Candidates for 2026 - 2027 Board Election

The following candidates are running for office to serve on the FANA Board of Directors. Please review their candidate information and position statements. Active FANA members will be asked to complete an election ballot to vote for who will serve on the Board from the candidates below. Elections will be open July 1 – 14. Active FANA members will receive an email from FANA Headquarters that will include the election ballot and unique voting credentials beginning on July 1.

 

FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT


Jena Hill, DNP, CRNA, APRN

Lakeland, FL
(Candidate 1 of 1)

 

 

 

 

Affiliation: Diamante Anesthesia/TeamHealth Anesthesia

Offices Held:

  • FANA Secretary/Treasurer, 2024 – Present
  • FANA Board of Directors (Director), 2022 - 2024
  • FANA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Co-Chair
  • FANA Patient Safety Ad Hoc Committee Chair
  • FANA Government Relations Committee
  • FANA Political Action Committee
  • FANA Communications Committee
  • AANA Government Relations Committee, 2022

POSITION STATEMENT

My involvement with FANA has truly shaped me into the staunch advocate that I am today. Advocating at both the state and the federal level has truly developed a stronger love for this profession and a camaraderie for my peers. I have a passion and desire that runs very deep to continue to have a strong voice and be a strong leader in our CRNA community. My goal is to motivate as many as possible to work together to build a stronger professional bond, and to continue to propel our profession forward.


 

FOR VICE PRESIDENT


Jill Mason, Ed.D, DNAP, MSN, CRNA, APRN, COI, FAANA

Orlando, FL
(Candidate 1 of 1)

 

 

 

 

 

 Affiliation: AdventHealth University DNAP

Offices Held:

  • FANA Government Relations Committee, 2023 – Present
  • FANA DEI Committee Member, 2022 – Present
  • AANA Government Relations Committee, 2018 – 2020
  • AANA Journal Committee, 2012
  • S.C.A.N.A. President, 2019 – 2020
  • S.C.A.N.A. President-Elect, 2018 – 2019
  • S.C.A.N.A. Trustee, 2016 – 2018

POSITION STATEMENT

I am honored to seek the office of Vice President of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (FANA). As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with more than 26 years of clinical practice, extensive experience in nurse anesthesia education, and a long-standing commitment to professional advocacy, I am passionate about advancing our profession and supporting CRNAs across Florida. My leadership journey includes service as President of the South Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists, State Government Relations Director, and service at both the state and national levels through AANA committees and advocacy initiatives. These roles have strengthened my dedication to protecting CRNA practice, advancing full practice authority, and ensuring that our voices remain strong and unified in legislative and regulatory arenas. As Chair and Program Director of a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program, I bring a unique perspective that bridges clinical practice, education, leadership development, and professional sustainability. I am deeply committed to mentoring CRNAs and SRNAs, promoting diversity and inclusion, supporting leadership development, and preparing the next generation of nurse anesthetists to thrive in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. If elected Vice President, I will work collaboratively with the Board to:

  • Strengthen member engagement and communication.
  • Support advocacy and government relations efforts.
  • Promote leadership development and mentorship.
  • Advance education, research, and professional excellence.
  • Champion unity across practice settings and career stages.

It would be my privilege to serve FANA and its members. Together, we can continue to protect our profession, elevate our voice, and ensure a strong future for nurse anesthesiology in Florida.


 

FOR SECRETARY/TREASURER


Sabrina Nelson-Winters, DNP, CRNA, APRN

Lithia, FL
(Candidate 1 of 2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliation: HCA Florida South Shore Hospital

Offices Held:

  • Chief CRNA, HCA Florida South Shore Hospital, 2025 – Present
  • FANA Government Relations Committee, 2021 – Present
  • FANA Political Action Committee, 2021 – 2025
  • National Director, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., 2021 – 2025
  • President, Black Nurses Association Tampa Chapter, 2024 – Present
  • Vice Chair, Health Council of West Central Florida, 2023 – Present
  • Recording Secretary, The Charmettes, Inc., 2023 – 2025
  • President, The Charmettes, Inc., 2025 – Present
  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Interim Recording Secretary, 2021 – 2022
  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Financial Secretary, 2024 – 2025
  • American Nurses Association Maryland Chapter Public Relations & Education Committee

