on the unit.

I worked collaboratively with the unit manager and charge nurses to educate nurses on both day and night shift regarding the current evidence and protocol changes.

My leadership experiences includes president of the Upsilon Chapter of NYU 2012 – 2014, vice president/ president-elect 2010-2012, recording secretary 20082010 and membership involvement chair 2008. During my term as chapter president, Upsilon Chapter won its first Chapter Key Award in its 54 year history, and was recognized numerous times from Region 14 and internationally for its involvement with upholding the President, Karen Morin, and Suzanne Prevost’s call to action.

and was appointed on the STTI Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Taskforce and the STTI Rising Star Advisory Panel. As Region 14 Global Initiatives Committee Co-chair and NIGH Youth Representative, I have been collaborating with fellow STTI UN Youth Representatives to educate nurses within Region 14 and internationally about the United Nations and the future of the millennium development goals and the sustainable development goals.

If elected as Region 14 Coordinator, my goals would be to increase member involvement and retention with a focus on reaching out to those who are newer to the profession and STTI, ensure chapter health in the region and continue to promote and support STTI’s involvement with the United Nations and the STTI Youth Representatives. As a younger nurse leader, I have been honored to have had such incredible leadership opportunities due to my membership with STTI. I hope that as Region 14 Coordinator, I can help to inspire, guide and mentor all nurses, new and experienced, to truly cultivate their membership with STTI.

I currently serve as the Region 14 Global Initiatives Committee Co-Chair, Nightingale Initiative for Global Health (NIGH) United Nations Youth Representative,

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CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 15

Theresa Damien M S, RN, CNP, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP My name is Theresa M. Damien. It is a true privilege in honor to be selected as a candidate for STTI’s of North America Region 15 Coordinator during the 2015 biennium.

The tenets of STTI: love, courage, and honor are representative of my own fervor for the profession of nursing. As the North America Region 15 Coordinator, promote local service, scholarly endeavors, and cultivate leadership.

Induction in 2011, into Regis College’s Pi Epsilon-atLarge Chapter, of signified the birth of my own personal transformation. The concept of a Praxis guiding practice awoke.

Employed as psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) at a community mental health clinic allows me to apply this concept to reality daily. The mental health needs of my service population are complex and involve substance use disorders. Needs of my clinical practice population provided the motivation to obtain an addictions advanced practice nurse certification (CARN-AP) granted by the International Nurses Society on Addiction (IntNSA) in 2013.

Appointment to the Massachusetts Nurse Practice Advisory Panel (NPAP) member by the MA Board of Nursing in 2013 continues to necessitate the communication of state, nation, and local practice guidelines supported by evidenced-based guidelines, legal constraints, and state regulations. My role as a NPAP member requires the need for communication and collegial collaboration.

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New England Chapter of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (NEAPNA) appointment as Massachusetts State Representative allows me to provide service to psychiatric nursing. Representing and disseminating the needs of the region, chapter, and national goals provide the opportunity to attract future psychiatric nurses, serve our clients, and promote the profession of nursing. Communication, collaboration, and respect are key components necessary to accomplish the missions of NEAPNA. Serving as a content expert for Mosby’s skills, coupled with my preceptorship of graduate level psychiatric np students, provide the opportunity to promote scholarship and mentorship. I am mentored within my profession; a personal mission is to return that gift of kindness.

The strength and survival of the nursing profession is not solely built on skill. Mentorship is just one of the cornerstones.

Elected as a North America Region 15 Coordinator my intention is to use my innate tenacity and enthusiasm to provide service to our regional chapters. It is my hope that Region 15’s chapters continue to STTI’s mission of scholarship, leadership, and service.

Thank you for consideration of my role as the North America Region 15 Coordinator this 2015 biennium.

CANDIDATES REGIONAL COORDINATOR CANDIDATES (ELECT ONE FOR YOUR REGION)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR – NORTH AMERICA – REGION 15

Pamela Reyes M SN, RN, BSN I have been a Registered Nurse since 2006 when I completed my BS in nursing at the University of Connecticut. I was inducted into STTI in 2011 while pursuing my graduate degree at the University of Hartford; I completed my graduate degree in 2012 where I earned an MSN in community and public health nursing. I am currently living in Nova Scotia where I am employed as a community health nurse at the Wood Street Centre in Truro, NS which is a secure treatment facility for adolescents with behavioral and emotional issues. Prior to my current role, I had the opportunity to work in academia as a nurse educator as well as within a management role overseeing both staff and students.

I started my nursing career as an inpatient psychiatric/ mental health staff/charge nurse and continue to hold a casual position in the Psychiatric Assessment Unit in Halifax, NS as a consult liaison service within the emergency department.

My experience as an educator has given me valuable insight into the world of academia as it pertains to nursing education and the impact of regulatory and

professional responsibilities that must be upheld while maintaining excellence in education delivery and professional standards. As a staff nurse, I have had the opportunity to work as a mental health nurse in both rural and urban healthcare facilities on inpatient units, emergency department, and community settings; I have worked with a diverse patient population from adolescents to adults in both the U.S. and Canada. I feel the most important experience I can bring to the role of Region 15 Coordinator is the unique opportunity I have had to experience the profession of nursing as an RN in both the United States and Canada. My primary goal in this role would be to promote communication and collaboration among the chapters within Region 15.

