Press Releases
Nurses on Boards Coalition Strengthens Partnership Network
Kirby Bates Associates brings nurse executive voice and expertise
News Release
Lorrie Anderson, 407-234-8209
landerson@kirbybates.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nov. 15, 2021 – The Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) is proud to announce that Kirby Bates Associates has become a NOBC Strategic Partner, aligned with its mission to improve the health of communities and the nation through the service of nurses on boards.
“Kirby Bates Associates has an outstanding national reputation for placing strong leaders across healthcare C-suites, particularly nurse executives, and we are proud to add its voice and expertise to NOBC’s important work,” noted Laurie Benson, BSN, Executive Director of NOBC.
Nationally renowned nurse leader and president of Kirby Bates Associates, Melissa A. Fitzpatrick, MSN, RN, FAAN, is the first registered nurse to serve on UNC REX Healthcare’s board. “As healthcare boards move beyond operational and financial concerns and increase their focus on care quality, safety and workforce issues, nurse representation on boards is an essential means to drive healthcare improvement,” observes Fitzpatrick. “The Kirby Bates team is honored to formally partner with NOBC to amplify its mission and vision.”
About the Nurses on Boards Coalition
The Nurses on Boards Coalition was created in response to the 2010 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, that recommended increasing the number of nurse leaders in pivotal decision-making roles on boards and commissions that work to improve the health of everyone in America.
The Coalition has achieved the key strategy of 10,000 board seats filled by nurses by 2020, as envisioned by the founders.
About Kirby Bates Associates
Kirby Bates Associates is the leading executive search and interim leadership firm for providing high-performing leaders to healthcare C-suites across the nation through executive search, interim leadership, and executive advisory services. Because the company is led by successful healthcare and nurse executives, it brings essential clinical, operational, and financial perspectives to achieve its clients’ organizational imperatives. Kirby Bates Associates is part of the Jackson Healthcare® family of companies. Learn more at www.kirbybates.com.
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NURSES ON BOARDS COALITION ANNOUNCES CVS HEALTH AS FOUNDING STRATEGIC PARTNER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – The Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC), an organization committed to building healthier communities through the service of nurses on all types of boards, has announced today that CVS Health has become a Founding Strategic Partner. With clear alignment of mission, vision and goals, CVS Health has made a commitment to support the work of the Coalition.
NOBC formed in response to the Institute of Medicine’s Future of Nursing Report which identified the need for nurses to bring their knowledge and strategic expertise about health and healthcare into greater leadership positions. The Coalition’s intent is to ensure that at least 10,000 nurses are on boards by 2020, as well as raise awareness that all boards would benefit from the unique perspective of nurses to achieve the goals of improved health and efficient and effective health care systems at the local, state and national levels.
“CVS Health is pleased to work with the Nurses on Boards Coalition to ensure that nurses and nurse practitioners are not only leaders in health care but also leaders in their community,” said Angela Patterson, DNP, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer, MinuteClinic and Vice President, CVS Health. “At CVS Health, we know the value that those in the nursing profession bring to our workplace. We hope that by supporting this coalition we are able to help connect our providers with organizations that can utilize their health care expertise to further the organizations’ own health-focused missions.”
“CVS Health has an admirable track record of thought leadership, innovation and commitment to improving health in communities across our nation. We are honored and proud to work together, as partners, to advance more nurses to serve on boards to make strategy and policy decisions that promote a culture of health.” Marla J. Weston, PhD, RN, FAAN, NOBC Board Chair
As a Founding Strategic Partner, CVS Health will make a significant and essential contribution to NOBC’s efforts to improve health in communities across our nation.
Nurse leaders that are currently serving on a board, or would like to be considered for a board seat, are encouraged to visit nursesonboardscoalition.org.
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Capella University Renews Its Commitment to Nurses on Boards Coalition
The goal: building healthier communities through the service of nurses on boards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
February 20, 2018
Media Contact:
Alicia Amling, Capella University
612-977-4836
Alicia.amling@capella.edu
Minneapolis – (February 20, 2018) As founding strategic partner of the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC), Capella University proudly announces another year of continued support and advocacy for the appointment of nurses to the highest level of governance in health care organizations and policymaking bodies.
Nurses have an incredible impact on healthcare and the wellbeing of our nation. As such, Capella and NOBC are heading into 2018 reaffirming their shared dedication and mission. While currently 4,000 nurses have registered as serving on boards, the goal of 10,000 still looms as a strategic objective for both organizations.
