| Candidate Profiles | Election 2025 |
2025 Florida Nurses Association ElectionCandidate ProfilesAdditional Nominations will be accepted for all positions through June 30, 2025 Click on the name of a position to scroll down to the candidates for that role: President-Electand Representative to ANA Assembly  Valerie MorrisonCandidate Statement Service to others and love for nursing are two foundational values that guide my career. I am seeking election as the FNA President-Elect to advocate for sustainable solutions to improve the health and well-being of Florida nurses, reignite their passion, and create positive practice environments where they can thrive. Region Northeast - St. Johns County Education
Current Employment Director, Student Health Services, University of North Florida (June 2020 - Present); Professional Organization Activities
Vice President Meghan MoroneyCandidate Statement I am running for Vice President of the Florida Nurses Association to empower nurses as agents of change in advancing OUR profession. Through advocacy and collaboration, I am committed to championing nursing excellence, professional growth, and policies that strengthen our workforce. Together, we will build a resilient, innovative profession that leads with purpose. Region West Central - Hillsborough County Education
Current Employment Consulting Support Services; Clinical Liaison Professional Organization Activities
Treasurer George Peraza-SmithCandidate Statement I am seeking position of Treasurer to ensure financial stability, transparency, and strategic growth. I aim to enhance fiscal stewardship, strengthen budgetary planning, and support initiatives that empower nurses statewide. My goal is to sustain FNA’s financial health, fostering long-term success for our profession. Region West Central - Pasco County Education
Current Employment Program Dean, West Coast University Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Good Samaritan Health Clinic Professional Organization Activities
Secretary Tim BrownCandidate Statement I serve with respect, empathy and active listening. I bring these values to bedside care and collaborative committee work. I intend to advocate for activities that nurture newer nurses and encourage all nurses' professional growth and career satisfaction. My priorities include increasing mentorship, promoting compassionate leadership, and reducing nurse burnout. Region East Central - Orange County Education
Current Employment ICU Nurse, Magnet Champion, AdventHealth Celebration Hospital Professional Organization Activities
 Lillybet GuilarteCandidate Statement I seek the role of FNA Secretary to bring my strengths in organization, leadership, and communication to support transparent, accurate documentation and seamless operations. With experience chairing university committees, serving as abstract reviewer and scholarship evaluator, and mentoring across academic and clinical settings, I am well-prepared to uphold the responsibilities of this vital position with diligence and integrity. Region South - Miami-Dade Education
Current Employment Clinical Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Nursing, Florida International University (12/2023 – Present) Professional Organization Activities National & State-Level Service  Deborah HoganCandidate Statement I am submitting my name as a candidate for the Secretary of FNA. I understand the importance of having accurate notes from any and all meetings of the Association, since these serve as a history of the issues discussed and actions taken during the meetings. It is on the basis of these records that the Officers and Directors vote on what direction the organization should take moving forward. I also understand the role of the Secretary as a member of the Executive Board, and would participate actively in this role also, taking on any responsibility assigned. Thank you for your consideration. Region Northeast - Duval County Education
Current Employment Retired in 2018 from the Department of Health, Palm Beach County where I served as the Vaccine Coordinator from 2008-2018; Public Health Nurse at Children's Medical Services in Palm Beach County-Approximately 2000- 2008; School Health Nurse with the DOH, Palm Beach County-1996-approximately 2000 Professional Organization Activities
 Jasmine MountCandidate Statement I aim to strengthen communication and operational efficiency while supporting effective decision-making. As a former Secretary of another organization, I enhanced member engagement, streamlined processes, and co-moderated meetings. My experience in organizational management and collaboration will help drive the continued growth and success of our association. Region North Central - Alachua County Education
Current Employment HCA Healthcare - Supervising Clinical Implementation Analyst Professional Organization Activities
Director - Early Career Nurses MacKenzie SimmonsCandidate Statement I aim to empower and equip new nurses with the skills required to thrive by advancing initiatives that support transition to practice, promote mental wellness, build resilience, and foster supportive professional communities connecting seasoned and developing nurses. I am committed to amplifying the voices of new nurses within FNA. Region Northeast - Duval County Education
