Cecily Byron

Cecily Byron

Credentials: DNP, RN-BC

Tell about your journey to the boardroom. What inspired you to seek a leadership position?

My journey to boardroom was first influenced during my Doctorial studies, after reading The Future of Nursing: Campaign action plan to have 10,000 nurses appointed to boardrooms by 2020. I felt compelled to be in that number and there was an immediate connected with the idea. Shortly after, the opportunity presented itself when the executive director of a local non-profit organization came to our leadership meeting and delivered a presentation on the work her none profit organization was doing. Prior to that, I must admit being a nurse on a board was not apparent or visible to me. At the end of her presentation, I saw the opportunity on how I could extend my leadership beyond my employment into the community and possibly the world. The presentation truly inspired me to explore ways I felt I was qualified to serve. I expressed my interest to the presenter, and arranged a meeting to learn more about the organization. I also wanted to know what the obligations of a board membership were. After learning more about the vision of the organization. I was sold on the idea of becoming a board member because their mission aligned with my personal values. After meeting with the Executive Director of the organization, she submitted a nomination for me to become a board member. The organization I am speaking of was the American Red Cross (Santa Monica). I can still remember the day I got the call from the Board Chair informing me that my board member nomination was accepted, and I was officially on the board. I was so excited, it was my first time ever being a board member and frankly, I was just overjoyed that I was accepted. Since becoming a board member I learned a great deal. I have been able to work on projects that support the organization’s mission, and supports the community. I have attended many sponsored events and have met many people who work day in and day out to deliver on the organization’s goals. The networking relationships that I have built being a board member has given me a new perspective on how policies are decided through collaboration, teamwork, and compromises. In this leadership role, I am able to impact decisions that affects the community through my experience as a nurse leader. As being a nurse on a board has some similarities to a nurse collaborating with other health care professionals as a multidisciplinary team.

My professional leadership roles had prepared me for this new venture. I developed and grew as a leader through education, and my many years of work experiences in various health care settings. I have seen the impact of how my leadership has influenced others in the care of patients. As a nurse leader I am accustomed to working in teams, so I felt it would be a naturally fit to being on the board in a none hospital setting. With my experience, I understand the opportunities, challenges, and implications of decisions on multiple levels. It has truly been a rewarding experience.

What is the key lesson you have learned through your leadership journey?

As a life-long learner, there are many leadership lessons I could share however, the lessons I will share are those specific to being a nurse in the boardroom. I now recognize that board governance is an extension of leadership, and you do not have to wait until you feel you have what it takes to pursue a board membership opportunities. Organizations can benefit from the perspective a nurse brings to the table. Nurses are able to serve effectively in many type of role based on the structure and specific needs of the boards. While there is a commitment to providing valuable contribution through serving on a board, the benefits far out way the commitment. Many resources exist such as website and educational program that can give you guidance on the roles and expectation as a board member. The NOBC website offers those who are interested in opportunity can be included in their database for consideration for future board opportunities, and to access their many resources to support one on their board journey. Serving on a board is something for all nurses to consider, and is something I discovered I could do. As I am already a nurse leader with experience in multiple care delivery settings. As a nurse in the boardroom, I can bring to the table a wide range of skills that include a holistic approach to problem solving and strategic planning, critical thinking, quality and process improvement, communications, and human resource management.

- DNP, RN-BC

Cecily Byron DNP, RN-BC October 18, 2019