NEWS : NSNA
Kenya D . Williams Appointed NSNA Executive Director
The National Student Nurses ’ Association ( NSNA ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kenya D . Williams , EdD , RN , RP , CAE , as Executive Director effective August 1 , 2023 . Dr . Williams currently serves as the NSNA Deputy Executive Director and replaces Diane J . Mancino , EdD , RN , CAE , FAAN , who has served with distinction for 27 years . In this role , Dr . Williams will also serve as the Executive Director of the Foundation of the NSNA . Dr . Williams becomes the fifth Executive Director in the organization ’ s 71-year history .
Dr . Williams said , “ I am honored to be appointed the next NSNA Executive Director . I am committed to advancing the mission of NSNA and the Foundation through innovative approaches that enhance the leadership experience of student nurses and contribute to the preparation of future nurse leaders . I am eager to work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategies to build on NSNA ’ s many accomplishments .”
As Deputy Executive Director for NSNA , Dr . Williams is responsible for aligning and integrating the mission of NSNA to further advance a socially responsible organization through innovation , operational excellence , and leadership .
With more than 18 years of experience and involvement with NSNA , Williams began her leadership as the Missouri Student Nurses ’ Association St . Louis Area District Officer . She was then elected to serve on the NSNA Nominating and Elections Committee and continued her involvement on the NSNA Board of Directors as Breakthrough to Nursing ® Director . She was then elected as the first African American woman to serve as NSNA President and subsequently as the Foundation President .
Before joining NSNA , Dr . Williams was the Cardiology and Respiratory Care Service Line Director at Barnes Jewish St . Peters in St . Peters , MO , and Progress West Hospital , O ’ Fallon , MO . She led and managed cardiac catheterization labs , cardiopulmonary rehab terms , invasive and noninvasive cardiology , and respiratory therapy teams . Williams designed and implemented a joint Cardiovascular Echo Call team across both hospitals . Barnes Jewish St . Peters Hospital also successfully achieved Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care : Chest Pain Center Accreditation under her leadership .
In addition to being a Registered Parliamentarian ( RP ), Dr . Williams earned the Certified Association Executive ( CAE ®) designation by the American Society of Association Executives . The CAE is the highest professional credential in Association Management .
10 NSNA IMPRINT • APRIL / MAY 2023 • www . nsna . org