President*
Mattie P. Marshall, LPN
Alabama

A 1964 graduate of the Wetern-Olin Vocational School fo Nursing in Birmingham, Alabama, Mattie has served patients and LP/VNs in numerous capacities.She worked at the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital and Clinics (UAB) for eleven years and honed her LPN skills. During that time, she progressed to the Charge nurse of a Medical Surgical Unit and was also a Team Leader of a Medical Unit.

For the next seventeen years,Mattie held the distinction of being the only LPN working at the Division of Hematology/Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. When she stepped down from that Division, Mattie spent the next five years at the Kirklin Clinic in Hematology/Oncology and then worked four more years at the UAB Radiation Oncology Lab.

During all the time she was hard at work as an LPN, Mattie collected several awards, some of which are "Outstanding Awards in Nursing for Christian Women, Zeta, Phi, Lambda Sorority"; "Personalities of the South", Autobiography Institution, Raleigh, NC; "Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Oncology Nursing",Lederle laboratories; "Certificate of Recognition for 25 Years of Service",UAB and the "Community Health Award" from Lawson State College just to name a few.

Mattie is a life member of NAPNES, was appointed by two Alabama Governors to serve eight years on the Alabama Board of Nursing. She has held numerous positions on NAPNES Board and Committees and is currently Vice-President.

Vice President*
Ann Bauer, LPN, RP
Alabama

I have served NAPNES in this capacity before and I am well aware of the responsibilities of this position. I have since become a Registered Parliamentarian (RP) and I now bring those skills and experiences to this position as well. It is important to have a solid back up for the office of president and I understand that role. While it is my desire to serve NAPNES as VP, I also know that I must be prepared to assist and even step in for the President if called upon to do so. This office is challenging and exciting and I am honored to serve NAPNES in this capacity.

Treasurer*
Roy Wilson, LPN
Michigan*

An LPN since 1950, Roy has done it all. His clinical career was largely based in mental health hospitals and from that experience, it was a natural step for Roy to become co-owner of several group homes in Michigan. His business experiences with medicare reimbursement issues, and the daily grind of managing a business while working there as an LPN, gave him excellent training and education to oversee the finances at NAPNES as Treasurer. He has served 4 terms as NAPNES Treasurer and is an institution of integrity plain speaking on money matters.

Mr. Wilson began a tradition at NAPNES convention by which he would (at the appropriate place in the program) rise, go to the micorphone, and in the deepest, richest, baritone, sing "Oh, How I Love NAPNES." It became his theme song for raising money for the building fund, furniture, and numerous other projects over the years. NAPNES conventioneers bring extra change, dollar bills and a good heart and donate money to NAPNES for whatever project Mr. Wilson is working. Once the Board approves a project, Roy makes it his business to raise the funds. When the Board approved a "building fund" project because NAPNES wanted to stop paying rent and buy an office, Mr. Wilson went to work. Over a period of about 6 years, the donations from 1¢ to the largest single contribution of $1500, by members and others that Mr. Wilson "encouraged" to make contributions to the building fund put reality in the NAPNES dream of becoming a property owner. One contributor has presented NAPNES with a $1500 check several times for the building fund.

Mr. Wilson inspires giving. Whether is is in the work place as an LPN or in business raising money for worthy causes, he is engaged on behalf of NAPNES.

Secretary*
JoAnne Warner, RN, PN Educator
Atlantic County Vo/Tech School, NJ

I believe the philosophy of NAPNES that opens membership to those supportive of licensed prractical/vocational nurse education and practice promotes team spirit. I offered my years of experience and dedication to the education of practical nursing students to NAPNES in that spirit and was elected by the membership. I will serve this organization to the best of my ability in my capacity of Practical Nurse Educator and thank you so much for the opportunity.

