Leadership

Samantha Agee, DNP, RN, APRN, CRNA, FCEPS

National President

nationalpresident@chietaphi.org

Dr. Agee is a servant leader with over 27 years of leadership experience. She is the 23^rd National President of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.® with 17 years of membership, serving in leadership roles, and contributing to education on the local, regional, and national levels. Her immediate past position as Second National Vice President of Chi Eta Phi added to an expansive nursing and leadership career. She is a Fellow of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated (CEPS).

A native of Georgetown, Guyana and reared across three boroughs of New York, she enlisted in the Army in 1997, served as a Medic and License Practical Nurse; then entered a Reserve Officer Training Commissioning (ROTC) Program in 2001. Since commissioning to active duty in 2004, as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Hofstra University (NY), Lieutenant Colonel Agee retired from the Army Nurse Corps as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in 2023 after 26 and a half years of service.

Dr. Agee received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Adelphi University, Garden City, NY (2004), a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ (2010), a Master of Science in Nursing Anesthesia from the U.S. Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing and Northeastern University, Boston, MA (2013), and a Doctor of Nursing Practice specializing in Leadership from Aspen University, Phoenix, AZ (2026).

Dr. Agee held numerous civilian and military staff and leadership positions in Telemetry and Orthopedic Units at Nassau County Trauma Hospital, Long Island, NY; Post Anesthesia Care Unit at Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC), Fort Gordon, GA; Intensive Care Units (ICU) while deployed with the 21^st Combat Support Hospital to New Orleans, LA and Camp Bucca, Iraq, conducting Detainee Healthcare in austere environments; Surgical Intensive Care/Open Heart Recovery Unit at EAMC; and Nursing Anesthesia in Forward Surgical Teams and operating rooms in Hawaii, Kentucky, South Korea, and Tennessee.

Dr. Agee published and served as keynote speaker on topics to include The Effects of QuikClot Combat Gauze on Hemorrhage Control in The Presence of Hemodilution in The AMEDD Journal of Medicine and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. She earned multiple awards and attended numerous military and civilian leadership and communication courses to include COL C.J. Reedy and Command and General Staff College. Working to improve the community, increase awareness, and decrease disparities, she continues active membership in St. Anselm Episcopal Church; American Association of Nurse Anesthetist; Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society; National Black Nurses Association, Life Member; NAACP, Life Member; ROCKS, Incorporated, Life Member; The Order of the Eastern Star; Daughters of the Imperial Court; The Order of the Golden Circle, and The York Rite Bodies.

Dr. Agee became a member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.® with an invitation and induction by the phenomenal Phi Chi Chapter of Augusta, GA in 2008; became a chartered member of Kappa Chi Chi Chapter in Honolulu, HI with 12 dynamic nurses in 2015; and provides “Service for Humanity” as a member of the awesome Alpha Chi Chapter of Nashville, TN.

Dr. Agee is most proud of being married to Willie Agee III, M.D., Ph.D. and parenting their two daughters. She is a grateful child of Desiree Martin and thankful to family and friends connected through the Martin, Barton, and Agee lines.

Deborah Stamps, EdD, MBA, MS, RN, GNP, NE-BC, CDE®, FADLN, FAAN

National First Vice President

nationalfirstvp@chietaphi.org

Dr. Stamps is the founder and chief executive officer for Deborah Stamps Consulting, LLC. Dr. Stamps has more than forty years of progressive healthcare leadership and is an internationally recognized authority on workforce development, diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, nursing education, and leadership. She has held various roles, from LPN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, Vice President of Quality, Patient Safety and Innovation including founding President of the Rochester General College of Health Careers and the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer at Rochester Regional Health.

Dr. Stamps created the professional academic workforce (PAW) model to advance the educational and economic mobility of underrepresented minorities in nursing through establishing partnerships between healthcare, community, and academic organizations. She has published peer-reviewed journals on the innovative, collaborative nurse leadership model, the Chief Nursing Officer Council, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, workforce development and academic clinical practice partnerships. Dr. Stamps is a 2023 Academy of Nursing Fellow, the recipient of the Center for Nursing NY Driscoll Award and is a National Black Nurses Association 2024 inaugural Fellow in the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing (FADLN).