I would also work with chapter leaders to promote their chapters within their geographic communities to enhance membership both in number and overall member engagement. I enjoy challenging endeavors and work to promote excellence and professionalism in my work, peers, students, and profession.

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EVENTS OF SPECIAL INTEREST FOR DELEGATES DELEGATE CERTIFICATION HOURS REQUIRED Delegates check in ONE TIME at the Delegate Certification Desk, located in the foyer of the Ironwood Ballroom.

FRIDAY, 6 November

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, 7 November

7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, 8 November

7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

MONDAY, 9 November

7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, 10 November

7:30 – 11:00 a.m.

HOUSE OF DELEGATES SESSIONS REQUIRED Delegates must participate in each of the following: TUESDAY, 10 NOVEMBER HOUSE OF DELEGATES SESSION I AND DELEGATE BRIEFING

11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

HOUSE OF DELEGATES SESSION II

PARLIAMENTARIAN OFFICE HOURS OPTIONAL The parliamentarian’s will be available to talk to delegates in the Senna Boardroom during office hours: 12:00-6:00 p.m.

MONDAY, 9 NOVEMBER TUESDAY, 10 NOVEMBER

Close of Delegate Briefing-6:00 p.m.

REGIONAL MEETINGS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED Regional Coordinator candidates will be introduced at the regional meetings on Sunday, 8 November, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Each region will be in a different room, which can be found in the convention program book.

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CONVERSATIONS WITH THE CANDIDATES HIGHLY ENCOURAGED SATURDAY, 7 NOVEMBER 3:15-4:30 p.m.

President-Elect/Secretary Candidates

SUNDAY, 8 NOVEMBER

4:00–5:15 p.m

V ice President/Treasurer/Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair Candidates Director-at-Large Candidates

5:30–6:30 p.m.

Regional Coordinators at Regional Meetings

11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

MONDAY, 9 NOVEMBER 10 – 11:15 a.m.

President-Elect/Secretary Candidates

1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

Director-at-Large Candidates

3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

V ice President/Treasurer/Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair Candidates

CHAPTER LEADER SESSIONS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED Chapter leader sessions will take place in Starvine 2. In addition to these sessions, there will be periodic “Snap Sessions” in the exhibit hall. Exhibit hall information can be located in the event program book.

SATURDAY, 7 NOVEMBER 3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Understanding STTI’s Membership Eligibility

SUNDAY, 8 NOVEMBER 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Cultivating Future Leaders

4:00 – 5:15 p.m.

Creating a Unified Board

MONDAY, 9 NOVEMBER 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.

Five Tips to Develop Dynamic Events

1:45 – 3:00 p.m.

Attract and Assess: Building a Successful Recruitment Plan

3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Financial Stewardship through Policies and Procedures

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NEWLY CHARTERED CHAPTERS AND CHARTER AMENDMENTS STTI would like to recognize the following chapters approved during the 2013-2015 biennium via electronic vote of the House of Delegates. These chapters, who have chartered or had a charter amendment to add additional institutions of higher education since the last biennial convention, will be recognized during the House of Delegates, Session II.

NEWLY CHARTERED CHAPTERS

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CH. NO

CHAPTER NAME

INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION/ LOCATION

DATE OF CHARTER

507

Chi Epsilon

Endicott College, Beverly, MA, USA

508

Chi Zeta

Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

509

Chi Eta

MidAmerica Nazarene University, Olathe, KS, USA

510

Chi Theta

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, USA

511

Chi Iota

American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

13 September 2014

512

Chi Kappa

Sentara College of Health Sciences, Chesapeake, VA, USA

22 September 2014

513

Chi Lambda

Francis Marion University, Florence, SC, USA

16 October 2014

514

Chi Mu

California Baptist University, Riverside, CA, USA

24 October 2014

515

Chi Nu

MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada

516

Chi Xi-at-Large

University of South Africa, Unisa, South Africa; Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria Gauteng, South Africa; University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi; University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; University of Swaziland, Mbabane, Swaziland; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

13 August 2015

517

Chi Omicronat-Large

University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria

13 August 2015

518

Chi Pi

Frontier Nursing University, Hyden, KY, USA

30 August 2015

519

Chi Rho

Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Rock Island, IL, USA

520

Chi Sigma

Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL, USA

21 February 2014 26 March 2014 23 June 2014 1 August 2014

1 May 2015

11 September 2015 2 October 2015

CHARTER AMENDMENTS CH. NO.

CHAPTER NAME

INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION/ LOCATION ADDED TO CHARTER

DATE OF AMENDMENT TO CHARTER

32

Alpha Kappa-at-Large

Metropolitan State University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA

440

Tau Kappa-at-Large

State University of New York (SUNY) Empire State College, Saratoga Springs, NY, USA

136

Epsilon Sigma-at-Large

King University, Bristol, TN, USA; Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN, USA; Milligan College, Milligan College, TN, USA

093

Gamma Psi-at-Large

Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI, USA

25 April 2015

235

Iota Phi-at-Large

Becker College, Worcester, MA, USA

27 April 2015

341

Xi Eta-at-Large

University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, CAN

22 May 2015

014

Omicron-at-Large

Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY, USA

31 March 2014 3 April 2014 6 November 2014

1 October 2015

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PROPOSED 2015-2017 INTERNATIONAL BYLAWS AMENDMENTS Amendment #1a

Terminology Updates

Current Bylaws Wording c. Regular Member 1) Students in Basic Program a. Definition – Basic program is defined as an accredited baccalaureate or equivalent nursing degree program that leads to the first professional nursing degree. b. Academic Achievement – Students in basic programs shall be eligible for membership if they have achieved excellence according to the standards approved by the Society. c. Rank in class – Basic students who are elected shall rank not lower than the highest 35 percent of their class in scholarship. d. Curriculum – Students shall have completed at least one-half of the required nursing curriculum. e. Exceptions – Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the chapter’s governance committee following the guidelines adopted by the International Board of Directors.