Current Employment UF Health Jacksonville, Progressive Care Registered Nurse in Cardiac Care Unit Professional Organization Activities
Region Director - NorthwestBay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, Washington  Monica BarfieldCandidate Statement I am seeking the Northwest Region Director position to strengthen advocacy for nurses, collaborate with the board and lobbyists, and drive policy changes that empower our profession. My goal is to amplify nurses' voices, expand professional opportunities, and ensure our impact in healthcare continues to grow across Florida. Region Northwest - Calhoun County Education
Current Employment Owner, New Horizon Primary Care Professional Organization Activities
 Aminah JohnsonCandidate Statement As a dedicated nurse leader and current Director of Early Career Nurses, I am committed to elevating nursing practice and policy across Northwest Florida. As a nurse advocate, my vision, collaborative mindset, and proven leadership will strengthen our region’s voice, advance professional membership, and have meaningful impact for our profession. Region Northwest - Okaloosa County Education Associates of Science in Nursing - Pensacola State College (2019) Bachelors of Science in Health Administration - University of Phoenix (2014) Masters of Science in Nursing - Chamberlain University (2025) Current Employment UNMC - Trauma Nurse Professional Organization Activities Director of Early Career Nurses - FNA - 2023 - Current American Nurses Advocacy Institute Fellow - ANA - 2023 - Current Bylaws Committee Chair - FNA - 2025 - Current Board of Directors - Northwest Florida Health Council - 2023 - Current Region Director - North CentralAlachua, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Madison, Marion, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla  Denise SchentrupCandidate Statement I am seeking the North Central Region Director position to advocate for Florida nurses, strengthen Region North Central - Alachua County Education
Current Employment University of Florida College of Nursing-Clinical Associate Professor and Clinic Director of Archer Professional Organization Activities
Region Director - NortheastBaker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns  Amber JohnsonCandidate Statement I would like to maintain the great honor of serving the Northeast Region constituents through awareness of the FNA platform and concerns, community engagement, cohesive conversations to promote excellence in the nursing profession, and building relationships that bond our nursing colleagues. Region Northeast - Duval County Education
Current Employment Clinical Nurse Specialist, Mayo Clinic Professional Organization Activities
 Andrea WollitzCandidate Statement As Northeast Director for the Florida Nurses Association, I would advocate for local nurses, advance policy initiatives, and amplify our collective voice across the state. I am deeply committed to professional leadership, fostering collaboration, and representing the Northeast region with integrity, dedication, and a strong sense of purpose. Region Northeast - Nassau Education
Current Employment UF Health Jacksonville Professional Organization Activities
Region Director - East CentralBrevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia  Melba JamisonCandidate Statement As Regional Director for East Central, I aim to empower nurses through advocacy, education, and collaboration, strengthening our collective voice to influence healthcare policy, promote professional growth, and improve patient outcomes across our communities. Region East Central - Osceola County Education
Current Employment AdventHealth Orlando: Capacity Nursing Operations Professional Organization Activities
Region Director - West CentralDeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota  Amy CurleyCandidate Statement I am passionate about advocating for nurses and advancing healthcare in Florida. Serving on the Florida Nurses Association would allow me to contribute to policy discussions, support professional development, and represent the voices of Florida nurses. I am committed to advancing the professional practice, education ongoing competency of all Florida nurses. Region West Central - Hillsborough County Education
Current Employment Visiting Professor, University of South Florida Professional Organization Activities Past President ANA Vermont (greater than 5 years ago)  Robert NeffCandidate Statement As a board-certified psych nurse, my top priority is to advocate for increased safety measures for nurses and healthcare workers at the bedside. Secondly, I'd like to advocate for greater increases in state and federal funding to help grow and advance our nursing workforce throughout the state. Region West Central - Hillsborough County Education
Current Employment Tampa General Hospital Professional Organization Activities
