New Member Spotlight
Welcome to the following NurseTRUST New Members!
Cherie Gorby, MSN, RN, CCRN Retired COO
Gwen Sherwood, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF Professor Emeritus University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing
Gwen Sherwood, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, Professor Emeritus, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing, is former Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and founding Associate Dean for Global Initiatives. Previously, she was Executive Associate Dean at the University of Texas Houston School of Nursing. Her work focused on transforming health care environments through teamwork behaviors, interprofessional collaboration, reflective practice, and patient care safety and quality. She was Co-Investigator for the groundbreaking RWJF funded Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) project to prepare nurses for redesigning quality and safety in health care. She is past President of the International Association for Human Caring with a legacy of leadership in Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nurses. She received Sigma’s Mary Tolle Wright Founders Award for Excellence in Leadership, Honorary Doctorate at Sweden’s Jonkoping University, and RCSI Fellow Ad Eundem.
Haley Hays, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, ENP-C, AGACNP-BC Interim Assistant Dean & Clinical Assistant Professor University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing My name is Haley Hays, and I am honored to serve as the Interim Assistant Dean and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, Western Nebraska Division. In addition to my academic role, I practice as a Nurse Practitioner in rural communities, specializing in hospitalist and emergency medicine. I currently reside in Western Nebraska, close to my roots in Wyoming, where I was born and raised. I am happily married and a proud mother to two wonderful children, as well as two amazing bonus children. Our family also includes two playful and lovable French Bulldogs who keep us on our toes.
Krystal McGovern, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN, MBA, CNE, CCRN, MEDSURG-BC Clinical Research Nurse, Professor of Nursing Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Colby-Sawyer College
Hello! I am Krystal McGovern, and I am a direct care nurse, nurse educator, academic, and nurse scientist. I have the great pleasure of working for three institutions, Colby-Sawyer College, Franklin Pierce University, and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Cener, all committed to the development of the nursing profession and developing a workforce that provides competent and compassionate care to patients and families. I have been fortunate over the years to work with nurses and interdisciplinary team members who have made it their mission to improve the outcomes of our patients and create high-performing systems throughout the healthcare landscape. When not working, I spend all available time with my husband and three teenage sons.
Stephan Harper, BSN, ADN Clinical Assistant Nurse Manager Auburn Multicare Medical Center
Stephan Harper is originally from Florida but relocated to Washington in pursuit of better career opportunities. A lifelong learner, Stephan is passionate about personal growth and development, currently working toward his Master’s degree. Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, he enjoys reading and spending time outdoors, whether hiking, biking, or exploring new activities. He is also currently teaching himself to snowboard, embracing new challenges and expanding his horizons. Stephan values the importance of continuous learning and looks forward to connecting with others who share a similar drive for growth and improvement.
Mary Dawn Koenig, PhD, RN, CNM, FACNM, FAWHONN Associate Professor University of Illinois Chicago
Dr. Mary Dawn Koenig, PhD, RN, CNM, FACNM, FAWHONN, is an Associate Professor and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program Director at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing. Born in Canada, she received her BScN from McMaster University, her MSN with a specialty in midwifery from Yale University, and her PhD in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania. Her research aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes, specifically by studying how these outcomes are affected by the bidirectional relationship between nutritional status and the development and function of the body's immune and inflammatory response. Dr. Koenig has cared for pregnant people for over 27 years and works with the community organization NewMoms, where she provides programming related to nutrition, meal planning, and stress reduction techniques.
Douglass Haas, DNP, APRN-NP, FNP-BC, AGACNP-BC Clinical Assistant Professor University of Nebraska Medical Center - College of Nursing
Dr. Douglass Haas is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Chair of the General Faculty Organization at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Nursing. As a dedicated nurse practitioner and educator, he leads initiatives across five Nebraska divisions to foster collaboration and innovation in healthcare education. With dual board certifications as a Family and Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Haas is committed to providing advanced, patient-centered care. He drives process improvements, advocates for health equity, and supports professional development for faculty and students. Passionate about mentoring emerging nurse leaders, Dr. Haas strives to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality for diverse populations. His work demonstrates a steadfast dedication to shaping the future of nursing and healthcare.

