Meet Your National Office Staff

NAPNAP has a committed staff, dedicated to providing the highest quality of service to our members and stakeholders. We promote a sense of community to bring our members the benefits of networking. And, we are committed to NAPNAP's growth in membership and influence. Many individuals play a role in our success in these areas. To better understand who to direct requests to, here is a brief look at the members of the team and what each individual does on your behalf.

 Chief Executive Officer: Karen KellyThomas, PhD, RN, FAAN:

As Chief Executive of NAPNAP's national office staff, Karen provides consultation to the President and Executive Board for fiscal, legal, and contract responsibilities of the Association. Karen facilitates the daily operations of NAPNAP; provides and directs national office staff support for the Executive Board; works with the President, Health Policy Chair, and the Washington Representative to promote NAPNAP's legislative activities; facilitates the national office relationships with the members, chapters, and SIGs, other associations and organizations; and directs the national office professional staff.

 Director of Membership, Chapters & Communication: Felicia Taylor, MBA, BA

This position leads a staff of three that is responsible for recruiting and retaining NAPNAP's membership; coordinating Sustaining Membership and Industry activities; supporting NAPNAP's network of local chapters and Special Interest Groups; and directing communication efforts, including NAPNAP's website and publications produced by the national office.

Director of Practice, Education & Research: Dolores Jones, EdD, RN, CPNP, CAE

Dolores directs a staff of five with responsibilities for coordinating NAPNAP's Annual Conference and other Continuing Education activities; facilitating the work of NAPNAP's KySS^SM Program and HEAT^SMInitiative; as well as providing support for NAPNAP's Education, Conference Planning, Position Statements and Research Committees.

 Director of Human Resource, Finance & Administration:  
                                Cathy Van  Horn, PHR

Cathy leads a staff of four which handles NAPNAP's personnel matters; coordinates NAPNAP's annual budget, oversees the auditing process and other fiscal activities; and manages NAPNAP's national office operations.

 Program Manager: Heather Keesing, MSN, RN, APRN

Heather oversees the role of the Project Development Specialist, providing clinical expertise and program management for NAPNAP's KySS^SM Program, HEAT^SM Initiative and other program activities. Heather also provides support for NAPNAP's Professional Issues and Position Statements Committees and coordinates educational programs, including industry-sponsored events both at and post-conference.

E-Learning/Continuing Education Manager: Laura Nelsen

Laura manages the association's e-learning initiatives, including the creation of instructional sound, innovative knowledge-based on-line continuing education (CE) programs and resources.  She works closely with the Education Chair and CE Committee to implement and oversee Continuing Education initiatives.  Laura oversees the role of the Continuing Education Secretary.

 Executive Office Manager: Jennifer Knorr

Jenn provides administrative support for NAPNAP's Executive Director and the Executive Committee of the NAPNAP Executive Board. She works closely with the Secretary to finalize board minutes; updates correspondence and organizational summaries; tracks legislative material for the Board and transcribes minutes for board meetings.

Professional Fundraiser - Part Time: Phillip Gerst
Phillip provides fundraising experience to the NAPNAP Foundation and advises the Foundation about current trends and opportunities.

 Administrative Assistant II: Virginia Marx, AS

Virginia processes accounts payable/receivable; types correspondence for the Treasurer; works closely with Nominations Chair; facilitates NAPNAP's Grants/Scholarships programs; supports the work of NAPNAP's Awards Committee; facilitates NAPNAP's election ballot process; and provides support to the NAPNAP Foundation, Inc.

 Full Charge Bookkeeper: Mary Wagner, BS

Mary coordinates NAPNAP's accounts payable/receivable processes, payroll administration, quarterly financial reporting and other financial activities.

 Project Development Specialist: Suzette Harper

Suzette works closely with the Program Manager and her responsibilities invlove maintaining and supporting NAPNAP's KySS^SM Program and HEAT^SM Initiative.  She also coordinates and tracks NAPNAP's volunteer activities and provides administrative support to the Professional Issues, Position Statements and Research Committees. 

Continuing Education Secretary - Part Time: Melissa DiMatteo

This position tracks continuing education credits (program approvals, contact hours, etc) and is responsible for supporting NAPNAP's Education Chair. 

Conference Secretary - Part Time: Bridget Horgan Bell

Bridget works closely with the Director of Practice, Education & Research on NAPNAP's Annual Conference.

Membership Relations Specialist: Lucretia Karten

Lucretia's responsibilities primarily focus on NAPNAP's Chapters and Special Interest Groups.  Her duties include providing support for NAPANP's Chapter's Coordinator, Communications Chair and Clinical Practice Chair; preparing and distributing SIG newsletters; monitoring SIG financial accounts; coordinating SIG conference activities and working closely with the Director of Membership, Chapters & Communication on industry projects.

 Administrative Assistant II: Nicole Salomone

Nicole provides support for the Director of Membership, Chapters & Communication with regard to NAPNAP's Sustaining Members, website advertising and bimonthly newsletter. She supports the Director of Human Resource, Finance & Administration in human resources activities; and she coordinates travel arrangements for NAPNAP's Executive Board members.

 Membership Services Representative: Leona DeVault

Leona's primary focus involves maintaining NAPNAP's membership database. Among her duties, Leona records membership entries and renewals; coordinates member mailings; processes mailing list requests and provides support for the Director of Membership, Chapters & Communication.

 Administrative Assistant: Maureen Irvin

Maureen is the first point of contact for those who call NAPNAP. In addition to answering telephones, Maureen processes mail and faxes for board members; handles requests for publications; provides daily checks/backups on NAPNAP's network server; and assists the Director of Human Resource, Finance & Administration in administrative matters.

Technology Specialist - Part Time: John “Jack” McHugh
Jack is responsible for keeping our computer and network systems up to date. Jack also provides technical support to the NAPNAP staff regarding system trouble-shooting, software installation and training, web-based applications and other services.