POSITION STATEMENT

I am honored to present my candidacy and share how my professional experience, leadership, and commitment to service will strengthen the mission of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and advance Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) practice across Florida. My career as a CRNA has been grounded in advocacy and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Beyond the clinical setting, I have aligned myself with organizations that address health disparities, influence policy, and empower communities—experiences that position me to contribute meaningfully to FANA’s strategic priorities. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Charmettes, Inc. (Hillsborough County Chapter), I have demonstrated my commitment to service, sisterhood, and community impact. These affiliations have allowed me to lead and support initiatives focused on health education, cancer awareness, and outreach—aligning with FANA’s commitment to public education and advocacy. Serving as Vice Chair of the Health Council of West Central Florida has provided a broader perspective on regional health planning, healthcare access, and system-level challenges. This role has strengthened my understanding of healthcare policy, resource allocation, and population health—critical to anesthesia practice and patient safety across Florida. My early involvement with the American Nurses Association through the Maryland ANA Public Relations and Education Committee (2012–2013) established a strong foundation in professional advocacy and public engagement. Since 2021, I have served within FANA on the Government Relations Committee (GRC) and Political Action Committee (PAC), engaging in legislative advocacy and policy efforts that ensure CRNA voices are represented and protected. I am committed to serving with integrity, transparency, and purpose. My goal is to support CRNAs in practicing at the full extent of their education while advancing safe, high-quality anesthesia care across Florida.


 


Ashleigh Warman, CRNA, MSN, MBA

Hernando, FL
(Candidate 2 of 2)

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliation: HCA Healthcare

Offices Held:

  • FANA Government Relations Committee, 2023 – Present
  • FANA Member Services Committee, 2024 – 2025
  • Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA), 2010 - 2020

POSITION STATEMENT

I have spent over 25 years in nursing, and nurse anesthesia has been the most meaningful part of my career. I currently serve as Interim Chief Nurse Anesthetist at HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital, where I support our team through the daily challenges of staffing, workflow, and patient care. I understand what it feels like to be in the operating room, to take care of patients, and to support each other as a team, because I continue to practice alongside the CRNAs I lead. I practice the leadership motto: I never ask someone to do something I would not do myself. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of settings, and those experiences have shaped how I approach leadership. I care deeply about supporting CRNAs, fostering a positive work environment, and helping our teams succeed while maintaining safe, high-quality patient care. I am actively involved in mentoring SRNAs and recruiting CRNAs because I strongly believe in supporting the future of our profession and strengthening our workforce across Florida.

I recently completed my Executive MBA at the University of Florida, which has given me a stronger understanding of the financial and operational side of healthcare. This perspective allows me to approach decisions with an appreciation for resource management, transparency, and long-term sustainability—skills that are important in supporting the financial health and organizational integrity of FANA. My involvement with FANA’s Grassroots Committee, along with my earlier experience as a Student Board Member with the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists, has reinforced the importance of staying engaged and supporting one another at the state level. I value the role FANA plays in advocating for CRNAs and protecting access to safe, high-quality anesthesia care across Florida. Serving as Secretary/Treasurer would be an opportunity for me to give back to a profession that has given me so much. I would bring a strong sense of responsibility, attention to detail, and commitment to supporting FANA’s mission. I value teamwork, honesty, and doing the right thing, and I would be honored to serve and represent CRNAs across Florida. I would be grateful for your support.


 

FOR DIRECTOR (2 POSITIONS OPEN)


Adam Davies, DNP, CRNA, APRN, CHSE_CHSOS

Tampa, FL
(Candidate 1 of 6)

 

 

 

 

 

 Affiliation: University of South Florida

Offices Held:

  • FANA Member Services Committee, 2024 – Present

POSITION STATEMENT

My mentor told me early in my anesthesia training that advocacy for our profession begins with two responsibilities: become an excellent clinician, and support the profession through either your time or your resources. I have tried to live by that advice throughout my career. During the first decade of my CRNA practice, my primary focus was to become the strongest clinician I could be. At the same time, I consistently supported our profession’s advocacy efforts by making regular contributions to the FANA and AANA PACs. Those years at the bedside reinforced an important lesson: the ability for CRNAs to practice to the full extent of our education and training is never guaranteed; it is protected through strong professional engagement and organized advocacy. Today, as a full-time educator in a nurse anesthesia program, my advocacy role has expanded. I now have the privilege and responsibility of preparing the next generation of CRNAs for both clinical excellence and professional leadership. In addition to supporting advocacy financially, I dedicate my time to mentoring students about the importance of protecting and advancing our profession. Our future depends on clinicians who not only deliver exceptional patient care but also understand the policy, legislative, and professional environments that shape our practice. I have also had the opportunity to support advocacy efforts by participating in FANA Lobby Day the past two years. I helped run the simulation table, where we engaged directly with legislators and their staff to demonstrate what CRNAs do every day to safely care for patients. Florida has one of the largest and most diverse CRNA workforces in the country, and FANA's work is essential to maintaining strong practice environments, promoting patient access to anesthesia services, and ensuring that CRNAs continue to practice safely and independently. I am passionate about serving as a Director for FANA, which would allow me to continue giving back to a profession that has given me so much. I would bring the perspective of a clinician, educator, and committed advocate who understands the importance of engagement, mentorship, and unified professional representation to strengthen CRNA practice across Florida.