Region Director - SoutheastIndian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, St. Lucie  Thaysha DutesCandidate Statement As South East Region Director, I will uplift and empower nurses while promoting community well-being by: 1) Advocating for nurse safety and mental health, 2) Increasing nurse registration through recruitment and mentorship, and 3) Enhancing community involvement via partnerships that support health education and preventive care. Region Southeast - St. Lucie County Education ASN - MIAMI DADE Current Employment CARDIOLOGY PARTNER - APRN Professional Organization Activities PRESIDENT of Haitian American Nurses Assoc. of Palm Beach - 2022-2024  Lisa RiveraCandidate Statement I am applying for the Regional Director of the Florida Nurses Association to advocate for nurses, elevate our profession, and strengthen our regional voice. With leadership experience, passion for nursing advancement, and a commitment to professional growth, I aim to foster collaboration, support and promote excellence in nursing. Region Southeast - St. Lucie County Education
Current Employment Dean of Nursing - Fortis Institute Professional Organization Activities  Bonnette WebbCandidate Statement My passion is to lead and empower other nurses. This positions will allow me to have the opportunity to serve the nurses in a bigger scope. I believe in individual and collective power of the nurses to be the voice of the voiceless and advocate for the right things. Region Southeast - Palm Beach County Education
Current Employment Lakeside Medical Center of the Healthcare District of Palm Beach County - Quality Manager Professional Organization Activities American Association of Critical Care Nurses - Member since 2008, Chapter Advisory Team Region Director - SouthwestCharlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee  Anthony J. SilvaCandidate Statement I have sincerely loved serving with FNA. I would like to leverage relationships to really improve the profession of nursing in the SWFL region. I believe that I can use positivity to increase mentorship for new nurses so that our region continues to produce excellent nurses. Region West Central - Lee County Education
Current Employment Clinical Services Manager - Hospital for Special Surgery at Naples Comprehensive Health Clinical Adjunct Instructor - Rasmussen University Professional Organization Activities
Region Director - SouthBroward, Miami-Dade, Monroe  Guillermo ValdesCandidate Statement As South Region Director, my goal is to represent the Region upholding the values, mission and vision of the Florida Nurses Association with regards to all members as an advocate for all nurses regardless of the scope of practice with the highest of professional dedication. Region South - Broward County Education
Current Employment RN to BSN Department Chair - Miami-Dade College Professional Organization Activities
Nominating Committee5 Positions Available - No Region Shall Have More than One Member on the Nominating Committee  Christina BrickerCandidate Statement I am honored to run for the Nominating Committee. As a dedicated nurse leader and faculty member at the University of Florida, I aim to identify and support strong, diverse candidates who will advance FNA's mission and advocacy. I value inclusive leadership and am committed to strengthening our profession's future. Region North Central - Alachua County Education
Current Employment Clinical Associate Professor & FNP Track Coordinator, University of Florida College of Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner (Part-time), UF Health, Archer Family Healthcare Professional Organization Activities
 Lottie CuthbertsonCandidate Statement I am seeking a leadership position on the nominating committee. I would like to assist in selecting individuals for FNA positions to help carry out the mission of FNA. Region West Central - Pinellas County Education
Current Employment Genuine Healthcare Institute, LLC- CEO Professional Organization Activities
 Luzmary OcampoCandidate Statement Any well-rank organization depends on the quality, diversity, and vision of its elected leadership. I want to contribute as an FNA member to identifying and supporting nurse leaders who reflect the core values of the FNA—advocacy, professional excellence, inclusivity, and a commitment to advancing health care in Florida. Region South - Broward County Education
Current Employment Clinical Assistant Professor, Florida International University Professional Organization Activities
 Maritess QuintoCandidate Statement I am seeking to be a member of the FNA Nominating Committee and a Representative to ANA to continue to uphold the vision of FNA and support the initiatives of our organization. As the most recent FNA Southeast Region Director, I believe that my experience with leading the Southeast Region will help with choosing our leaders for the upcoming term, and as a Representative of ANA, I will be able to continue to our advocacy and servant leadership. Region Southeast - Palm Beach County Education