2) Students in Graduate Programs a. Definition – Graduate program is defined as an accredited program of graduate study in nursing including master, post-master, doctoral and post-doctoral. b. Academic Achievement – Students in graduate programs shall be eligible for membership if they have achieved excellence according to the standards approved by the Society. c. Curriculum – Students shall have completed a minimum of one-quarter of the required graduate curriculum. d. Students in graduate programs who are registered nurses, legally recognized to practice in their country and have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent in any field, shall be eligible to be considered as a nurse leader at any point in the program. e. Exceptions – Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the chapter’s governance committee following the guidelines adopted by the International Board of Directors.

Article III. Membership Section 2. Qualifications for Membership

Proposed Changes

Wording If Adopted

c. Regular Member

c. Regular Member

1) Students in Basic Programs a. Definition – Basic program is defined as an accredited baccalaureate or equivalent nursing degree program that leads to the first professional nursing degree. b. Academic Achievement – Students in basic programs shall be eligible for membership if they have achieved excellence according to the standards approved by the Society. c. Rank in class – Basic students who are elected shall rank not lower than the highest 35 percent of their class in scholarship. d. Curriculum – Students shall have completed at least one-half of the required nursing curriculum. e. Exceptions – Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the chapter’s governance committee following the guidelines adopted by the International Board of Directors.

1) Students in Basic Programs a. Definition – Basic program is defined as an accredited baccalaureate or equivalent nursing degree program that leads to the first professional nursing degree. b. Academic Achievement – Students shall be eligible for membership if they have achieved excellence according to the standards approved by the Society. c. Rank in class – Students shall rank not lower than the highest 35 percent of their class in scholarship. d. Curriculum – Students shall have completed at least one-half of the required nursing curriculum. e. Exceptions – Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the chapter’s governance committee following the guidelines adopted by the International Board of Directors.

2) Students in Graduate Programs a. Definition – Graduate program is defined as an accredited program of graduate study in nursing including master, post-master, doctoral and post-doctoral. b. Academic Achievement – Students in graduate programs shall be eligible for membership if they have achieved excellence according to the standards approved by the Society. c. Curriculum – Students shall have completed a minimum of one-quarter of the required graduate curriculum. d. Students in graduate programs who are registered nurses, legally recognized to practice in their country and have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent in any field, shall be eligible to be considered as a nurse leader at any point in the program. e. Exceptions – Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the chapter’s governance committee following the guidelines adopted by the International Board of Directors.

2) Students in Graduate Programs a. Definition – Graduate program is defined as an accredited program of graduate study in nursing including master, post-master, doctoral and post-doctoral. b. Academic Achievement – Students shall be eligible for membership if they have achieved excellence according to the standards approved by the Society. c. Curriculum – Students shall have completed a minimum of one-quarter of the required graduate curriculum. d. Students in graduate programs who are registered nurses, legally recognized to practice in their country and have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent in any field, shall be eligible to be considered as a nurse leader at any point in the program. e. Exceptions – Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the chapter’s governance committee following the guidelines adopted by the International Board of Directors.

Rationale:

Removing the selected text removes repetitive text and streamlines the wording in these bylaws sections.

Impact on Chapters:

These changes will also be made to the chapter bylaws document. Removal of this text has no impact on the member selection process or criteria that must be met.

1

Amendment #1b

Terminology Updates

Current Bylaws Wording

Article IV. Chapters Section 1. Definition of Chapter

Proposed Changes

A chapter is an organized division of nurse scholars and leaders that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. An at-large chapter is an organized division of nurse scholars and leaders from two or more schools that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. All chapters shall have regular members.

Wording If Adopted

A chapter is an organized division of nurse scholars and leaders that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. An at-large chapter is an organized division of nurse scholars and leaders from two or more schools institutions of higher education that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. All chapters shall have regular members.

A chapter is an organized division of nurse scholars and leaders that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. An at-large chapter is an organized division of nurse scholars and leaders from two or more institutions of higher education that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. All chapters shall have regular members.

Rationale:

The change from “school” to “institution of higher education” is made in order to be consistent with other areas of the STTI bylaws where the term is already used. This terminology is also more global in nature.

Impact on Chapters:

None. This is a change in terminology only and is already used in other portions of the bylaws.

Conforming amendments: If the above amendment is adopted, the following conforming amendment (#1c) will also be adopted.

Amendment #1c

Terminology Updates

Current Bylaws Wording b. Chapter Models 1) One (1) school without a chapter One school meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a. establishes an honor society under the Society’s guidelines.

