Arlene Branch, RN, BSN, MHA, RN-BC is an experienced nursing professional and a Board Member of the Southeast Pennsylvania Association of Black Nurses (SEPABNA), where she has also served as Immediate Past First Vice President and Treasurer. She holds a Diploma in Nursing from the Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing (1971), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from LaSalle University (1988), a Master’s in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University (2005), and a Post Masters Certificate in Health Administration from Villanova University (2006). Throughout her 40-year career, she held various roles, including Head Nurse, Nursing Supervisor, Infection Control Practitioner, and Pre-certification Case Manager. Arlene is guided by the belief, "Let no one define your future other than yourself."

Zach Zobrist, is the Chief of Staff of Workforce Development for SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, a statewide healthcare workers union that represents over 40,000 healthcare workers. During his time with SEIU Healthcare PA, he established several Labor-Management Partnerships to engage healthcare workers in their critical role as front-line staff in transforming and improving the healthcare delivery system and to engage union members. From 2019-2021, he was a faculty member at Penn State’s School of Labor Employment Relations. In his role as a labor educator for Penn State labor outreach programs, he worked to find ways to engage unions in thinking about partnership opportunities around workforce development and quality improvement. In August 2021, he was appointed to his current position with SEIU.

Aaron Troisi is Lead Political Organizer with SEIU Healthcare PA.

Chief Executive Officer, Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA)

Wayne E. Reich, Jr., MSN, MBA, RN is the Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) and the Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania (NFP). With nearly 20 years in nursing, he previously served as the Director of Nursing at Pennsylvania College of Technology, overseeing bachelor’s degree programs and earning the rank of Assistant Professor in 2019. His extensive experience includes roles as a clinical director, clinical instructor, and staff nurse in cardiac intensive care.

Reich has also held leadership positions within PSNA, including Deputy Chief Executive Officer from 2010 to 2014, Treasurer from 2016 to 2020, and Chair of the Finance and Bylaws Committees. PSNA President Dr. Deb Cardenas praised Reich's dedication to nursing and his advocacy efforts, while NFP President Dr. Margarete Zalon highlighted his strong foundation for leading the foundation's mission.

Kristine Gonnella, MPH, Pennsylvania Public Health Association

Elizabeth Menschner, DNP, MSN, MAS, RN, NEA-BC is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders (PONL).

Donald H. Bucher, DNP, ACNP-BC FAANP, is an acute care nurse practitioner who teaches the APEA Review & Clinical Update for acute care adult-gerontology NPs. Dr. Bucher is Vice Chair of Advanced Practice in the Department of Medicine at Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center. He is also an assistant professor of nursing at Penn State College of Medicine. Dr. Bucher has been an acute care NP since 2007, and his clinical experience includes hospitalist, sleep medicine, critical care, and intensive care roles. His commitment to educating and preparing new NPs dates back to 2008 and includes teaching positions at the University of Pittsburgh, Moravian College, and Pennsylvania College of Health Science. Outside of clinical education settings, Dr. Buchner is active in professional and community organizations. He is a past president of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and a current member of the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing. His numerous honors include: Exceptional Practice Provider, Penn State Hershey Medical Center (2023), AANP Pennsylvania Clinical Excellence Award (2015), and Fellows status in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American College of Chest Physicians.

Immediate Past President, Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (PCNP)

Cheryl Schlamb, DNP, CRNP, is the Chairperson and Associate Professor at West Chester University’s Nursing Department and the past president of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (PCNP). With a strong belief in nursing education grounded in evidence-based practice, she actively serves as a Nurse Practitioner and holds leadership roles in regional and state nursing organizations. As an advocate and mentor, she is dedicated to supporting nursing students across all levels, having taught undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral courses. She holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Case Western Reserve University, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, and certifications as an Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner. Her research focuses on maternal health, mental health first aid, and substance use. Recognized for her contributions, she has received awards such as the Graduate Faculty Appreciation Award and the Excellence in Geriatric Education Award.

Pennsylvania Association of School Nurses and Practitioners (PASNAP)

Charlene Koretz, MSHE, BSN, RN, CSN, a retired school nurse and member of the Colonial Education Association, dedicated 25 years to serving the Colonial School District. Throughout her career, she provided care and support to students at both Colonial Elementary and Whitemarsh Elementary Schools. Following her retirement, Charlene is recognized for her lasting contributions to school health services and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of students and staff.

Dean and Professor, Penn State College of Nursing

Laurie A. Badzek, LLM, JD, MS, RN, FNAP, FAAN, is Dean and Professor at Penn State University’s College of Nursing. With a distinguished career spanning law and nursing, she holds advanced degrees from DePaul University and West Virginia University. Her research and publications focus on ethics and genomics in nursing. A recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the 2021 Hastings Fellowship and the 2020 ANA Ethics and Leadership Award, Laurie is a recognized leader in healthcare ethics, having been inducted into the Academy of Nursing (FAAN) and the National Academies of Practice (FNAP).