Current Employment HCA Healthcare - Director, Clinical Professional Development Professional Organization Activities 2025 to Present – Fellow, Fellowship In Nursing Economics by the Commission for Nurse Reimbursement  David SmithCandidate Statement I am committed to advancing nursing excellence and supporting FNA’s mission. If honored with this position, I aim to promote member engagement, foster collaboration among nurses, and contribute to effective leadership. I seek to develop skills and serve my colleagues while ensuring our voices are heard and valued. Region Northwest - Bay County Education
Current Employment Gulf Coast State College: Director, Interprofessional Simulation Center Professional Organization Activities Florida Nurses Association: Reference Committee  Deirdre ShoemakeCandidate Statement I desire to serve on the FNA Nominating Committee to elevate the voice of Florida nurses and support the advancement of nursing. My goal is to ensure diverse representation, strengthen advocacy efforts, and support professional growth across all nursing specialties, ultimately advancing the profession and promoting a healthier Florida. Region Northeast - Duval County Education
Current Employment University of North Florida, Assistant Professor of Nursing Professional Organization Activities
Representative to ANA Membership Assembly3 Positions Available Amy CurleyCandidate Statement I am passionate about advocating for nurses and advancing healthcare in Florida. Serving on the Florida Nurses Association would allow me to contribute to policy discussions, support professional development, and represent the voices of Florida nurses. I am committed to advancing the professional practice, education ongoing competency of all Florida nurses. Region West Central - Hillsborough County Education
Current Employment Visiting Professor, University of South Florida Professional Organization Activities Past President ANA Vermont (greater than 5 years ago)  Marie O. EtienneCandidate Statement I am running as ANA Representative for FNA to elevate Florida nurses' voices nationally. With 31 years of active service and leadership, I remain committed to advancing policies that support nurse well-being, shape national healthcare, and strengthen the profession through advocacy, unity, and representation at the highest level. Region South - Miami-Dade County Education Doctor of Nursing Practice - University of Miami Current Employment Miami Dade College - Full tenured Professor Professional Organization Activities President, Florida Nurses Association 2023-2025  Susan FowlerCandidate Statement I am passionate about advocating for nurses and advancing healthcare in Florida. Serving on the Florida Nurses Association would allow me to contribute to policy discussions, support professional development, and represent the voices of Florida nurses. I am committed to advancing the professional practice, education ongoing competency of all Florida nurses. Region East Central - Orange County Education
Current Employment Orlando VA, Chief Nurse, Research & Education Professional Organization Activities FNA, facilitator JEDI SIG  Carmen V. FramilCandidate Statement I aim to serve as an ANA representative, ensuring full FNA members' voices are heard. With a commitment to transparency and collaboration, I will uphold the integrity of our secret ballot process and strive for excellence during my two-year term. Region South - Miami-Dade County Education
Current Employment WoundTech Advanced Practice Registered Nurse - Miami Jewish Health Clinical Associate Professor NWCNHS - Florida International University Professional Organization Activities 6/2024-Present Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association-Gero Psych SIG Co-Chair Melba JamisonCandidate Statement As Representative to ANA Membership Assembly, I aim to empower nurses through advocacy, education, and collaboration, strengthening our collective voice to influence healthcare policy, promote professional growth, and improve patient outcomes across our communities. Region East Central - Osceola County Education
Current Employment AdventHealth Orlando: Capacity Nursing Operations Professional Organization Activities
 Mavra KearCandidate Statement I am passionate about advocating for nurses and a long-term member of FNA/ANA. Region West Central - Polk County Education
Current Employment Peace River Center, APRN Professional Organization Activities FNA Treasurer (2019-2023), FNA President (2011-2013) Maritess QuintoCandidate Statement I am seeking to be a member of the FNA Nominating Committee and a Representative to ANA to continue to uphold the vision of FNA and support the initiatives of our organization. As the most recent FNA Southeast Region Director, I believe that my experience with leading the Southeast Region will help with choosing our leaders for the upcoming term, and as a Representative of ANA, I will be able to continue to our advocacy and servant leadership. Region Southeast - Palm Beach County Education
Current Employment HCA Healthcare - Director, Clinical Professional Development Professional Organization Activities 2025 to Present – Fellow, Fellowship In Nursing Economics by the Commission for Nurse Reimbursement |
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