The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) appoints Dr. Kathy Chappell as Chief Executive Officer
Friday, August 4, 2023
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the leading authority in nursing education accreditation, today announced Kathy Chappell, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN has been named as Chief Executive Officer of the organization. Dr. Chappell is an accomplished researcher with a clinical background and extensive experience steering the strategic direction of credentialing programs at notable professional organizations and health systems in the U.S. and globally. She will assume the leadership position on September 4, 2023 and immediately begin delivering on ACEN’s mission to strengthen the quality of nursing education at all levels of the profession and transition-to-practice programs.
“Throughout her career, Dr. Chappell has demonstrated truly exceptional leadership,” said Diane Evans-Prior, DNP, RN, Chair, ACEN Board of Commissioners, and Dean, Nursing and Patient Support, Central New Mexico Community College. “She has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the profession of nursing and her extensive experience in nursing education and accreditation has equipped her for success in this new role. Her vision for the future aligns seamlessly with the core values and mission of the ACEN, and I have no doubt that our organization will continue to grow as the global leader in nursing education accreditation.”
“I am honored to have been selected as ACEN’s new Chief Executive Officer. I am eager to work with the ACEN Board of Commissioners and leadership team to execute a strategic vision that meets the needs of our committed nursing education and transition-to-practice program leaders. I look forward to expanding educational access, opportunity, and mobility, and preparation for nursing practice in all levels of undergraduate and graduate nursing education programs, including maintaining our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.” Kathy Chappell, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN
Dr. Chappell previously served as Senior Vice President at the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Nurses Association Enterprise, where she held various leadership positions since 2010. In this role, she is responsible for the certification of individual registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs); and development of board certification examinations. She is responsible for the accreditation of organizations that provide continuing nursing education and interprofessional continuing education; and for accreditation of residency and fellowship programs for RNs and APRNs. She directs the Institute for Nursing Research, analyzing outcomes related to credentialing, and the quality management department. She also leads the Advanced Practice Initiatives.
Prior to ANCC, Dr. Chappell served as the Director of Nursing Clinical Education and Nursing Research at Inova Health System, where she developed nursing clinical education programs supporting student rotations, quality initiatives, and research. Today, she serves on the board of the World Health Organization Academy Standing Advisory Quality Committee, the National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative to Address the US Opioid Crisis, and boards responsible for the quality of education for medical students and students engaged in strength and conditioning programs, among various other memberships and titles. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, a Distinguished Scholar & Fellow in the National Academies of Practice, and a published author, among many other
distinctions. She holds a baccalaureate in nursing with distinction from the University of Virginia, a MS in advanced clinical nursing, and a doctorate in nursing from George Mason University.
Dr. Chappell succeeds Dr. Nell Ard who served as the Interim Chief Executive Officer since January and will support the transition while resuming her role as a Director for the ACEN.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by providing specialized accreditation for all levels of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs. As the leading authority in nursing education accreditation, the goal of the ACEN is to be a supportive partner in strengthening the quality of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs.
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