About Us

Our Mission

The mission of the Virginia Nurses Association is to promote advocacy and education for registered nurses to advance professional practice and influence the delivery of quality care.

Who We Are

VNA is the professional organization representing the interests of the more than 151,000 registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Virginia, inclusive of all areas of specialization, clinical settings and work environments. We are the voice of nursing, protecting practice by ensuring that nursing's priorities are incorporated into legal and regulatory decisions, and ensuring our voice and influence at the capitol and growing grassroots efforts. Together with our national partner the American Nurses Association (ANA), we are dedicated to advancing nurses and the nursing profession through advocacy.

CEO Message

Over the past four years, the Virginia Nurses Association (VNA) and Virginia Nurses Foundation (VNF) advanced a member-driven agenda to strengthen nursing and improve health across the Commonwealth. Guided by the 2022–2026 priorities—Equity, Staffing, and Healthy Workplaces—we delivered measurable progress shaped by Virginia nurses.

Advancing Equity in Nursing and Our Communities
We embedded Equity Champions across leadership groups, expanded inclusive programming, and offered 14 health equity education programs. The Dr. Vivienne McDaniel Health Equity Scholarship supported nurses pursuing advanced degrees to promote equity statewide.

Strengthening the Nursing Workforce and Supporting Safe Staffing
VNA advanced nurse-driven staffing solutions through collaboration with VHHA and support for the Stand with Us for Nurse Staffing campaign. We championed a Virginia Nursing Workforce Center, delivered 25 workforce-focused programs, awarded more than $53,000 in student scholarships, and strengthened leadership development through the Nurse Leadership Academy and Next Level Leadership.

Promoting Healthy Workplaces Free of Occupational Stress
Advocacy strengthened workplace violence reporting and SafeHaven protections for nurses and students. Forty-six programs promoted resilience and well-being, complemented by initiatives such as All In for Virginia Caregivers and a Nurse Well-Being Collaborative with VHHA.

Delivering Mission-Driven Programs that Strengthen the Profession
Through advocacy events, accredited professional development, chapter engagement, scholarships, and statewide partnerships, VNA and VNF expanded their impact.

Looking Ahead
Now, as we launch a six-month strategic planning process for 2026–2029, member input will guide our next chapter. Together, we will continue advancing nursing practice, developing leaders, strengthening the workforce, and improving the health of all Virginians.

Strategic Imperatives VNA Bylaws

Board of Directors

Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, FAAN

University of Virginia Medical Center

President

Ashley Apple, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
University of Virginia

Vice President

Llewellyn Smith , MSN, RN-BC
Sentara Healthcare

Treasurer

Ericka Daley, BSN, RN, CEN
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

Secretary

Halima Walker, DHA, MSN, RN, CCRN, NEA-BC
UVA Health

Commissioner on Government Relations

Terri Gaffney, PhD, MPA, RN, CNE
Marymount University

Commissioner on Nursing Education

Tiffany Covarrubias-Lyttle, MSN, NEA-BC

Centra

Commissioner on Nursing Practice

Aileen Cassada, DNP, RN, NRP
Centra Health

Commissioner on Resources and Policy

Julianne George, MSN, MBA, RN, CNML, NEA-BC, NC-BC, PCCN-K, CCRN-K

National Institute of Health

Commissioner on Workforce Issues

Carlise Talley, MSN, RN

HCA Henrico Doctors' Hospital

Director-at-Large, Frontline Nurse

Charity Brown, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CCRN

Inova Health System

Director-at-Large, APRN

Erin Van Gessel, RN
UVA Health

Director-at-Large, Recent Graduate

Patricia Lane, BSN, MBA, SCRN, FAAN
Inova Health System

Director-at-Large, Chapter Representative

Staff

Lindsey Cardwell, MSN, RN, NPD-BC

Chief Executive Officer

Ashley Henry, MSN, RN, NPD-BC

Director of Professional Development

Elle Buck

Communications & Advocacy Manager

MJ Gearles

Membership Manager

Linda McKay

Sponsor Engagement & Office Manager

Katelyn Hildreth, MSN, RN, CPN, NPD-BC

Nursing Professional Development Specialist

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Nurse Leadership Academy

Monies donated will help support the curriculum of the Nurse Leadership Academy and provide donors with an opportunity to recognize and give tribute to memorable nurse leaders in their lives.

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Virginia Nurses Foundation

Your donation supports VNF initiatives, including scholarships and programs of support and innovation for nurses and nursing in the Commonwealth.