Dr. Stamps holds membership in a few professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association, Life Member of the National Black Nurses Association, Legacy Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women, is a Life Member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.®, has held offices including chartering President of Beta Ch Chi, Inc. in Rochester NY, Dean of Membership, Financial Secretary, 18th Northeast Regional Director and currently serves as the National First Vice President, responsible for programs, projects and partnerships. She is the vice chair of the New York State Board for Nursing, serves on the board of directors for the YWCA, Hillside, St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, and the International Collaboration for Community Health Nursing Research.

Dr. Stamps earned a certificate as a practical nurse from the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center, AAS in Nursing from Monroe Community College, BSN from SUNY College at Brockport, MS and the Gerontological Nursing Practitioner at Nazareth College, a MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology, and an EdD from St. John Fisher College. She is nationally certified as a Nurse Executive by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®) through the Institute for Diversity System at the Society for Diversity. Dr. Stamps became an independent certified coach, teacher, and speaker with the John Maxwell Team.

Angela R. Jourdain, DrPH, MSN, RN, CCRN, NEA-BC, FNYAM

National Second Vice President

nationalsecondvp@chietaphi.org

Dr. Angela R. Jourdain, a seasoned nurse leader, educator, and public health advocate, brings over 15 years of progressive leadership experience in nursing and more than 30 years of experience in public health to her role. Her clinical practice spans critical care, nursing administration, ambulatory care, home health, and acute-care settings.

She holds a B.S. in Natural Science from Spelman College, a B.S. in Nursing from Capella University, a Master of Science in Nursing Administration with Informatics from Molloy College, and a Doctorate in Public Health from Walden University. Her doctoral research explored systemic contributors to increased mortality and morbidity among women diagnosed with ectopic pregnancies—particularly among women of color. Dr. Jourdain maintains certifications through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (CCRN) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Nurse Executive Advanced (NEA-BC).

An active member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.® since 2004 through Kappa Eta Chapter, Nassau/Suffolk Counties, New York, Dr. Jourdain has held several leadership positions on the local, regional, and national levels of the sorority, showcasing her commitment to strengthening operations, expanding opportunities, and championing community health initiatives. She has received several awards from the sorority including local and regional Member of the Year Awards, the Mabel Keaton Staupers National Award and the Helen S. Miller National Award.

Dr. Jourdain was elected a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine in 2020 in recognition of her work addressing health disparities throughout New York City with the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health Task Force. She recently completed the HIV Health Equity Leadership Development Program, co-sponsored by the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine and Xavier University of Louisiana. She was selected as an inaugural fellow in 2023 of the New York University Community Research Fellow Training Program, equipping her to lead data-driven, community-engaged health equity initiatives.

Dr. Jourdain volunteers with the Medical Reserve Corps. She is a Lifetime Member of the National Black Nurses Association and the National Council of Negro Women. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Alpha Pi National Society for Leadership and Success, the American Public Health Association, the American Nurses Association, and the National Association of Doctors of Public Health. Dr. Jourdain has received numerous awards in recognition of her civic contributions and clinical excellence.

Sania Wilson, BSN, RN

National Third Vice President

nationalthirdvp@chietaphi.org

Sania Wilson is passionate and dedicated to service. A May 2025 graduate, Sania received her Bachelor of Science of Nursing with a minor in Science, Technology, and Society from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. She will be a graduate nurse in the Pediatric ICU and aspires to attend graduate school.

Sania has been a proud member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc., since 2023, as an initiate of the Lambda Chi Alpha Beta Chapter in the Middlewest Region. During her time in the sorority, she has remained dedicated to the sorority’s mission of “Service For Humanity” by leading numerous community service initiatives in the Ann Arbor community. At the local level, she has served as the Treasurer, President, and Awards Committee Chair for her undergraduate chapter. Sania was able to help her chapter achieve its first Banner Award in 2024.

Sania is an active member of her community and holds professional memberships in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the Ann Arbor Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association.

As the Third National Vice President, her goal is to remain steadfast in the success of all undergraduate members and chapters. She aspires to open up more opportunities for undergraduate members to participate at the Regional and National levels. Sania envisions greater support and retention of undergraduate members through strengthening bonds with graduate chapters and interactive workshops focused on mentorship, professional development, and service.

Vikki Briggins, MSN, RN-BC, FCEPS

National Secretary

nationalsecretary@chietaphi.org

Vikki Briggins is a dedicated and accomplished nursing professional with over three decades of experience in diverse clinical and administrative settings. She began her nursing career in 1992 as a Licensed Practical Nurse and advanced to Registered Nurse status in 1997. Vikki holds a Master of Science in Nursing Administration and maintains ANCC board certification in Medical-Surgical Nursing.

