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2026 APNA Elections Results

Meet your Newly Elected Members of the APNA Board of Directors and 2027 Nominating Committee

Voted into office by the membership, these leaders will begin their terms during the APNA 40th Annual Conference at the Annual Meeting & Town Hall this October.

Thank you to all the members who put their names forward during this year’s Call for Nominations, the 2026 APNA Nominating Committee who put together the slate, and to all who voted in this year’s elections!

From President-Elect on the APNA Board of Directors to the members who will select next year’s slate of candidates on the 2027 Nominating Committee, meet the psychiatric-mental health nurses chosen by you to help lead the association:

APNA Board of Directors: President-Elect

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Andrea Kwasky, DNP, PMHCNS-BC, PMHNP-BC

Full Professor (Tenured), University of Detroit Mercy; Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Behavioral Medical Center-Troy

As a dual-certified child adolescent psychiatric clinical nurse specialist/nurse practitioner and university professor, I have spent the last 24 years passionately advocating for those that we serve and 18 years educating the next generation. I have more to give. I lead with a strong commitment to mentorship and professional development, creating supportive environments that encourage others to flourish. My leadership is grounded in evidence-based practice and mission-driven service, reflected in my national and international collaborations, contributions to national practice standards, and suicide prevention initiatives that extend meaningful impact beyond my own institutions.

As President-Elect for APNA, I will uphold the mission and vision of the organization and utilize this opportunity to continue to highlight psychiatric nursing as a critical voice in healthcare, while also supporting nurses through ongoing workforce opportunities and challenges, stigma elimination, suicide prevention, and the promotion of evidence-based, compassionate care.

 

APNA Board of Directors: Secretary

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Joshua Moran Jimenéz, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CPHQ, CARN, NE-BC, FIAAN

Nurse Scientist, Magnet Program and Nursing Excellence; Advanced Practice Provider, Psychiatric Emergency Services; Clinical Instructor

I have been passionate about APNA since I first joined as a new graduate nurse and have a strong dedication to our specialty. My work aligns across APNA’s research and scholarship, educational, and workforce priorities, combined with hands-on leadership experience in psychiatric nursing practice, quality improvement and research initiatives, and education. My contributions span national advisory panels, peer review, conference dissemination, chapter-level symposium support, demonstrating a sustained commitment to advancing psychiatric-mental health nursing.

I am an organized, detail-oriented leader who values transparency, communication, and accountability, essential qualities for the Secretary role. My experience managing complex initiatives, reviewing scholarships, and supporting governance processes has prepared me to ensure accurate documentation, effective communication, and continuity across Board activities. I am committed to amplifying member voices, strengthening engagement, and maintaining the integrity of APNA’s work.

 

APNA Board of Directors: Member-at-Large

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Jean F. Villaruz Fisak, DNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC

Installation Director for Psychological Health, U.S. Naval Hospital, Okinawa

I believe in advancing psychiatric-mental health nursing through collaboration, representing diverse perspectives, advocating for members, and actively engaging in supporting the APNA’s priorities and initiatives.

I have been to 23 countries over 30 years as an active-duty Navy nurse and have witnessed various different mental health zeitgeists, which sparked my passion for culturally tailored mental health care. This led to being actively engaged in the psychiatric-mental health community through culturally appropriate clinical practice and policy influence. I have also had the privilege of achieving extensive experience in executive medicine, leadership, strategic and financial planning, policy development, and mentorship.

It would be an honor to serve as a trusted member of the APNA Board. If elected, I would uphold APNA’s mission to promote advocacy, education, leadership, and excellence in psychiatric-mental health care. My military service reflects a lifelong commitment to service, integrity, and leadership, and I would bring the same dedication to representing the voices of APNA members and supporting the continued growth and impact of psychiatric-mental health nursing as Member-at-Large.

2027 Nominating Committee

Ridley Pryor Tracee
Tracee Ridley-Pryor, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

“The role of a nominating committee member aligns with my foundational core values of integrity and credibility, qualities that communicate trust and alignment.”

Ulrich Zachary
Zachary P. Ulrich, JD, MDR, MA, PMH-BC, CPRP, PMHNP-BC, NMIT

“Anchored by a servant leadership philosophy, my goal is to build a slate of candidates ready to strategically navigate legislative landscapes, dismantle barriers to practice, and advocate fiercely for both our profession and the culturally diverse communities we serve.”

Verdeflor Stephanie
Stephanie A. Verdeflor, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

I have seen the importance of leadership that is collaborative, authentic, and reflective of the diverse experiences within our profession. I value creating spaces where psychiatric nurses across all career stages feel represented, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Your dynamic community of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses.

Connect with fellow psychiatric-mental health nurses, be the first to know about evidence-based resources and programs, and participate in exclusive opportunities to advance the care and treatment of those with mental health & substance use needs.

JOIN TODAY MEMBER COMMUNITY

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