“As we enter our second year of partnership, NOBC is delighted to continue our work with Capella enabling us to reach even more nurse leaders and help prepare them for board appointments and service,” says NOBC Chair-Elect Kimberly Harper, RN, MS. “Our collaborative approach toward improving the health of our communities through the voice of nursing at the tables where decisions are being made is resulting in healthier communities all across America.”
“We believe the nurses of our nation must encourage changes in healthcare in order to advance health systems, influence policy, and improve patient care,” says Jennifer Dixson Hoff, MS, vice president and general manager of Capella’s College of Nursing, Health and Behavioral Sciences. “As a university steadfastly dedicated to the nursing profession, we feel it is an imperative to continue our partnership with NOBC on this transformative mission.”
“Nurses positioned at the highest level of organization governance results in better health for all. Capella is honored to carry on as a strategic partner of the NOBC in assuring that nurses are at the table,” says Patrick Robinson, PhD, RN FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Capella University.
NOBC announced Capella University as a founding strategic partner in March, 2017.
About Capella University
Capella University (www.capella.edu) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Founded in 1993, the university is dedicated to providing flexible, professionally aligned online degree programs designed to help working adults advance in their careers. As of September 30, 2017, about 37,200 students were enrolled in Capella’s bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs. Known for its commitment to learner success, academic quality and innovations in online education, Capella pioneered competency-based direct assessment programs allowing students to learn at their own pace. For more information, call 1.888.CAPELLA (888.227.3552).
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Nurses on Boards Coalition Recognizes WGU as a Founding Partner
Online, nonprofit university’s students and alumni to benefit from the Coalition’s trainings and resources
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2018
WGU contact for media inquiries:
Joan Mitchell – VP of Public Relations
801-428-5463
jmitchell@wgu.edu
SALT LAKE CITY — (February 1, 2018) Western Governors University (WGU), one of the nation’s leading nurse educators, has been recognized by the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) as a Founding Healthcare Leadership Organization Strategic Partner for its work in improving the health of communities through the service of nurses on boards.
This partnership enables WGU’s 21,000 current nursing students and 34,000 nursing alumni to freely access training and board preparation resources through the NOBC at www.nursesonboardscoalition.org/resources/.
“The Nurses on Boards Coalition is delighted to welcome WGU as a Founding Strategic Partner,” said Kimberly J. Harper, NOBC’s Board Chair-Elect. “Clearly, both organizations share a similar mission—to get the nursing voice to decision making tables across America. By working together, WGU students and graduates will further develop skills and competencies needed for successful board placement and service.”
The mission of NOBC is to improve health in communities across the nation through the service of nurses on boards. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and AARP joined forces to form NOBC in 2014. With 26 coalition members and growing, the goal is to help ensure that at least 10,000 nurses are on boards by 2020; as well as raise awareness that all boards would benefit from the unique perspective of nurses to achieve the goals of improved health, and efficient and effective health care systems.
“WGU is committed to advancing nurse leadership opportunities, and this partnership with NOBC will do just that,” said Dr. Jan Jones-Schenk, WGU’s Academic Vice President for the College of Health Professions and Chief Nursing Officer. “In addition, this partnership will also help us to provide students and alumni with ongoing professional development, specifically in regards to governance skills for nurses.”
About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves 91,000 students nationwide and has 100,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 21 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.
About NOBC
The Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) represents national nursing and other organizations working to build healthier communities in America by increasing nurses’ presence on corporate, health-related, and other boards, panels, and commissions. The coalition’s goal is to help ensure that at least 10,000 nurses are on boards by 2020, as well as raise awareness that all boards would benefit from the unique perspective of nurses to achieve the goals of improved health, and efficient and effective health care systems at the local, state, and national levels. Learn more at www.nursesonboardscoalition.org.
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American Sentinel University Partners with Nurses on Boards Coalition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2018
Aurora, CO
American Sentinel University, an accredited healthcare-focused online university, announced today that it has partnered with the Nurses on Board Coalition (NOBC) in its goal of ensuring that at least 10,000 nurses are on boards by 2020.
NOBC is an organization committed to building healthier communities through the service of nurses on all types of boards. In addition to ensuring at least 10,000 nurses sit on boards by 2020, NOBC is also dedicated to raising awareness that all boards will uniquely benefit from nurses’ experiences, compassion, and insights. These particular perspectives will help to achieve better community and national health outcomes.
NOBC was created in response to the landmark National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) report on the need for nurses to play a greater role in America’s ever-changing healthcare landscape.