Her clinical expertise spans medical-surgical nursing, inpatient surgical care, long-term care, hospice and palliative services, and outpatient geriatric care. She currently serves as Nurse Manager of a geriatric clinic at a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, DC, where she leads with compassion, integrity, and excellence in veteran-centered care.

A proud and active member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.®, since 2002, she was initiated into Lambda Phi Chapter, Incorporated in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She has held multiple leadership roles at the chapter level and currently serves as Secretary of the Northeast Region. In 2003, she was selected as a member of the prestigious Chi Eta Phi Fellowship cohort, which cultivates leadership and professional development within the sorority.

Beyond her contributions to Chi Eta Phi, Vikki is a Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women (Washington Section), a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Gamma Beta Chapter, Howard University), and an active member of the McCaskill Unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians.

As National Secretary, Vikki Briggins brings seasoned leadership, organizational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the mission and vision of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.®.

Glennis Gray, PhD, RN-BC, FCN

National Treasurer

nationaltreasurer@chietaphi.org

Dr. Glennis P. Gray is an August 2, 2003 charter member of Psi Phi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.® She has served in many roles throughout the years within the chapter inclusive of but not limited to President, Vice President, Financial Secretary, Beta Sponsor, Programs and Projects Chair, and Bylaws Chair. On the regional level, Dr. Gray has served as the Assistant Regional Director and was elected as the 14^th MSR Regional Director in 2012 and served 4 years until 2016. Dr. Gray has also served on the National level as the Executive Assistant to the 21st National President, Priscilla Murphy. Dr. Gray’s most notable accomplishments during her tenure as Regional Director was as follows:

Initiated and completed the 501c 3 status for the MSR
Initiated and completed a foundation for the MSR
Initiated and completed the first external audit for the MSR
Initiated and completed the first savings account for the MSR
Held the first MSR conference in Lufkin, TX
Chartered the first Arkansas Chapter in Little Rock, AR
Held the first MSR conference in Little Rock, AR

Dr. Glennis P. Gray has been a registered nurse for over 30 years and has many years of experience in Nursing Administration, Emergency Nursing, Case Management, Education, and Health Standards. In her current position, she serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health/Office of Public Health. She oversees 5 large programs within OPH inclusive of: The Bureau of Sanitation Services, The Bureau of Community Preparedness, The Office of the Public Laboratory, and The Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and The Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Healthcare Access.

Dr. Gray is a graduate of Scotlandville Magnet High School in Baton Rouge, LA. She furthered her education at Southern University and A&M College (Baton Rouge) and received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing, Master’s Degree in Family Health Nursing with a dual concentration in Family Health and Health Education, and PhD in Public Policy (Health Policy). She is a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and currently working on her Green Belt. She holds a Certificate in Theology from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA, with a special concentration in Church Administration as well as a Certificate in Leadership from the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and is currently studying to be a Registered Parliamentarian. She most recently was commissioned as a Congregational Wellness Faith Community Nurse. Dr. Gray holds many other leadership certificates.

Dr. Gray’s professional memberships include: American Nurses Association, Louisiana Nurses Association, Baton Rouge District Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, SUSON Alumni Chapter, Nonpareil Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Psi Phi Chapter Inc., of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.®, and LA Tri-Parish Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is “Committed and Empowered” for service in educating and helping the community with their health care needs.

Karen Rabb, MSN, RN, CCRA

National Financial Secretary

natlfinancialsec@chietaphi.org

Karen Rabb has been a member of Xi Phi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.® since March 2005. A registered nurse for over 35 years, Mrs. Rabb has vast experience in peri-operative nursing (PACU), cardiac and medical/surgical intensive care, home health, rare diseases (adult and pediatric), and over 25 years’ experience in clinical trial research. Mrs. Rabb has a propensity for leadership and mentoring, and has served as unit manager, supervisor, director of nursing/quality assurance, NIH project manager, and her current role as a Senior Clinical Trial Manager, overseeing neurological and non-oncology studies for Bristol Myers Squibb via Syneos Health FSP.

