professional organizations , a unanimous vote by the 2023-2024 Board of Directors concluded that the Executive Director would become Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ). Throughout her time as Executive Director , Dr . Kenya Williams has reflected the professionalism and the responsibilities that of a CEO and we wanted to ensure that her title reflected that ,” said Lauren Lodico , 2023-2024 NSNA President .
Dr . Kenya Williams was appointed as Executive Director on August 1 , 2023 , after previously serving as the NSNA Deputy Executive Director . In her new role , Dr . Williams will also serve as the CEO of the Foundation of the NSNA , making her the first person to hold the CEO title for both organizations in their history .
Having accumulated over 19 years of experience and active participation within NSNA , Williams commenced her leadership path as the Missouri Student Nurses ’ Association St . Louis Area District Officer . She subsequently advanced to a position on the NSNA Nominating and Elections Committee and furthered her engagement on the NSNA Board of Directors as the Breakthrough to Nursing ® Director . By achieving the historic milestones of being the first African American woman to serve as NSNA President and the first African American FNSNA President , Williams is now breaking new ground as the inaugural African American Chief Executive for both organizations .
A native of Missouri , Williams earned an Associate of Science in Nursing from St . Louis Community College , St . Louis , MO , and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri , St . Louis , MO . She earned a Master of Science in Nursing focusing on Health Systems Management from the University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA . She completed a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership at Creighton University , Omaha , NE . Williams earned a Masters in Business Administration at Webster University , St . Louis , MO .
“ I am thrilled to embrace the challenge of becoming Chief Executive Officer at NSNA and FNSNA ,” Dr . Williams expressed . “ With my background in business and HR , I am confident in my ability to bring valuable assets to our organization and drive growth . I am committed to leveraging my skills to help us flourish , thrive , and make a meaningful impact in the nursing profession . Together , we will continue to grow and succeed .”
Mr . Dev Persaud , previously NSNA Director of Finance and Administration , will now serve as CFO to NSNA and the Foundation of the NSNA . In his role , Mr . Persaud has dedicated over 20 years ensuring the financial health , stability , and growth of the organization . He has played a pivotal role in enabling NSNA to navigate and overcome financial hurdles . Because of this dedication , Mr . Persaud was also presented 2024 Honorary Membership at the Opening Ceremony of the NSNA 72nd Annual Convention in Lake Buena Vista , FL . Honorary Membership is the highest recognition given by the NSNA .
“ Dev Persaud is a proven executive with extensive knowledge and expertise in accounting , finance , and administrative operations ,” Bernesha Pope , 2023-2024 NSNA Secretary / Treasurer said . “ Dev possess over 20 years of experience with NSNA and has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization ’ s financial future and success . The 2023-2024 Board of Directors and myself are confident in his ability to continue driving NSNA towards financial prosperity and sustainable growth . I have enjoyed working closely with Dev and the Board this past year to achieve our shared goals for the betterment of NSNA and its members . With Dev at the helm , I am confident that NSNA will continue to thrive and reach new heights in the coming years .”
“ I am humbled and appreciative of the recognition and promotion ,” Mr . Persaud expressed . “ The new role will give me more flexibility in strategic financial management and to chart , alongside the CEO , a new course for a financially successful NSNA so that we can fulfill the organization ’ s mission and long-term goals .
Mr . Persaud earned a Master of Arts in Economics , with a focus on managerial economics from Brooklyn College , Brooklyn , NY and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Lehman College , Queens , NY .
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