Board Member
Lola Crum, LPN
Missouri

A graduate from the Jefferson City School of Practical Nursing (now Nichols Career Center) in 1967, Jefferson City, Missouri, Lola worked the next four years as a float nurse in the hospital. The following 19 years were spent working in the Operating and Recovery Room. During this time, Lola built skills onto her LPN license and became certified as an Operating Room Technician (ORT). A career minded professional, Lola served on the committee that started the Mid Missouri Chapter of Operating Room Technicians, still an active Chapter today.

Leaving the hospital setting, Lola spent the next 9 years working as an LPN III for the Department of Corrections in Missouri. When the name changed to Correctional Medical Services, Lola's years of experience placed her in the position of evening charge LPN.

For the past 5 years and continuing in the present, Lola is the Executive Secretary for the Missouri State Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (MoSALPN). A MoSALPN member of 21 years, Lola has served the association in many other capacities such as Treasurer and Coordinator of Continuing Education programs at the local chapter, and on the board of directors and various committees at the state level. Serving as the State Convention Coordinator, Co-Chairman of the Convention has been extra activities Lola added to her profile in the past 2 years. In her position of Executive Secretary, Lola is the liaison between MoSALPN and the 42 Missouri programs of Practical Nursing. Visiting 20 schools in the past year, Lola encourages students to become active in local, state, and national associations and to work at all three levels once a licensed practical nurse.

Lola is active with other organization such as the Missouri League for Nursing, the Missouri Nursing Coalition, attends meetings of the Missouri Council of Practical Nurse Educators, and also represents MoSALPN by attending State Board of Nursing meetings and taking an active role with legislation in Missouri.

Board Member
Mitzi Dixon, LPN
Arkansas

An LPN since 1976, Mitzi has worked as a floor nurse, Drs. Office nurse, a Dental Assistant, and is now back as an Office Nurse. Mitzi states that her membership in NAPNES is the number one highlight of her 28 years as an LPN. She has been involved in the Arkansas Licensed Practical Nurse Association, as well as in NAPNES, since her student year. Mitzi is a well known leader for Arkansas LPNs both at the Arkansas State Legislature and at the Arkansas Board of Nursing. She is a role model for hundreds of students and LPNs in Arkansas and has served in many capacities in the State Association. She has served as NAPNES Secretary, on the Board of Directors and on numerous committees and task forces. Mitzi never misses a chance to talk with students and encourage them to become active in their professional associations at the local, state and national level. Mitzi will quickly tell anyone that she is an LPN by choice and that her rewarding career as an LPN enables her to care for people at the business level as well as personal level. Mitzi reflects on how many people in so many states she has met and developed life long friendship through travel and work on the national level at NAPNES. "Each convention is special and an opportunity to see and have fun with people from all across America and territories. We learn so much at NAPNES-- we use it in our state meetings and in our practice -- and we have so much fun each time we get together and share at NAPNES! What a wonderful way to stay current in my chosen profession. "

Board Member
Vera Love-Lee, LPN
Georgia

Ms. Love-Lee began her career in the medical field in 1960 as a nursing assistant at McDuffie County Hospital in Thompson, GA. During this era, nursing assistants did almost everything including passing medications. During 1960 she was given the opportunity to take the LPN course by correspondence and passed with no problem. This gave her the opportunity to take on more responsibility and work in every capacity in the hospital. The pay was very poor for this small hospital and she decided to look for a job that paid more.

In 1972 she came to Augusta, Ga. And searched out the hospitals only to find out that these hospitals required one to have a license from an accredited school. She applied at Augusta Technical College but the waiting list was a year out. Rather than stay out for a year she enrolled in the Operating Room Tech. After attending for one year and trying the operating room, she discovered this field was not what she wanted.

In 1973 she finally got the chance to enroll in the PN class. At that time the course was twelve months long but since she had taken the correspondence course, she was able to omit some of the classes and finished a few months early. Then came the state boards and finally her LPN license!

