The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Melinda Mercer Ray, MSN, RN as interim executive director. In this part-time position, Ms. Ray will assist NACNS in association leadership issues. Melinda Mercer Ray is a clinical nurse specialist and association consultant with over 15 years of experience in association and advocacy work.
“The NACNS Board of Directors is pleased that Melinda has agreed to work with us to assist in the development and implementation of an association leadership plan that will move us forward over the next years,” states Patti Zuzelo, EdD, RN, ACNS-BC, ANP- BC, CRNP, President, NACNS and Professor of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Director; CNS Track Director; LaSalle University. “Initially, Ms. Ray will be working part-time with NACNS. She will continue to manage other clients through her firm, MMRConsulting, LLC. In her work with NACNS, Melinda Ray will work closely with NACNS’ Managing Director, Ethan Gray and the NACNS Board of Directors.”
Ethan Gray, NACNS Managing Director, Fernley & Fernley will be responsible for the day to day management of the association. This includes direction of daily operations, membership administration, financial management & accounting, conference planning and other organizational functions. In 2010, NACNS moved its management headquarters to Fernley & Fernley, an Association Management Firm.
“The addition of Melinda to the NACNS team is an effort to realign the organization to achieve its mission over the next few years,” stated Stephen Patten, NACNS President- elect. “With the passage of healthcare reform legislation; nurses, including clinical nurse specialists, will play a larger and more vital role in healthcare delivery and quality patient care. As a voice for the clinical nurse specialist, the NACNS Board of Directors will endeavor to achieve a prominent role for the clinical nurse specialist in this reformed healthcare system. To this end, am pleased to announce that the NACNS Board of Directors will engage in strategic planning at its March 2011 Board meeting.”