Board and Chapter Nominations & Elections

VNA Board of Directors
The Virginia Nurses Association (VNA) Board of Directors is a group of elected leaders dedicated to overseeing the strategic direction and operations of the association. Comprised of experienced professionals from various nursing fields, the Board ensures VNA fulfills its mission to advocate for nurses, promote the nursing profession, and improve healthcare across Virginia. Board members are responsible for making key decisions that guide the future of the association and support its members.

Committee on Nominations
The Committee on Nominations plays a vital role in the VNA election process by identifying and recommending qualified candidates for leadership positions. The committee works to ensure a diverse and skilled slate of candidates for the VNA Board of Directors roles. Their goal is to provide VNA members with the opportunity to elect individuals who will drive the association’s mission forward and represent the interests of nurses across Virginia.

Election Timeline
Call for nominations: Middle of March - End of May
Webinar to learn more about the available positions: Early May
Nominating Committee conducts interviews: All of May
Slate of candidates and profiles published on website: Middle of June
Member voting: Late June - Late August
Election results shared at VNA Fall Conference: November

The following leadership positions will be open for election to the VNA Board of Directors in 2026. These roles offer a unique opportunity to help shape the future of nursing in Virginia. As a Board member, you will play a key role in guiding VNA's strategic direction, advocating for nursing professionals, and advancing the association’s mission. Detailed information about these positions is available below in the 2025 Board of Directors and Nominations & Elections Manual tab. To self-nominate for a leadership position, you need to be a current VNA member.

Link to Submit Self-Nomination

Positions available for the 2026 election include:
President
Secretary
Commissioner on Nursing Education
Commissioner on Nursing Practice
Commissioner on Workforce Issues
Director-at-Large, Frontline Nurse
Committee on Nominations (3 Positions)                              

The newly elected Board of Directors will begin their terms on January 1, 2026.

Vice President	Treasurer
Ashley Apple, DNP, RN, FNP-BC	Llewellyn Dawn Smith, MSN RN-BC CNEcl
Commissioner on Government Relations	Commissioner on Resources and Policy
Halima Walker, DHA, MSN, RN, CCRN, NEA-BC	Aileen Cassada, DNP, RN, NRP
Director-at-Large, APRN	Director-at-Large, Recent Graduate
Charity Brown, DNP	Erin Van Gessel, RN
Director-at-Large, Chapter Representative
Patricia Lane, MBA, BSN, SCRN, FAAN

The VNA Board of Directors Nominations and Elections Manual provides a comprehensive guide to the nomination and election process for VNA leadership positions. It outlines the responsibilities of nominees, the timeline for nominations and voting, and the procedures for conducting fair and transparent elections. This manual ensures that all members understand the steps involved in selecting qualified leaders to represent the association and guide its future.

VNA Chapter Leaders are essential to the success of the Virginia Nurses Association at the local level. VNA is made up of 12 chapters across the Commonwealth, each of which plays a vital role in representing the interests of nurses in their respective regions. In each chapter, leadership is provided by the President, Student Outreach Chair, and Government Relations Chair, who work together to guide the chapter’s activities and initiatives. For a closer look at our chapters and their locations, check out our chapter map here.

Election Timeline
Call for nominations: Middle of March - End of May
Webinar to learn more about the available positions: Early May
Nominating Committee conducts interviews: All of May
Slate of candidates and profiles published on website: Middle of June
Member voting: Late June - Late August
Election results shared at VNA Fall Conference: November

Leadership roles available now for appointment! If you're interested in one of the available positions below, reach out to Membership Manager, MJ Gearles, at mgearles@virginianurses.com. 

South Hills Chapter
President (concludes on December 31, 2027)
Student Outreach Chair (concludes on December 31, 2026)
Government Relations Chair (concludes on December 31, 2026)

Piedmont Chapter
President (concludes on December 31, 2027)

Augusta Chapter
Government Relations Chair (concludes on December 31, 2026)

New River Valley Chapter
Student Outreach Chair (concludes on December 31, 2026)

N. Shenandoah Valley Chapter
President (concludes on December 31, 2027)
Student Outreach Chair (concludes on December 31, 2026)

The roles of Chapter Student Outreach Chair and Government Relations Chair will be available in 2026 across all Virginia Nurses Association chapters. This is a fantastic opportunity to step up and make a lasting impact in your local nursing community. As a Chapter Leader, you will lead initiatives, advocate for nursing issues, and represent the interests of nurses within your chapter. More information is available below in the 2026 Chapter Leaders Nominations & Elections Manual tab. To self-nominate for a leadership position, you need to be a current VNA member.

In Spring of 2026, submit your Self-Nomination Form below and take the next step in shaping your chapter's future!

Southwestern VA Chapter	Roanoke Valley Chapter
Hill City Chapter	Hampton Roads Chapter
Central VA Chapter	South Hills Chapter
Piedmont Chapter	Northern VA Chapter
Augusta Chapter	New River Valley Chapter
Farmville Chapter	N. Shenandoah Valley Chapter

 

The newly elected chapter leaders will begin their terms on January 1, 2026.

Roanoke Valley President	Hill City President
Suzanne McDaniels, RN, DNP, PCCN-K	Susan Braud, DNP, RN, CCRN
Hampton Roads Board of Directors (2 Positions)	Hampton Roads Board of Directors (2 Positions)
Eric Mutchie, MHA, RN, NE-BC, CPHQ, FACHE	Natalie Watkins, MSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, CNL
Central VA President	Central VA Nominating Committee Member
Phyllis Wyche, RN, MSN, FNP-BC	Chante' Logan, RN, DNP, CNOR
Central VA Board of Directors (2 Positions)	Central VA Board of Directors (2 Positions)
June Noel, MSN, RN	Ruzen Baluyot, MSNc, RN
Northern VA President	Augusta President
Patricia Lane, MBA, BSN, SCRN, FAAN	Teona Eririogu, DNP, MSN-ed, RN, CNE
Farmville President	Southwestern VA President
Wendy Lafferty, MSN, RN, CPHQ	Melissa Whited, DNP, MSN, RN, NE-BC
New River Valley President	New River Valley Government Relations Chair (1 Year)
Cindy Akers, RN, MSN, NEA-BC	Kristi Hall, DNP, NEA-BC, RN-BC, CHEC, CLNC

The 2026 Chapter Leaders Nominations & Elections Manual serves as a resource for understanding the nomination and election process for VNA Chapter leadership roles. It details the responsibilities of each position, the timeline for nominations and voting, and the procedures for ensuring a fair and transparent election process. This manual equips members with the information they need to confidently participate in selecting skilled and passionate leaders to guide their chapters and advance the mission of the Virginia Nurses Association at the local level.