Ms. Love-Lee has taken all of the core classes to become an RN but decided that she preferred the work of being an LPN. She states simply, 'LPN is the back-bone of nursing. You do hands on patient care and build a bond with patients. There are so many avenues you can take as an LPN. My advice to the younger LPNs is to give it your best shot. 'If you choose this level of nursing, as I did, be all you can be and it will pay off'."
Vera was recently named"Nurse of the Year" by the Georgia Licensed Practical Nurses Association, Inc. "A member of the Tenth District LPN Association of Augusta, GA, The Georgia Licensed Practical Nurses Association, Inc., and, a life member of NAPNES, this Georgia peach has an outstanding record in all three folds of her professional organization --Local, state, and national."

Board Member
P'Nina Sagraves, SFC 1st Class, LPN
Florida

I have spent the last 30 years in military service, the last 15 as an LPN. I am on active duty and conduct training for LPNs, Medical Coremen to meet the new national registry EMT Certification. I am a life member of NAPNES and Iwork dilligently on all issues that come before the Board. I serve NAPNES proudly, just like I serve my country.

Board Member
Dawn Zammuto, SPN
North Carolina

I was a student practical nurse in North Carolina when I ran for this position and I look forward to being licensed and joining the ranks of "NAPNES Nurses". I am inspired by the heritage and history of licensed practical/vocational nursing and the leadership role NAPNES has played -- from creating the occupation to providing the national presence for it today. I recently spearheaded the organization of the new North Carolina Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Association (NCLPVNA) and we are now a full fledged Affiliate of NAPNES. I ran for this position on r the board of directors because I want to better serve my profession. I want to learn from the source and I aspire to move through the ranks and eventually to become president. I believe that NAPNES is the place to learn and grow and I am delighted to have accomplished the first step by being elected by members from across the country. I am so honored to be elected and I am living proof that students matter a great deal at NAPNES, from the membership to the leadership, NAPNES is open to the goals and aspirations of students. I issue a challenge to all students reading this page to come alive and get active in NAPNES. We are the future of our profession and we have solid leaders in our heritage to support and encourage us. NAPNES is the place to put "professional" into the profession!

Executive Director
Helen Larsen, LPN, JD

Helen serves NAPNES and MSNC CO in the capacity of In-House Counsel and Executive Director. An LPN for 27 years and an attorney for the past 13, Helen assures legal operation of NAPNES and MSNC CO through compliance with all laws regarding corporate operations. She is accountable to the NAPNES and MSNC CO Boards of Directors respectively for staff and operations. Helen is also Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Practical Nursing. (JPN)

Director of Membership Services
Johnnetta Davis-Joyce

Ms. Davis-Joyce is Director of Membership Services/Data processing at NAPNES. She has worked in some capacity with NAPNES since 1984 and is well known to the membership for her key role in NAPNES successful conventions. Ms. Joyce also has approximately 12 years of teaching experience at the graduate and undergraduate levels; extensive experience in developing and implementing public policy around alcohol, tobacco, and drugs; and a strong background in interpreting substance abuse prevention science for communities. Her skills also include, developing management information systems, media advocacy, and program implementation and evaluation. In her newest position –"Mommie"- Johnnetta is orienting our newest staff member Michaela Nicole Joyce, born March 15, 2004, to phone duties and various other tasks – just as soon as "Mickey" can reach the phone!

Associate Editor - Journal of Practical Nursing
Juanita Cooper

Juanita Cooper is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Practical Nursing (JPN) and serves in an administrative assistant capacity in her semi-retired position. Known as "editor eagle eye," Juanita keeps JPN typos and grammatical mistakes to a minimum.

Associate Editor - Journal of Practical Nursing
Lillian L. Swanson

Ms. Swanson in an LPN of 50 years, listed in Who's Who in American Nursing, Lillian, known affectionately as "Lily Pod" keeps a keen eye on clinical articles and is the "quality assurance editor" in that regard as well as another "eagle eye" on spelling and grammar.