2) Two (2) or more schools without a chapter Two or more schools, each meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a., establish an at-large honor society under the Society’s guidelines. The at-large honor society will apply to become an at-large chapter.

3) Amending an established chapter’s charter: a) An existing chapter may form an at-large chapter by adding one or more honor societies that were formed under Society guidelines. b) Two or more established chapters may merge to form an at-large chapter following established guidelines. c) An existing at-large chapter may split into separate chapters following established guidelines.

Article IV. Chapters Section 2. Organization of a Chapter

Proposed Changes

Wording If Adopted

b. Chapter Models

b. Chapter Models

1) One (1) school institution of higher education without a chapter One school institution of higher education meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a. establishes an honor society under the Society’s guidelines.

1) One (1) institution of higher education without a chapter One institution of higher education meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a. establishes an honor society under the Society’s guidelines.

2) Two (2) or more schools institutions of higher education without a chapter Two or more schools institutions of higher education, each meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a., establish an at-large honor society under the Society’s guidelines. The at-large honor society will apply to become an at-large chapter.

2) Two (2) or more institutions of higher education without a chapter Two or more institutions of higher education, each meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a., establish an at-large honor society under the Society’s guidelines. The at-large honor society will apply to become an at-large chapter.

3) Amending an established chapter’s charter: a) An existing chapter may form an at-large chapter by adding one or more honor societies that were formed under Society guidelines. b) Two or more established chapters may merge to form an at-large chapter following established guidelines. c) An existing at-large chapter may split into separate chapters following established guidelines.

3) Amending an established chapter’s charter: a) An existing chapter may form an at-large chapter by adding one or more honor societies that were formed under Society guidelines. b) Two or more established chapters may merge to form an at-large chapter following established guidelines. c) An existing at-large chapter may split into separate chapters following established guidelines.

2

Amendment #1d

Terminology Updates

Current Bylaws Wording

Article IV. Chapters Section 9. Probation, Revocation, Dissolution

Proposed Changes

d. Upon revocation of a charter, or dissolution of a chapter, all cash and other assets remaining after the chapter’s outstanding debts are paid should be returned to the treasury of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated, or any other appropriate non-profit organization approved by the chapter Board of Directors.

The chapter’s charter and coat-of-arms shall be returned to Headquarters. All members of the chapter have the opportunity to transfer their membership to a chapter of their choice.

Wording If Adopted

d. Upon revocation of a charter, or dissolution of a chapter, all cash and other assets remaining after the chapter’s outstanding debts are paid should be returned to the treasury of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing, or any other appropriate non-profit organization approved by the chapter Board of Directors.

The chapter’s charter and coat-of-arms shall be returned to Headquarters. All members of the chapter have the opportunity to transfer their membership to a chapter of their choice.

d. Upon revocation of a charter, or dissolution of a chapter, all cash and other assets remaining after the chapter’s outstanding debts are paid should be returned to the Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing, or any other appropriate non-profit organization approved by the chapter Board of Directors. The chapter’s charter and coat-of-arms shall be returned to Headquarters. All members of the chapter have the opportunity to transfer their membership to a chapter of their choice.

Rationale:

The Foundation was established in 1993 and this section has not been updated to represent the Foundation’s existence. When such funds are received from chapters, it is the Foundation that receives them.

Impact on Chapters:

Article XV. Dissolution, Section 3. Disposition of Chapter Funds of the Chapter Bylaws will also be updated to reflect this change.

Amendment #1e

Terminology Updates

Current Bylaws Wording

Article IV. Chapters Section 5. Chapter Officers

Proposed Changes

a. Each chapter elects at least a chapter president, a vice president, a secretary, a treasurer and a faculty counselor. Duties and terms of office shall be outlined in the chapter bylaws. b. Officers shall assume their duties at a date determined by the chapter bylaws in the year in which they are elected.

Wording If Adopted

a. Each chapter elects at least a chapter president, a vice president, a secretary, a treasurer and a faculty counselor. Duties and terms of office shall be outlined in the chapter bylaws. b. Officers shall assume their duties at a date determined by the chapter bylaws in the year in which they are elected.

a. Each chapter elects at least a chapter president, a vice president, a secretary, a treasurer and a counselor. Duties and terms of office shall be outlined in the chapter bylaws. b. Officers shall assume their duties at a date determined by the chapter bylaws in the year in which they are elected.

Rationale:

The removal of the word “faculty” is made to make the International Bylaws congruent with the existing Chapter Bylaws.

Impact on Chapters:

None. This position is already referred to simply as “counselor” in the Chapter Bylaws.

Amendment #2a

Article VII. Board of Directors Section 4. Functions

Chapter Charters

Current Bylaws Wording

Proposed Changes

The functions of the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International include: a. Reviewing applications for the establishment of the new chapters and making recommendations to the House of Delegates. b. Granting a chapter charter:

The functions of the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International include: a. Reviewing applications for the establishment of the new chapters and making recommendations to the House of Delegates. b. Granting a chapter charter:

1) following a three-fourths “yes” vote by the House of Delegates, or

1) following a three-fourths “yes” vote by the House of Delegates, or

2) following a three-fourths “yes” electronic vote by the chapter delegates representing three-fourths of the chapters c. Granting approval for charter amendments.

Wording If Adopted The functions of the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International include: a. Reviewing applications for the establishment of new chapters. b. Granting approval for chapter charters and charter amendments.