Cynthia Persily, PhD, MSN, BSN Former Cabinet Secretary, West Virginia Department of Human Services
My most recent position was serving as Cabinet Secretary for Governor Jim Justice in the newly created Department of Human Services. I departed from that position on January 10, 2025 with a new administration coming into the Governor's office. My background includes work in state government, education policy, education, and practice leadership. I currently live in Charleston West Virginia with my husband Eric who is an anesthesiologist. We have two adult children, Aaron, who is a financial planner in Richmond, Virginia, and Alexandra, who is a surgical resident at Marshall University.
Charles Reed, PhD, RN, CNRN, SGAHN Vice President/Associate Chief Nursing Officer University Health
Dr. Charles Reed is a three time alumni of UT Health Science Center San Antonio, earning his Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing. With over 29 years of experience in critical care, education, and leadership, he currently serves as Vice President/Associate Chief Nursing Officer at University Health, overseeing programs like Hospital at Home, Magnet designation, Nurse Residency, Simulation Center, Nurse Educator, and Allied Health Services. Dr. Reed is Adjunct Faculty at UT Health School of Nursing, a Scholar in the Global Academy of Holistic Nursing, and served on the boards of the South Central Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership and Dementia Friendly San Antonio Advisory Council. A dedicated researcher, he has been involved in over 20 research studies, focusing on alarm fatigue and patient advocacy. His work enhances nursing practice and strengthens healthcare outcomes.
Kerri Covert, MSN, RNC-NIC Maternal Child Health Clinical Consultant V Kaiser Permanente
Kerri Covert has an extensive nursing career, primarily focused on Women and Children’s Health. Over the past 20 years, she has held numerous clinical and nursing leadership positions and currently serves as a Maternal Child Clinical Consultant for a large healthcare organization in Southern California. In this role, Kerri supports 16 medical centers, working with multiple stakeholder groups to implement evidence-based practices, enhance nursing care, highlight best practices, standardize workflows, identify opportunities, and act as the regional point of contact. When not working, Kerri spends time with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and a cat.
Kim-Dung Mai, MSN, RN, CMSRN President and Founder Asian American Pacific Islander Nurses Association of Texas (AAPINA) and Baylor Scott & White Health All Saints Fort Worth Hospital
My name is Kim-Dung Mai, and I have a deep passion for traveling and exploring the world, especially when it comes to trying different foods from various cultures. Food is a great way to connect with new places and people. I practice yoga daily, which helps me stay grounded and energized, and I love to dance whenever possible. In my free time, you can find me in the garden, tending to my plants and enjoying nature.I look forward to connecting with others in this community and contributing to its growth. Excited for the journey ahead!
Deonni Stolldorf, PhD RN FAAN Associate Professor Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
I am an Associate Professor (tenured) and Senior Nurse Faculty in the prestigious nationally-based VA Quality Scholars Program (VAQS). I conduct implementation science and health services research with a focus on complex multi-level interdisciplinary healthcare interventions in acute care settings (e.g., rapid response teams, medication reconciliation, clinical-decision support tool implementation, and hospital-at-home programs). Throughout my career, I have engaged with various stakeholders, including hospital leaders, implementation teams, and clinical staff, fostering meaningful interactions during research studies. Serving as the Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on both internally and externally funded projects, I have led research endeavors that delve into contextual factors, assess implementation strategies and outcomes using the RE-AIM framework, develop sustainability measures, and evaluate clinical outcomes of interventions with a focus on patient safety.
Shevonba Graham, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, MEDSURG-BC, GERO-BC, CMSRN, PCCN, C-EFM, RNC-OB, RNC-MNN Assistant Professor Touro University
My name is Shevonba Graham, and I immigrated to the United States from Kingston, Jamaica, when I was five years old. Throughout my life, my father instilled in me the power of education and the idea that you can change the world. I've spent most of my career using education to improve healthcare outcomes.

Jean Giddens, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF Dean and Professor University of Kansas School of Nursing
Greetings! I am Jean Giddens and currently serve as dean at University of Kansas School of Nursing. and prior to that I served as dean at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing for 11 years. I am also current the chair of the board of directors for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. I have been so grateful to have so many wonderful colleagues over the years that has made my leadership journey so enjoyable! In my spare time I like to garden and go for long walks.
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