 


John McDonough, EdD, CRNA, APRN, FRSM

Jacksonville, FL
(Candidate 2 of 6)

 

 

 

 

 

 Affiliation: University of North Florida

Offices Held:

  • FANA Director, 2024 – Present
  • FANA President, 2020 – 2021 and 2017 – 2018
  • FANA Leadership Development & Nominating Committee Co-Chair, 2025
  • FANA Program Committee, 2020 – 2021 and 2025 - Present

POSITION STATEMENT

I started my anesthesia training more than 50 years ago. I am now a Nurse Anesthesiologist active in both academic and private practice settings. I have seen our profession grow, and prosper, over the decades. It is clear that having strong and energetic state and national associations have not only served our needs well, but are essential to enable us to continue to provide the quality anesthesia care to patients as we have been doing for 150 years. However, our profession is under attack as has seldom been seen in the past. Anesthesiologist assistants have launched a new campaign inviting people to “meet your new anesthetist” (emphasis added) and this MUST not go unchallenged. This is a time for decisive action based on knowledge, education and experience. This is a time where gray hair, graduate degrees and leadership experience are not only useful, but are required. I do not suffer fools gladly. Politically correct, and passively conciliatory responses fashioned out of fear, will not save the day. FANA must continue in the role of a powerful advocate for quality care in Tallahassee, in court rooms and in the administrative offices of healthcare organizations and insurance companies. My experiences have equipped me to effectively assist in these efforts. I have a strong interest in the areas that concern CRNAs and I believe that my abilities will enable me to be a useful resource to the FANA Board. I have practiced in virtually every possible practice setting. These facilities include large and small hospitals, and outpatient settings, both civilian and military, during war and peace time, both with and without physician anesthesiologist supervision. To make a long story short, I have “been to the city and seen the elephant”; I’ve “been there, done that, and got the tee-shirt.” In addition to an active clinical practice, I am a tenured full professor. I have been the president of three state ANAs; Iowa, District of Columbia and Florida. Two of those states have achieved independent practice. There is no substitute for experience.

On the national level, we can expect help on issues from AANA, our FANA must be the lead organization, and change agent, for issues of legislation, regulation, clinical privileges and reimbursement. This can be OUR TIME if we are smart. If you agree with my publicly stated positions on the issues that impact patients and CRNAs, I ask for your vote.


 


Melanie Sarabia, CNP, CRNA, APRN

Tampa, FL
(Candidate 3 of 6)

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliation: Sarabia Anestheisa, LLC

Offices Held:

  • FANA Member Services Committee, 2025 – Present
  • FANA Government Relations Committee, 2025 – Present
  • FANA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, 2025 - Present

POSITION STATEMENT

I am honored to submit my candidacy for Director of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Board. As a practicing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, I am dedicated to advancing our profession by elevating our collective voice, advocating for our members, and strengthening FANA’s role as a leading voice for CRNAs across Florida. My involvement with FANA has been rooted in both engagement and action. Through my work on the Member Services Committee, I have prioritized mentorship and increasing member engagement among CRNAs across Florida. My efforts have focused on connecting colleagues and creating opportunities for CRNAs to stay involved and supported throughout the state. I believe purposeful engagement goes beyond participation; it is about building a unified, supportive community that actively champions our profession and empowers the next generation of CRNAs. Through my work with the Government Relations Committee, I have gained valuable insight into the legislative challenges impacting our practice. I have actively contributed to advocacy efforts by engaging with policymakers and amplifying the voices of CRNAs. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to protecting our profession and advancing opportunities for CRNAs to practice independently and fully utilize their expertise. My current fellowship in chronic pain management further strengthens my ability to serve on the Board. This advanced training has broadened my clinical perspective and strengthened my understanding of the evolving role of CRNAs in comprehensive patient care. As the burden of chronic pain continues to grow, CRNAs are well-equipped to extend our impact beyond the operating room. I am committed to bringing this perspective to the Board to help identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and expanded practice for CRNAs in Florida. I am passionate about advancing independent practice for CRNAs while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, accessible anesthesia care across all practice settings. With strong advocacy, forward-thinking leadership, and an engaged membership, we can continue to drive our profession forward. If elected, I will bring a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to the Board, focused on listening to our members and translating their needs into meaningful action. It would be a privilege to serve and contribute to the continued advancement of CRNA practice in Florida.