2) following a three-fourths “yes” electronic vote by the chapter delegates representing three-fourths of the chapters c. Granting approval for chapter charters and charter amendments.

Amendment #2 continued on page 4

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Amendment #2 continued Amendment #2a

Chapter Charters

Article VII. Board of Directors Section 4. Functions

Rationale:

The current chapter charter application process is a lengthy and thorough process wherein prospective chapters work closely with headquarters staff to develop their chapter according to the policies and procedures set forth by STTI, which takes at least one year, but often is longer. Once headquarters staff deem chapters ready for chartering, prospective chapter then embark on a lengthy review process which includes 1) review by two member volunteer reviewers serving on the Charter Review Task Force; 2) review and vote by the entire Charter Review Task Force (which reports the International Governance Committee); 3) review and vote by the International Governance Committee; 4) review and vote by the STTI Board of Directors; and ultimately 5) review and vote by the Electronic House of Delegates. The formal review process after reaching a state of chapter readiness takes about 8 months to complete. This process extends the length of time that interested honor societies (that have formed according the guidelines and bylaws set forth by STTI) must wait in order to charter as an official chapter of STTI. By shortening this waiting period, approved groups that have met all requirements could charter much sooner, allowing their members to become STTI members in a much more timely manner. This gives them full access to STTI member benefits up to 5 months sooner than the current process. Since the inception of the Electronic House of Delegates, no petitioning honor society has ever been denied. The recommendation of the Board of Directors has always been upheld. Of the 15 voting sessions conducted, the average approval rate of the 45 applications considered has been 97.5 percent. It is also important to note that the Board of Directors already approves all chapter charter amendment applications serving as the final vote in that process. It is thereby requested that chapter charter applications be handled in the same manner.

Impact on Chapters:

In addition to this advantage for petitioning groups, chapters would also benefit by having one less administrative function to fulfill. Currently chapters not participating in the Electronic House of Delegates are considered to be bylaws incompliant, putting them at potential risk for probation. Chapters that do not participate are also not eligible to apply for the Chapter Key Award. On average, 33 chapters do not participate in Electronic House of Delegates voting.

Conforming amendments: If the above amendment is adopted, the following conforming amendments (#2b and #2c) will also be adopted.

Amendment #2b

Chapter Charters

Current Bylaws Wording b. The House of Delegates shall be vested with the following powers in addition to such other powers as may be given in these bylaws to:

Article V. House of Delegates Section 3: Powers

Proposed Changes b. The House of Delegates shall be vested with the following powers in addition to such other powers as may be given in these bylaws to:

Word Wording If Adopted b. The House of Delegates shall be vested with the following powers in addition to such other powers as may be given in these bylaws to:

1) Revise and amend the bylaws.

1) Revise and amend the bylaws.

1) Revise and amend the bylaws.

2) Elect officers and other members of the Board of Directors and elected committees.

2) Elect officers and other members of the Board of Directors and elected committees.

2) Elect officers and other members of the Board of Directors and elected committees.

3) Make nominations from the floor for officers and committees.

3) Make nominations from the floor for officers and committees.

3) Make nominations from the floor for officers and committees.

4) Approve by a three-fourths vote such applications for charters as are recommended to the House of Delegates by the Board of Directors.

4) Approve by a three-fourths vote such applications for charters as are recommended to the House of Delegates by the Board of Directors.

4) Approve by a three-fourths vote the revocation of a charter when such action has been recommended by the Board of Directors.

5) Approve by a three-fourths vote the revocation of a charter when such action has been recommended by the Board of Directors.

5) Approve by a three-fourths vote the revocation of a charter when such action has been recommended by the Board of Directors.

6) Adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its proceedings as may be determined by a two-thirds vote of the House of Delegates at biennial convention.

6) Adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its proceedings as may be determined by a two-thirds vote of the House of Delegates at biennial convention.

5) Adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its proceedings as may be determined by a two-thirds vote of the House of Delegates at biennial convention.

7) Receive and act upon recommendations and matters referred to it.

7) Receive and act upon recommendations and matters referred to it.

8) Receive reports and the Board of Directors’ approved biennial budget.

8) Receive reports and the Board of Directors’ approved biennial budget.

9) Levy special assessments when approved by a three-fourths vote.

10) Amend and repeal the Articles of Incorporation.

10) Amend and repeal the Articles of Incorporation.

9) Levy special assessments when approved by a three-fourths vote.

6) Receive and act upon recommendations and matters referred to it.

7) Receive reports and the Board of Directors’ approved biennial budget.

8) Levy special assessments when approved by a three-fourths vote.

9) Amend and repeal the Articles of Incorporation.

Amendment #2 continued on page 5

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Amendment #2 continued Amendment #2c

Chapter Charters

Current Bylaws Wording a. Chapter delegates may vote electronically on Articles of Incorporation and chapter charter applications and revocations. b. The procedures and time limitations for electronic voting shall be set by the Board of Directors.

Amendment #3a

Proposed Changes a. Chapter delegates may vote electronically on Articles of Incorporation and chapter charter applications and revocations. b. The procedures and time limitations for electronic voting shall be set by the Board of Directors.