Leadership positions within Chi Eta Phi includes current role as National Financial Secretary, Immediate Past National Protocol Chairman, 15^th Middlesouth Regional Director, Middlesouth Regional Secretary, 5^th Xi Phi Chapter President, Dean of Membership, Beta Sponsor, Chaplain, and she served under 4 national presidents as National Public Relations/Marketing Committee Chairman. Her collaborations with National Partners/Affiliates include American Nurses Association, Texas Nurses Association, American Red Cross, NCNW, Nurses on Boards Coalition, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, VITAS, Black Women’s Agenda, AARP, and the NAACP. She has served for 28 years and is currently General Grand Matron of Jeremiah Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. She is also a newly induced member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Lambda Upsilon Sigma Chapter, Plano, TX.

Mrs. Rabb, a former LVN, graduated from El Centro Community College with an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree in Nursing in 1989. She completed an RN-to-MSN bridge program and obtained her Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Leadership & Management from Walden University in 2014.

Mrs. Rabb has been tremendously blessed, due above all else to her strong faith and love of people. She believes that to be a good leader, you must be a good follower, and that people will follow you if you have a sense of direction and purpose. Her purpose in life is to be the best Christian, wife, mother, nurse, leader, and friend that she can be. She attends worship services regularly and is a Deaconess at her church. She loves to sing and is a Charter Member and current Financial Director of the DFW Mass Legacy Choir. She is a native of Detroit, MI and resides in DeSoto (Dallas), TX. She has been married 38 years to her husband Dale, has 3 adult children and one 18-year-old grandson. She is indoctrinated with the notion that “Service for Humanity” is her true calling.

Christopher Otto, DNP, RN, CCRN

National Organizer

nationalorganizer@chietaphi.org

Dr. Christopher Otto has been a dedicated member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.® for over 10 years. His journey began at Long Island University, Brooklyn, where he was initiated as an undergraduate member through Theta Chi Beta. Upon graduation, he transitioned to graduate membership with Theta Chi Chapter, Incorporated, serving as Dean of Membership. He later transferred to Nu Chi Chi Chapter, Westchester, NY, where he has actively served on numerous committees and held key leadership roles, including Vice President and, currently, Chapter President.

At the regional level, Dr. Otto has contributed to a wide range of initiatives. He has served on the Budget and Finance Committee, Nominating Committee, and as the Northeast Region Membership Liaison. He presently serves as the Northeast Expansion Chair and is a member of the Next Gen Committee, where he plays a pivotal role in engaging and sustaining new members.

Dr. Otto brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare, including 9 years as a Registered Nurse. He earned his Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Acute Care Clinical Leadership and Management from Columbia University in 2022, and most recently, completed his Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Leadership from Quinnipiac University in May 2025.

A recognized leader and advocate for nursing excellence and community service, Dr. Otto has received numerous accolades throughout his career. These include the Rising Star and Preceptor Awards from New York-Presbyterian Hospital, as well as the DAISY in Training Award, the DAISY Award, and the Team DAISY Award. Within Chi Eta Phi, he has been honored with the Aliene Carrington Ewell Scholarship, the Director’s Award, and the Member of the Year Award from his local chapter.

Nutrena Tate, PhD, MBA, RN, APRN, CPNP-PC

National Dean of Membership

natldeanofmembership@chietaphi.org

As a Life Member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.®, Dr. Tate has served in several capacities across all levels of the organization. On the local level, she has served as President, Vice President, Beta Sponsor, Parliamentarian, and Executive Assistant to the President. She chaired several committees including, Founders Day, Mary Stewart Retreat, Technology, Program and Projects, Bylaws, Mentoring, and Education.. Regionally, Dr Tate served as the 16^th Middlewest Regional Director and chaired several committees including E-Commerce, Historical Publication and Protocol.

On a National level, she served on the National Board of Directors as Middlewest Regional Director and currently as the National Dean of Membership. Dr Tate has served as chair of National Bylaws, Regional Conference Guidelines Task Force and Grant writing committees. She has received several awards from Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.® including Mabel Keaton Staupers National Award, Helen S. Miller National Award, Organizational Expansion National Award, and Lambda Chi Chapter Excellence in Community Service Award.

Dr. Tate is a funded and published researcher, whose area of expertise includes health disparities and self-management behaviors in historically underrepresented populations. She has served as a consultant through her role as President and CEO, Brand Nu Consulting, Inc. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, she managed several school based health and community clinics, including a homeless shelter for teens.

Dr. Tate has received numerous awards for her exemplary community service and exceptional nursing practice. She has over 30 years of board and committee leadership experience in non-profit, service, academic, and professional nursing organizations.

Dr. Tate has provided over 75 peer-reviewed poster/podium presentations, invited featured and keynote speaking engagements, and panel discussions within academic, hospital, and community systems.