 


Richard Tennesen, DNAP, MHA, CRNA, APRN, FACHE

Lutz, FL
(Candidate 4 of 6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliation: TeamHealth

Offices Held:

  • FANA Government Relations Committee, 2024 – Present
  • Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists Communications Committee, 2011
  • NBCRNA Item Writer, 2016 – 2018

POSITION STATEMENT

I will advance the profession by leveraging my role as an operational leader to shape clinical, administrative, and policy directions within departments, organizations, and academic programs. This includes advocating for nurse anesthesia providers, developing nurse-anesthetist-centered safe staffing models within business and practice frameworks, and continuing to educate current and future providers on anesthesia business fundamentals to strengthen their professional and economic preparedness.


 



Lori Tolson, DNP, CRNA, APRN

Ft. Lauderdale, FL
(Candidate 5 of 6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliation: Barry University

Offices Held:

  • FANA Member Services Committee Co-Chair, 2024 - Present
  • FANA Government Relations Committee, 2023 - Present

POSITION STATEMENT

The FANA Board outlined its Strategic Priorities in 2023, with its top goal being to achieve independent practice and increase membership by 500. Although this legislative session is not yet over, we have gained so much momentum that there is optimism in Florida that this will become a reality very soon. This has been the tremendous work of passionate people who are a team sharing the same goal. I was grateful to contribute to building this momentum in September 2024 by hosting the first Membership Meetup in Dania Beach, with over 30 members in attendance. I repeated this event again in September 2025 with a similar turnout. I participated in the Annual CRNA Week Proclamation request, accepting 3 in person in Broward County. I was honored to represent FANA at the Florida Society of Ambulatory Surgery Centers Annual Conference in July 2024. I am inspired by the great work of those who have come before me, I would love to contribute to this cause in a more significant way. I have a motto that sums me up pretty well: "Find your purpose, live it passionately." I have achieved much in my life, and it is attributed to not wandering aimlessly. I have been a college athlete, a coach, a nurse, a mom, and now an educator. Throughout all these different stages of my life, I have worn my passion on my sleeve, making it evident that I am moving towards a greater end. I am grateful for the opportunities that being a nurse anesthesiologist has provided me: the chance to fulfill my life's calling, reach my full potential, serve as a patient advocate and community advocate, seek the truth, and leave a lasting legacy. The endeavor of our professional organization in Florida is to be “the indispensable resource for nurse anesthetists for accurate information, advocacy, and education for members throughout Florida”. I believe my strength in advocating for our profession has been demonstrated through my participation in CRNA Days, local Membership Meetups, co-chairing on the Membership Committee, and educating the newest members of our profession on our “why”.


 


John Waters, DNP, CRNA

Trinity, FL
(Candidate 6 of 6)

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliation: Tampa General Hospital, Anesthesia Services

Offices Held:

  • FARRNA Chair, 2025 – May 2026
  • FARRNA Representative, 2024 – May 2026
  • FANA Member Services Committee, 2025 – Present
  • FANA Government Relations Committee, 2025 - Present

POSITION STATEMENT

I am honored to run for a director position on the FANA Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term. Through my leadership as Chair of the Florida Association of Resident Registered Nurse Anesthetists (FARRNA), combined with active involvement in FANA’s Member Services and Grassroots Committees, I have been fortunate to contribute to mentorship, advocacy, and statewide engagement initiatives that strengthen our profession. I have been deeply involved in advocacy at both the state and federal levels, including leading legislative meetings during Florida CRNA Days, participating in grassroots efforts with state representatives, and attending the AANA Mid-Year Assembly in Washington, D.C. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to protecting and advancing CRNA practice in Florida. I have a strong passion for mentorship and professional development. I have helped develop programs such as the FANA Annual CRNA–RRNA Mentorship Program, “Refreshments with Residents,” and “FARRNA & Friends,” increasing engagement and building stronger connections between CRNAs, RRNAs, and future applicants. Additionally, my conference presentations have focused on supporting students through the scientific foundations of anesthesia, as well as clinical, professional, and advocacy challenges. If elected, I will focus on strengthening member engagement/experience, expanding mentorship opportunities, and continuing to elevate FANA’s presence across the state. I believe the future of our profession depends on investing in those coming behind us, and I am committed to ensuring FANA remains a strong, unified voice for CRNAs in Florida


 

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