“NOBC is proud to recognize American Sentinel as a Founding Healthcare Leadership Organization Strategic Partner,” said Patti Epstein, Strategic Programs Manager, NOBC. “American Sentinel’s thought leadership and exclusive focus on healthcare education brings natural synergies to our partnership. The active engagement of the American Sentinel community of students, faculty and alums, on all types of boards, will advance our shared goal to improve health in communities across our nation.”
“We are honored to partner with our colleagues at the Nurses on Boards Coalition in our shared vision for a stronger nursing presence at key decision-making levels. Nurses offer a real-world perspective of both their patient populations and their healthcare systems,” said Dr. Elaine Foster, Dean of Nursing and Healthcare Programs for American Sentinel University.
“American Sentinel University is fortunate to educate nursing leaders from distinguished healthcare organizations all across the country. We know how valuable nurses are in our increasingly complex healthcare systems, and we believe that through education and opportunity, nurses can be a solution to many of the issues we face today.”
American Sentinel University is a Level I Founding Healthcare Leadership Organization Strategic Partner and already enjoys a professional relationship with many of the NOBC national member organizations, including AORN, ANA, AONE, STTI, and OADN.
About American Sentinel University
American Sentinel University delivers accredited online degree programs in nursing (BSN, MSN, and DNP) and healthcare management (MBA Healthcare, M.S. Information Systems Management, and M.S. Business Intelligence and Analytics). Its affordable, flexible bachelor’s and master’s nursing degree programs are accredited by the Commission for the Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), of One Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530, Washington, D.C., 20036. The DNP program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) of 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Ga., 30326. The University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, DEAC, 1101 17th Street NW, Suite 808, Washington, D.C. 20036, (202) 234-5100, www.deac.org.
In June 2016, the Higher Education Commission Board of Trustees voted to grant American Sentinel University the status of candidate for accreditation. Institutions seeking accreditation by HLC are required to complete a period of candidacy before being evaluated for full accreditation. To earn and maintain candidacy, American Sentinel must fully meet the Commission’s Eligibility Requirements and Assumed Practices and demonstrate the capacity to meet all the Criteria for Accreditation within the candidacy period.
Please note, the MBA Healthcare Project-Based program is pending review for inclusion in the university’s programs covered by the Higher Learning Commission designation of candidate for accreditation.
For required student consumer information, please visit www.americansentinel.edu/doe.
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Nurses on Boards Coalition and Chamberlain College of Nursing Join Forces to Empower Nurse Leaders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
April 26, 2017
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – Today, the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) and Chamberlain College of Nursing announced the culmination of their year-long work developing a long-term strategic partnership with two goals: 1) Increase awareness of the significant impact nurses can have on healthcare through service on boards at every level; and 2) co-create programs to help nurses develop the competencies and readiness to serve on boards. Chamberlain has committed to supporting the work of the Coalition for a minimum of five years and will collaborate with the Coalition to accomplish the Coalition’s goals, positively impacting a culture of heath through the transformation of healthcare.
“We are excited about our Founding Strategic Partnership with the NOBC as it exemplifies our alignment around the vision, mission and purpose of empowering extraordinary nurses to step into leadership roles and have a significant impact on healthcare from bedside to boardroom,” said Susan Groenwald, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, national president for Chamberlain College of Nursing. “Through the development of programs that improve nurses’ leadership skills and competencies, nurses, including Chamberlain colleagues and alumni, will be more likely to participate on boards where they can make significant contributions to healthcare.”
According to recent statistics reported by Trustee magazine, an American Hospital Association publication, the vast majority of the nation’s hospitals and health systems do not have a nurse on their board. While America has 3.6 million nurses, only 5 percent of the nation’s hospitals have a nurse as a trustee or that serves on a board.1 Chamberlain aims to assist the Coalition’s goal of ensuring at least 10,000 nurses are on boards by 2020, and
raise awareness that boards can benefit from the unique perspective of nurses.
“A nurse perspective helps boards achieve their goal of improved health, as well as more efficient and effective healthcare systems at the local, state and national levels,” said Rita Wray, MBA, RN, BC, FAAN, Chamberlain Board of Trustees member. “Nurses represent one of the largest segments of our healthcare workforce and it simply makes good business sense to have the nursing perspective represented in all places where decisions affecting health are made.”
Chamberlain intends to expand upon its current board member roster of nurse leaders including:
- Dawn Gubanc-Anderson, DNP, MSN, RN, NE-A, BC, FACHE, Chamberlain associate professor. Gubanc-Anderson was recently appointed as trustee for the Lake Health System Board of Trustees and is responsible for oversight of the organization’s quality and strategic initiatives, as well as contributing to the strategic planning committee of the board. She also serves on the advisory committee for the American Organization of Nurse Executives Education Board, which aims to review priorities and develop educational offerings.