Chapter Charters

Current Bylaws Wording Section 9. Probation, Revocation, Dissolution a. A chapter may be placed on probation by the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International for failure to comply with these bylaws or policies and regulations. b. Upon recommendation of the Board of Directors, the House of Delegates may revoke the charter of a chapter. c. Any chapter may vote to dissolve itself. d. Upon revocation of a charter, or dissolution of a chapter, all cash and other assets remaining after the chapter’s outstanding debts are paid should be returned to the treasury of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated, or any other appropriate non-profit organization approved by the chapter Board of Directors. The chapter’s charter and coat-of-arms shall be returned to Headquarters. All members of the chapter have the opportunity to transfer their membership to a chapter of their choice.

Section 10. Removal from Probation and Reinstatement of a Chapter a. A chapter may be removed from probation by action of the Sigma Theta Tau International Board of Directors. b. A chapter may be reinstated following revocation of its charter by meeting all the requirements of a newly organizing chapter. If approved, the chapter shall receive a new charter but retain its original name.

Article V. House of Delegates Section 4. Electronic Voting Wording If Adopted a. Chapter delegates may vote electronically on Articles of Incorporation and chapter charter revocations. b. The procedures and time limitations for electronic voting shall be set by the Board of Directors.

Article IV. Chapters Section 9. Probation, Revocation, Dissolution Section 10. Removal from Probation and Reinstatement of a Chapter

Proposed Changes Section 9. Probation, Revocation, Dissolution and Reinstatement of a Chapter a. A chapter may be placed on probation by the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International for failure to comply with these bylaws or policies and regulations. b. A chapter may be removed from probation by action of the Board of Directors. c. If a chapter fails to be removed from probation, Upon recommendation of the Board of Directors, the House of Delegates may revoke the charter of a chapter. d. Any chapter may vote to dissolve itself. e. Upon revocation of a charter, or dissolution of a chapter, all cash and other assets remaining after the chapter’s outstanding debts are paid should be returned to the treasury of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated, or any other appropriate non-profit organization approved by the chapter Board of Directors. The chapter’s charter and coat-of-arms shall be returned to Headquarters. All members of the chapter have the opportunity to transfer their membership to a chapter of their choice. f. A chapter may be reinstated following revocation of its charter by meeting all the requirements of a newly organizing chapter. If approved, the chapter shall receive a new charter but retain its original name.

(Section 10 is incorporated into Section 9 above) Section 10. Removal from Probation and Reinstatement of a Chapter a. A chapter may be removed from probation by action of the Sigma Theta Tau International Board of Directors. b. A chapter may be reinstated following revocation of its charter by meeting all the requirements of a newly organizing chapter. If approved, the chapter shall receive a new charter but retain its original name.

Wording If Adopted Section 9. Probation, Revocation, Dissolution and Reinstatement of a Chapter a. A chapter may be placed on probation by the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International for failure to comply with these bylaws or policies and regulations. b. A chapter may be removed from probation by action of the Board of Directors. c. If a chapter fails to be removed from probation, the Board of Directors may revoke the charter of a chapter. d. Any chapter may vote to dissolve itself. e. Upon revocation of a charter, or dissolution of a chapter, all cash and other assets remaining after the chapter’s outstanding debts are paid should be returned to the treasury of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated, or any other appropriate non-profit organization approved by the chapter Board of Directors. The chapter’s charter and coat-of-arms shall be returned to Headquarters. All members of the chapter have the opportunity to transfer their membership to a chapter of their choice. f. A chapter may be reinstated following revocation of its charter by meeting all the requirements of a newly organizing chapter. If approved, the chapter shall receive a new charter but retain its original name.

Amendment #3 continued on page 6

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Amendment #3 continued Amendment #3a Rationale:

Article IV. Chapters Section 9. Probation, Revocation, Dissolution Section 10. Removal from Probation and Reinstatement of a Chapter

Chapter Charters

While a vote of the House of Delegates to revoke the charter of a chapter has not been needed in the past, the possibility that such action could be required in the future remains. Given the sensitive nature of what may cause a chapter to find itself at risk of revocation, it is recommended that such review, consideration, and vote remain with the International Governance Committee and the STTI Board of Directors and be considered final. For chapters facing revocation, the issues and details surrounding their revocation would be held more private than under the current process, which would place details before the House. This is a protection for both the chapter and STTI. This amendment also collapses Article IV. Chapters, Sections 9 and 10, streamlining this section for improved clarity. Conforming amendments 3d and 3c reflects removal of HOD responsibilities related to revocation if Amendment 3a passes.

NOTE: Upon passage of amendment #1e, the term “treasury of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Incorporated” will be changed to “Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing” within this section of the bylaws.

Impact on Chapters:

Removing this from the list of responsibilities of the House of Delegates will mean that chapters will not be required to have their delegates participate in an Electronic House of Delegates for these considerations. This would also remove an area where chapters themselves could be found to be bylaws incompliant if their delegates did not vote. For those chapters facing revocation, the issues and details surrounding their revocation would be held more private than under the current process.

Conforming amendments: If the above amendment is adopted, the following conforming amendments (#3b, #3c, and #3d) will also be adopted.

