AACN-GCC 2025 Board Elections Vote

Cherry Lynn Macintyre, DNP, MSN, RN, CCRN, NE-BC

AACN National ambassador, AACN current and previous abstract and research reviewer, Beacon award reviewer, chapter award reviewer since 2018; army major; worked and volunteered in different local chapters; previous hardworking president of ONS NH local chapter.

I held a local chapter president position at ONS. I have previous and current experiences in collaborating with multiple-disciplinary teams. Multiple experiences in working in different large hospitals. I believe in AACN vision, mission and values and upholding it. Being in the military and my hospital background, as well as being an AACN reviewer, i will bring ideas to continue to serve our nursing community, i have the attitude and mindset to not got easily give up on what comes ahead and can help continue to foster our relationship among our colleagues.

Kevin Langkiet, PhD, MSN, RN

Currently the Director for Cardiovascular and Critical Care Services at Mercy Health Anderson Hospital in Forestville, Ohio. He received a Master’s Degree in Nursing Informatics and a PhD in Nursing. Kevin has 44 years of experience in the healthcare setting, with the last 25 years practicing various leadership roles in critical care and emergency services. A dynamic nursing leader with proven expertise in reducing turnover, establishing successful mentoring programs, and transforming unit staffing models that promote retention. He is a champion of professional governance and evidence-based practices, leading and implementing major research projects within the acute care setting and developing techniques to enhance operational efficiency and patient care standards. I have been the recipient of several Exceptional Nurse Leader and Nurse Innovator awards. Kevin has a proven track record of working actively in various professional nursing organizations. He currently holds roles in several national, state, and local professional organizations, including the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (as a Beacon Reviewer), the American Nurses Association (as a member of the ANA-OHIO bylaws and Professional Practice committee), the Emergency Nurses Association, and the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (Publication Committee, OONL planning committee, OONL-GCC president-elect). I have served this last year as AACN-GCC Workshop Chair-Elect, and I am planning to serve as Workshop Chair for this upcoming term.

Marie Garrison, MSN, RN, AEMT, CEN

I am seeking the office of President-elect, ACCN-GCC. I believe in the value of a strong local chapter and have demonstrated my commitment through my service over the past 3 years as secretary and an active member of the workshop committee. As President-elect and member of the executive board, I am committed to facilitating our strength and growth as a chapter.

Certification in Emergency Nursing. Diverse practice experiences have allowed me to view the complexity of nursing practice and issues faced by nurses every day. In education, both in staff development and recently as an Associate Director for the College of Nursing Co-Op program, and roles as clinical faculty. I collaborated with agencies and clinical units to find quality experiences, resolve issues or problems during the experience. In Quality management and risk management, was responsible for regulatory work on surveys, responding to grievances or complaints, patient safety incident investigation, and recouping hospital reimbursement from payors. In addition to Greater Cincinnati Critical Care Nurses’ professional activity includes: Collaborative Education Committee; Cincinnati Nurse Honor Guard, and Health Collaborative Tristate Disaster Preparedness Coalition. At the 2023 ANA-Ohio Nursing Policy Hackathon, my team’s proposal was selected as the winner for our focus area and subsequently submitted for local use by a team member. In the ENA, served at the National level on the Nurse Peer Review Committee, executive board at the state and local chapter, and represented Ohio at the ENA General Assembly, addressing organizational and practice issues.

Juanita Vondenberg, BSN, RN

I, Juanita Vordenberg, would like to express my interest in the President-Elect position for AACN-GCC. I feel I would be an excellent asset as I’m eager to learn this role. As an emergency department nurse, I bring my vast experience of innovative approaches and am open to suggestions, and welcome all feedback.

I have served in a volunteer role for AACN-GCC as Workshop Committee Member. In this role, I have consistently attended board meetings, coordinated dinner learning events, volunteered at committee activities with sign-in, announcements, including the yearly TRENDS. I have also served as Community Chair for GCC. I enthusiastically advocate for the community to foster positive relationships. As Community Chair, currently collaborating with Dress for Success, obtaining donations to assist women in joining the workforce.

I have held various leadership positions with the Emergency Nurses Association, such as Ohio ENA Director at Large, Ohio ENA Social Media and Membership Engagement, Ohio ENA State Captain for ENA General Assembly, and currently serving on the national level for ENA as an Awards Committee Member.

Emily Bernard Schmitz, MSN, RN

CVICU RN, proficient with all MCS devices including but not limited to ECMO, LVADs, BrioVads, Impellas, IABPs. Charge RN, preceptor, superuser, Beacon of Excellence Committee, Shared Leadership, active member with GCC-ACCN since 2020 having sucessfully fulfilled two years on the Board as workshop chair & workshop chair-elect. It is one of my goals to encourage nurses to take ownership of their local nursing chapter while promoting collaboration, innovation and communication. As president-elect I will continue to encourage involvement in our nursing chapter, while identifying and mentoring nurses that are the leaders of tomorrow.

Caitland Albers, BSN, RN

I am writing to express my interest in the Secretary-Elect position as advertised. With a solid background in critical care nursing and a passion for delivering exceptional patient-centered care, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to The AACN Greater Cincinnati Chapter (AACN-GCC) team.

I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in clinical practice, patient advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration throughout my career. My experience in critical care settings, including the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, has equipped me with a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of the complexities of caring for critically ill patients. One of my standout strengths is my clinical expertise, which encompasses proficiency in performing advanced nursing assessments, administering complex treatments and medications, and managing critically unstable patients. I am adept at utilizing cutting-edge technology and equipment to monitor patient vital signs and respond swiftly to changes in condition, ensuring optimal outcomes and patient safety.

In addition to my clinical skills, I pride myself on my ability to think critically and solve problems effectively in fast-paced environments. I have a proven track record of remaining calm under pressure, prioritizing tasks, and making sound clinical judgments to deliver timely and appropriate care. Whether coordinating care with multidisciplinary teams or advocating for patients and their families, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that meets the unique needs of each individual

I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to join the AACN-GCC team, known for its commitment to excellence in patient care, innovative practices, and professional development. I am confident that my skills, experience, and passion for critical care nursing make me a strong fit for the team, and I am eager to contribute to the AACN mission to enhance excellence in acute and critical care for nurses, patients, and families. Thank you for considering me for secretary-elect, as I am ready to embrace the challenge.