The following positions and candidates are presented for the 2025 ballot and annual election:

President-Elect (Term: April 1, 2025 thru March 31, 2027)

Candidate: Judith Boyle, DNP, RN – Eldersburg, Maryland

Judith has an Executive Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Johns Hopkins University, a Master’s degree from Stevenson University, a BSN from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and a Diploma of Nursing from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Baltimore, Maryland. She has extensive clinical experience in the areas of emergency/trauma, critical care, perioperative, home and school health, and nursing education. She received certifications as a Compassion Fatigue Professional, in Bioethics, and in nursing education. She is presently enrolled in University of Mary’s Bioethics Master’s degree program.
Judie is an active member in her parish and in Regnum Christi. Currently, she teaches NFP in a Three to Get Married marriage prep program. Judie’s goal for NACN-USA is to continue the work already being done to situate NACN-USA as the nationally recognized authority and support for Catholic nurses at all levels of practice with the motto of “Unity in Charity.”

Corresponding Secretary (Term: April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2027)

Candidate: Theresa Newlin, MSN, ANP-BC, RN – Kosse, Texas

Theresa’s goal as Corresponding Secretary is to ensure timely management of communications to support NACN-USA’s mission. A cradle Catholic, she has taught religious education to children, teens, and special needs children and served as Eucharistic Minister. She holds a BA in Native American Studies, Art, and Philosophy and a BSN from Incarnate Word College, a MSN from the UTHSC, and a Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certification from GWU. Her civilian RN career spanned inpatient, enterostomal therapy and home health hospice. Theresa served 27 years active duty in the Army Nurse Corps, retiring as a LTC, having served in RN roles and as a board certified APRN in Adult and Family Practice and held dual clinician/administrative positions from Head Nurse to Chief Nurse. Theresa and her husband raise bees.

Regional Director 1 (CT, VT, MA, NH, ME, RI) (Term: April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2027)

Candidate: Jaime Shephard BTh, LPN – Depew, NY

Jamie Shephard, LPN, has a Bachelor of Arts in Theology with a concentration in Sacred Scripture and Human Life Issues from Franciscan University. At Franciscan University, he was a student of Rita Marker. Jamie has been an active member of NACN-USA since 2017. He frequent participation in NACN-USA events at the local and national level. He is also an active member of National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NALPN).  Jamie works in the areas of Behavioral Health, Pediatric Nursing, School Nursing, Summer Camp Nursing, Dementia Care, Home Care Nursing, Parish Nursing, and Nursing Care of differently abled persons. Jamie has held the position of Medical Director of a Summer Family Camp for several years. Jamie is involved in Pro-Life ministry, often going to Washington, DC for the March for Life.

He recently served as the Eucharistic Congress Chairperson for NACN -USA the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana, this past July of 2024.

Regional Director 3 (MI, OH, IN, VA, WV, KY) (Term: April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2027)

Candidate: Zachary McAllister BS, MSN, RN, CNL – Canton, MI

I have diverse experience in nursing, having worked in various roles, from bedside care to academics. This breadth of experience has made me acutely aware of many
concerns within the nursing profession. You, as the nurse, are all acutely aware of the current issues and ethical dilemmas we face in healthcare. You are the ones with your
finger on the pulse of U.S. healthcare, and I am dedicated to bringing your concerns to the board. My vision for Region 3 of NACN-USA is to build upon the strong foundation that has
already been established. I am committed to creating valuable networking opportunities and strengthening connections with Catholic nursing schools throughout Region 3. This
will enable experienced nurses to support and encourage our future colleagues. If you allow me to serve on the board again, I will advocate for Region 3 and work collaboratively with all of you to foster its growth.

Regional Director 5 (MN, IA, MO, IL, WI, NE, KS) (Term: April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2027)

Candidate: Sylvia Rangel Suarez-Ponce – MAPS, BS-HCL, RN, CIC – Des Plaines, IL

I am Sylvia Suarez-Ponce, with over 35 years of experience as an RN. I earned my nursing degree at Oakton Community College, B.S in Healthcare management at
National Louis University, and Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies with Certification as a Pastoral Associate, and Lay Ecclesial Ministry formation at the University of Saint Mary
of the Lake. My current area of expertise is Infection Prevention and Control; I hold a certification from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, and I work at Edward
Hines Jr. VA Hospital. I am a member of the Spiritual, Conference, and Strategic Committees, and was appointed Region V Director in 2022. My goal is to continue working alongside like-
minded professionals upholding the sanctity of life in all aspects of healthcare, growing in my Catholic faith, advocating for holistic and ethical patient care and further the
mission of this organization.

Regional Director 7 (ND, SD, MT, ID, WY) (Term: April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2027)

Candidate: Judy Dusek DNP, M.Ed, MSN, APRN, CNS, CMSRN, ACNS-BC – Wichita, Kansas

As a nominee, I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the board as the representative for Region 4. My goals for this region are to increase membership through knowledge
of the organization and be available to the membership in these states. Secondly, it is my hope to establish either a journal club for the region or an opportunity for a quarterly
education offering.  The ultimate focus would be to interest the members in this region to be either a chair position or a board member in the future.
My knowledge and experience for this position includes clinical nurse manager and lead, instructor at Wichita State University & Newman University, clinical nurse specialist
overseeing staff development for medical-surgical units, and medical intensive care. I have had an opportunity to assist orthopedic residents as their research coordinator for
the Orthopedic Residency Program.  My recent position included educator for the on-boarding program of new RN hires and the Nurse Residency Prom.

Regional Director 9 (WA, OR, CA, AK, HI, GU, MP, AS) (Term: April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2027)

Candidate: Vicky Pebsworth, OP, PhD, RN – Merced, California

My professional journey has encompassed roles as a critical care nurse, healthcare administrator, policy analyst, and faculty member. I hold doctorates in nursing and public
health and recently completed a certification in bioethics. As a life-professed Lay Dominican, my faith and commitment to ethical principles deeply inform my practice.
I am particularly concerned about the increasing complexity of ethical challenges facing Catholic nurses today—particularly those that threaten the innate dignity of human life
and core moral principles.

As Region 9 Director, I will commit to expanding membership and developing robust educational programs that equip us to nourish ourselves spiritually and professionally,
serve our patients with integrity, and strengthen bonds with Catholic colleagues. Equally vital, is my commitment to advocating for healthcare policies that align with Catholic
ethical principles, uphold religious freedoms, and protect the rights of the most vulnerable among us.