Amendment #3b

Article V. House of Delegates Section 3. Powers

Chapter Charters

Current Bylaws Wording b. The House of Delegates shall be vested with the following powers in addition to such other powers as may be given in these bylaws to:

Proposed Changes b. The House of Delegates shall be vested with the following powers in addition to such other powers as may be given in these bylaws to:

Wording If Adopted b. The House of Delegates shall be vested with the following powers in addition to such other powers as may be given in these bylaws to:

1) Revise and amend the bylaws.

1) Revise and amend the bylaws.

1) Revise and amend the bylaws.

2) Elect officers and other members of the Board of Directors and elected committees.

2) Elect officers and other members of the Board of Directors and elected committees.

2) Elect officers and other members of the Board of Directors and elected committees.

3) Make nominations from the floor for officers and committees.

3) Make nominations from the floor for officers and committees.

3) Make nominations from the floor for officers and committees.

4) Approve by a three-fourths vote such applications for charters as are recommended to the House of Delegates by the Board of Directors.

4) Approve by a three-fourths vote such applications for charters as are recommended to the House of Delegates by the Board of Directors.

4) Approve by a three-fourths vote such applications for charters as are recommended to the House of Delegates by the Board of Directors.

5) Approve by a three-fourths vote the revocation of a charter when such action has been recommended by the Board of Directors.

5) Approve by a three-fourths vote the revocation of a charter when such action has been recommended by the Board of Directors.

6) Adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its proceedings as may be determined by a two-thirds vote of the House of Delegates at biennial convention.

6) Adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its proceedings as may be determined by a two-thirds vote of the House of Delegates at biennial convention.

5) Adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its proceedings as may be determined by a two-thirds vote of the House of Delegates at biennial convention.

7) Receive and act upon recommendations and matters referred to it.

7) Receive and act upon recommendations and matters referred to it.

7) Receive reports and the Board of Directors’ approved biennial budget.

8) Receive reports and the Board of Directors’ approved biennial budget.

8) Receive reports and the Board of Directors’ approved biennial budget.

8) Levy special assessments when approved by a three-fourths vote.

9) Levy special assessments when approved by a three-fourths vote.

9) Levy special assessments when approved by a three-fourths vote.

10) Amend and repeal the Articles of Incorporation.

10) Amend and repeal the Articles of Incorporation.

6) Receive and act upon recommendations and matters referred to it.

9) Amend and repeal the Articles of Incorporation.

Amendment #3 continued on page 7

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Amendment #3 continued Amendment #3c Current Bylaws Wording

Proposed Changes

a. Chapter delegates may vote electronically on Articles of Incorporation and chapter charter applications and revocations. b. The procedures and time limitations for electronic voting shall be set by the Board of Directors.

Amendment #3d

Wording If Adopted

a. Chapter delegates may vote electronically on Articles of Incorporation and chapter charter applications and revocations. b. The procedures and time limitations for electronic voting shall be set by the Board of Directors.

Proposed Changes

The functions of the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International include: i. Revoking the charter of a chapter upon a “yes” vote of three-fourths of the House of Delegates.

b. Chapter Models

Wording If Adopted

The functions of the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International include: i. Revoking the charter of a chapter upon a “yes” vote of three-fourths of the House of Delegates.

The functions of the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International include: i. Revoking the charter of a chapter.

Article IV. Chapters Section 2. Organization of a Chapter

Chapter Models

Current Bylaws Wording

a. Chapter delegates may vote electronically on Articles of Incorporation and chapter charter applications. b. The procedures and time limitations for electronic voting shall be set by the Board of Directors.

Article VII. Board of Directors Section 4. Functions

Chapter Charters

Current Bylaws Wording

Amendment #4a

Article V. House of Delegates Section 4. Electronic Voting

Chapter Charters

Proposed Changes

Wording If Adopted

b. Chapter Models

b. Chapter Models

1) One (1) school without a chapter One school meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a. establishes an honor society under the Society’s guidelines.

1) One (1) school without a chapter One school meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a. establishes an honor society under the Society’s guidelines.

1) One (1) school without a chapter One school meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a. establishes an honor society under the Society’s guidelines.

2) Two (2) or more schools without a chapter Two or more schools, each meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a., establish an at-large honor society under the Society’s guidelines. The at-large honor society will apply to become an at-large chapter.

2) Two (2) or more schools without a chapter Two or more schools, each meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a., establish an at-large honor society under the Society’s guidelines. The at-large honor society will apply to become an at-large chapter.

2) Two (2) or more schools without a chapter Two or more schools, each meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a., establish an at-large honor society chapter under the Society’s guidelines. The at-large honor society will apply to become an at-large chapter.

3) Amending an established chapter’s charter: a) An existing chapter may form an at-large chapter by adding one or more honor societies that were formed under Society guidelines. b) Two or more established chapters may merge to form an at-large chapter following established guidelines. c) An existing at-large chapter may split into separate chapters following established guidelines.

3) One (1) or more schools and one (1) or more practice settings One or more schools meeting the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2. a. and one or more practice settings establish an at-large honor society under the Society’s guidelines. The at-large honor society will apply to become an at-large chapter.

3) One (1) or more schools and one (1) or more practice settings One or more schools meetings the criteria listed in Article IV. Section 2.a. and one or more practice settings establish an atlarge honor society under the Society’s guidelines. The at-large honor society will apply to become an at-large chapter.