- Julie McAfooes, MS, RN-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, Chamberlain web development manager. McAfooes serves as a steering-committee member for the Ohio Action Coalition (OAC) on behalf of the Ohio League for Nursing, one of the leaders of the OAC. The OAC fulfills the mission of the national Future of
Nursing: Campaign for Action through workgroups that mobilize nurses and consumers at the state level to promote academic progression, workforce data analysis, and leadership and inter-professional education. - Adele Webb, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN, Chamberlain Cleveland campus president. Webb serves as a partner with the World Health Organization (WHO), focusing on its Non-Communicable Disease Initiative, and is committed to providing access to advanced education to Seychelles nurse educators. Additionally,
Webb was recently elected as president-elect of the Greater Cleveland Nurses Association, part of the Ohio Nurses Association.
“The NOBC is pleased to partner with Chamberlain College of Nursing to extend our reach and provide support to nurses as they offer their expertise to relevant boards,” said Kimberly J. Harper, RN, MS, CEO, Indiana Center for Nursing, Nursing Lead, Indiana Action Coalition-National Future of Nursing Campaign for Action, NOBC National Co-Chair.
“Placing nurses on boards is essential to transform and improve care for all people, particularly with the healthcare system in transition,” said Marla Weston, PhD, RN, FAAN, CEO, American Nurses Association Enterprise and NOBC National Co-Chair.
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Nurses on Boards Coalition Announces Capella University as Founding Strategic Partner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Download PDF Version
March 8, 2017
SILVER SPRING, MD – The Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC), an organization committed to building healthier communities through the service of nurses on all types of boards, has announced today that Capella University has become a founding strategic partner.
NOBC’s intent is to ensure that at least 10,000 nurses are on boards by 2020, as well as to raise awareness that all boards would benefit from nurses’ unique perspectives to achieve improved health and efficient and effective health care systems at the local, state and national levels. NOBC was created in response to the landmark 2010 Institute of Medicine report on the need for nurses to take a greater role in America’s increasingly complex health care system.
“We join our colleagues at the Nurses on Boards Coalition to support advocacy for the appointment of nurses to the highest level of governance in health care organizations and policymaking bodies,” said F. Patrick Robinson, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Capella University. “We are honored to support NOBC and its efforts to improve health and the quality and efficiency of our health care system.”
“NOBC is pleased to partner with Capella University to provide greater reach to nurse leaders as they consider and prepare for board service. Their innovative approaches to education will provide new ways for nurse leaders to prepare and contribute as valuable board members on all types of boards,” said Kimberly J. Harper, MS, RN, CEO, Indiana Center for Nursing; nursing lead, Indiana Action Coalition-National Future of Nursing Campaign for Action; and NOBC national co-chair.
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Nurses On Boards Coalition Announces New Executive Director
Innovative executive to recruit 10,000 nurses to boards by 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Download PDF Version
April 6, 2016
Silver Spring, MD – The Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) has announced the selection of Laurie Benson, BSN, RN as its new executive director, effective immediately.
NOBC represents national nursing and other organizations working to build healthier communities in America by increasing nurses’ presence on corporate, health-related, and other boards, panels and commissions. The coalition’s goal is to help ensure that at least 10,000 nurses are on boards by 2020.
“As a highly experienced executive and board member herself, Laurie will bring the expertise and know how needed at the right time for our coalition,” said Kate Judge, the executive director and executive vice president of the American Nurses Foundation.
In the role of executive director, Benson will drive the coalition’s national expansion to build partnerships, engage with coalition members and serve as a national public spokesperson.
“I am honored and excited to play a leadership role in advancing more nurses to the boardroom where their unique insights, experiences and perspectives will have a significant impact in improving the health of communities and our nation,” said Benson.
Benson has more than 35 years of experience serving as a corporate executive, founder, CEO, C-suite advisor, and multi-sector board member. Since 2009, she has served as CEO of LBS Unlimited. In this role, she served as an advisor to executives on issues such as board governance, innovation, strategy and high performance teams. She currently serves as a member of several corporate and non-profit boards in industries ranging from health care, finance, and insurance to manufacturing and technology.
Benson earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 2013, she was named one of UW Madison’s Distinguished Alumni and received the Chancellor’s Entrepreneurial Achievement Award.
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The Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) represents national nursing and other organizations working to build healthier communities in America by increasing nurses’ presence on corporate, health-related, and other boards, panels, and commissions.