She is also a missionary whose pediatric health care has spanned to Lesotho, Africa and St. Marc, Haiti. Current memberships include American College of Health Care Executives, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, National Association of Parliamentarians, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Incorporated.

Angela Hunt, MSN, RN

National Dean of Sponsors

natldeanofsponsors@chietaphi.org

Angela Hunt is a compassionate nurse leader, educator, and advocate with over 30 years of experience in healthcare. Currently based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Angela has served in diverse clinical settings including medical-surgical, geriatrics, psychiatry, community health, and correctional health. Her career includes leadership roles such as Assistant Director of Nursing, Staff Development Coordinator, Clinical Instructor, and Charge Nurse in both acute and psychiatric care environments.

Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts from Winston-Salem State University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from North Carolina A&T State University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice at Grand Canyon University, with a focus on leadership and community health outcomes.

In addition to her clinical and academic achievements, Angela is deeply committed to professional service. She is an active member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.®, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, the American Nurses Association (ANA), National Women of Achievement, and the Order of the Eastern Star. Her passion for service has been recognized in publications such as POWER Magazine and Marquis Who’s Who in recognition of her dedication to the nursing profession.

Angela’s leadership extends beyond the clinical setting—she actively contributes to her community through health education, mentorship, and faith-based initiatives. She is an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, where she serves on the Usher Board and the Health and Wellness Committee.

Angela’s journey with Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.® began as a beta, where she first embraced the values of leadership, service, and academic excellence. She currently serves as the National Dean of Sponsors, a position she holds near and dear to her heart. In this national leadership role, Angela oversees the development and support of Beta undergraduate nursing students and their sponsors, helping to shape the next generation of professional nurses and community leaders.

She is especially proud of her work with Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.®, where she uplifts the mission of service for humanity through mentorship, scholarship, and community-based initiatives. She values the deep sense of sisterhood and collaboration that Chi Eta Phi fosters among nurses of all backgrounds and specialties.

Angela is a proud wife, mother of four, and grandmother of eight. She enjoys dancing, traveling, and creating meaningful connections that improve the lives of others.

Zenobia Richbourgh MSN, RN, FNP, CPN

Northeast Regional Director

NERdirector@chietaphi.org

Zenobia Richbourgh has been a proud member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated since February 2007. As a dedicated member of the Kappa Eta Chapter, she has served with distinction on numerous committees and held key leadership positions including Dean of Membership, Vice-President, and President. Her commitment to advancing the mission of the sorority extended to the national level, where she served as National Dean of Membership from 2015 to 2019 and National Organizer from 2021 to 2025.

With over 19 years of experience in nursing, Zenobia is a Certified Pediatric Nurse and a passionate advocate for child health and wellness. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Associate of Science in Nursing, and in 2016, completed her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Molloy College, further deepening her clinical expertise.
Since 2016, Zenobia has also served as a clinical instructor, mentoring and educating the next generation of nurses with a focus on excellence, compassion, and cultural competence. Her dual role as clinician and educator reflects her commitment to both practice and pedagogy.

In addition to her work with Chi Eta Phi, Zenobia is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, where she continues to uphold the values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Her professional journey is marked by a deep dedication to leadership, education, and community engagement.

View NER Website

Regional Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia

S. Elaine Leonard, MHA, BSN, RN

Southeast Regional Director

SERdirector@chietaphi.org

S. Elaine Leonard is not just a registered nurse; she is a compassionate healer, a tireless advocate for health equity, exemplary leader in the healthcare community and now, fearless leader of the Southeast Region of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.®. With an illustrious career spanning over 37 years, Ms. Leonard’s journey has been marked by her unwavering commitment to providing empathetic care, particularly in the realm of Mental Health – her true calling.

Ms. Leonard holds an Associate and Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, as well as a Master of Science Degree in Health Care Administration from Webster University. She has traversed various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare. Her exceptional communication skills and ability to connect with patients and their families have set her apart throughout her career.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Leonard is an active member of prestigious nursing organizations such as the American Nurses and SC Nurses Association. For 22 years, she has been an integral part of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc, serving as the Charter President of Zeta Eta Eta Chapter, Orangeburg, SC. Her leadership extends beyond the local chapter; she served as the Interim Southeast Regional Director from 2020 to 2021.