4) Amending an established chapter’s charter: a) An existing chapter may form an at-large chapter by adding one or more schools or practice settings honor societies that were formed under Society guidelines. b) Two or more established chapters may merge to form an at-large chapter following established guidelines. c) An established at-large chapter may further amend its charter to add one or more schools or practice settings. d) An existing at-large chapter may split into separate chapters following established guidelines.

4) Amending an established chapter’s charter: a) An existing chapter may form an at-large chapter by adding one or more schools or practice settings. b) Two or more established chapters may merge to form an at-large chapter following established guidelines. c) An established at-large chapter may further amend its charter to add one or more schools or practice settings. d) An existing at-large chapter may split into separate chapters following established guidelines.

Amendment #4 continued on page 8 7

Amendment #4 continued Amendment #4a Rationale:

Chapter Models

Article IV. Chapters Section 2. Organization of a Chapter

The combined academic-practice at-large chapter model is an innovative chapter model that accelerates STTI’s ability to meet its vision and mission. The new model allows for a chapter in a traditional academic setting to become a chapter-at-large with a practice setting.

The new model is consistent with STTI’s vision: “… to be the global organization of choice for nursing” as the majority of STTI members worldwide work in practice, rather than academic, settings. The new model is consistent with STTI’s mission: “…advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.” The academic-practice at-large model will increase the ability of STTI to realize its vision and mission with increased proximity to patients and/or clients and healthcare delivery. The requirement that chapters in practice centers be affiliated with an academic chapter (or chapters) as part of an at-large status encourages cross-collaboration and partnerships among administrators, clinicians, educators, and researchers. Both academic and practice settings can benefit from the partnership. More and more, fruitful research, clinical practice developments, and educational innovations are occurring in both settings.

The academic-practice at-large chapter model offers additional opportunities to optimize STTI member recruitment and retention. Currently more than half of STTI’s first-year members do not renew their memberships. Having an official at-large chapter presence in the workplace will assist in keeping these members actively engaged and involved in STTI. Today’s practice settings are home to expert nurse leaders, clinicians, educators and researchers who are engaging in the scholarship of discovery, teaching, application, and integration. The partnering of academic and practice settings will offer novel strategies for member recruitment and retention across the span of one’s career.

If the proposed model is adopted, the current chapter chartering and charter amendment processes will be adapted for the academic-practice at-large chapter model. Equivalent standards will be identified to ensure that academic-practice at-large chapters represent excellence in nursing scholarship, leadership, and service. Applicants will be required to participate in the chapter chartering or charter amendment application process, which requires a thorough multi-level review by qualified STTI personnel and elected bodies.

NOTE: Upon passage of amendment #1b, the term “school” will be changed to “institution of higher education” throughout this section of the bylaws.

Impact on Chapters:

Chapters will have the option to amend their charters to include practice settings to become an at-large chapter. This opportunity is not currently permitted under current bylaws.

Conforming amendment: If the above amendment is adopted, the following conforming amendment (#4b) will also be adopted.

Amendment #4b

Chapter Charters

Current Bylaws Wording A chapter is an organized division of nurse scholars and leaders that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. An at-large chapter is an organized division of nurse scholars and leaders from two or more schools that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. All chapters shall have regular members.

Article IV. Chapters Section 1. Definition of Chapter

Proposed Changes A chapter is an organized division of nurse scholars and leaders that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. An at-large chapter is an organized division of nurse scholars and leaders from two or more schools or schools and practice settings that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. All chapters shall have regular members.

NOTE: Upon passage of amendment #1b, the term “school” will be changed to “institution of higher education” throughout this section of the bylaws.

Wording If Adopted A chapter is an organized division of nurse scholars and leaders that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. An at-large chapter is an organized division of nurse scholars and leaders from two or more schools or schools and practice settings that has met all of the requirements for establishment and has been granted a charter in accordance with the procedures required by the Society. All chapters shall have regular members.

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SAVE THE DATE! SIGMA THETA TAU INTERNATIONAL

LEADERSHIP CONNECTION

2016 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, USA

17-20

SEPTEMBER

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Indianapolis, IN Permit No. 130

550 W. North St. Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA

CALENDAR

Bring your copy of the Delegate Newsletter with you to the biennial convention!

SEPTEMBER

Upcoming Deadlines and Webinars

9: Early registration deadline for the 43rd Biennial Convention. See page 2 for more information.

End of month: September chapter checks delivered to treasurers To view the full chapter leader calendar, please visit the All Chapter Officers workgroup, accessible at NOVEMBER http://thecircle.nursingsociety.org 7-11: 43rd Biennial Convention. Chapters are required to have representation at by clicking on ‘Groups” and then the House of Delegates sessions. See page 2 for more information.

“My Groups.” All webinar registration 15: Deadline for chapters in the United States to file an IRS Form 990. See page information is posted in the “Events” tab 4 for more information. of the group. If you or your board would like to meet one-on-one with STTI staff, End of month: November chapter checks delivered to treasurers please complete a Chapter Consultation The mission of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, Request Form, also located in the workgroup, JANUARY in the “Announcements” area. is advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence 12-14: Basics of Chapter Website Editing Webcast

Chapter Leader Emphasis is a biannual publication for chapter leaders.

EDITOR Michelle Coburn

in scholarship, leadership, and service.

550 W. North St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA

Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI)

www.nursingsociety.org 16