Ms. Leonard’s dedication to health equity is further evident in her roles on the Board of Directors for the Action Council for Cross-Cultural Mental Health & Human Services and the Bethlehem UMC Church Council. As the chairperson of The Parish Nurse and Healthcare Ministries for three churches within the Orangeburg Circuit United Methodist Church, her impact resonates deeply within the community.

Additionally, she is a Charter member of both Phi Phi Chapter (2000), Sumter, SC, and Zeta Eta Eta Chapter (2017), Orangeburg, SC, exemplifying her commitment to sustained service and leadership. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Beta Zeta Omega Chapter, Orangeburg, SC, Ms. Leonard is not only a professional trailblazer but also a mentor. Her dedication to nurturing the next generation of nurses is reflected in her commitment to mentorship and knowledge-sharing. Ms. Leonard is currently employed at W. J. Dorn VA Healthcare Center, as a Mental Health Treatment Coordinator/ Nurse Case Manager. She has 4 children and 4 grandchildren.

View SER Website

Regional Jurisdiction: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and US Virgin Islands.

Tonya T. Johnson, MSN, APRN

Middlewest Regional Director

MWRdirector@chietaphi.org

Tonya T. Johnson, MSN, APRN, is a distinguished healthcare leader with more than 33 years of experience advancing culture, professional development, and leadership across complex healthcare environments. She serves as the 19th Regional Director for the Middlewest Region of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated, where she champions nurse development, community service, and member engagement across multiple states. A dedicated member of Gamma Eta Chapter in Columbus, Ohio for eight years, Tonya served as chapter president from 2021 to 2025 and as Middlewest Region Secretary in 2025. Through these roles, her leadership has inspired collaboration, excellence, and meaningful community impact.

A visionary in cultivating talent and strengthening organizational culture, Tonya currently serves as Director, Learning Innovation at OhioHealth in Columbus, Ohio. In this role, she leads system-wide strategies that support the growth and development of more than 35,000 associates. Her responsibilities include oversight of enterprise associate and team development programs, culture strategy, the learning management system, simulation programs, and continuing medical education.

Tonya earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia, and her Master of Nursing from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, with specialization as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Adult Nurse Practitioner and a minor in Healthcare Finance.

Tonya’s passion for serving as a catalyst for the growth and development of others has shaped her work as both a provider and a leader. Her career includes service as Chief Nursing Officer and Assistant Health Commissioner for Columbus Public Health; Chief Nursing Officer for OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital; and Program Administrator 3/Oncology Care Coordinator for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. She has also served as Quality Administrator/Nurse Practitioner for quality care initiatives at Emory University Hospital Midtown and as Nurse Administrator for DeKalb Medical Hospital-Hillandale. Across these leadership roles, she has remained committed to strengthening systems, supporting teams, and improving care delivery. As a board-certified Adult Nurse Practitioner, her clinical background spans Women’s Health, Cardiology, Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Emergency Medicine.

Tonya believes that strong foundational skills empower individuals to rise again through life’s challenges. Guided by this philosophy, she supports individual development as a certified Hudson Coach and mentor. She is a professional program facilitator and speaker for Columbus Chapter, Women for Economic and Leadership Development and local events. Tonya remains a catalyst for growth, a champion for learning, and a steadfast advocate for leaders at every stage of their journey.

Bridgett Sterling, DNP, DHA, RN

Middlesouth Regional Director

MSRdirector@chietaphi.org

Dr. Bridgett Sterling, a San Antonio native, has over 30 years of diverse nursing experience. She currently serves as a Registered Nurse Liaison at the Audie Murphy Veteran Administration Hospital, stationed at San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC). In this role, she provides critical support to wounded warriors and severely injured service members.

In addition to her primary role, Dr. Sterling is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio and Alamo Community College, where she has been teaching Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) and Registered Nursing (RN) students since 2007.

Her extensive nursing background includes experience in medical-surgical, telemetry, burn care, orthopedics, and step-down intensive care units. She also has a strong foundation in case management, managed care, home health, internal medicine, family practice, and nursing education.

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing – San Antonio College
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – University of the Incarnate Word
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) & Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) – University of Phoenix
Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) – Capella University
Currently pursuing a second Doctorate in Healthcare Administration – Virginia University of Lynchburg

Leadership & Community Involvement

Dr. Sterling is deeply committed to professional service and leadership. She currently serves as the 17th Middlesouth Regional Director of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.® and is the immediate past president of Theta Eta Chapter, Inc. located in San Antonio, Texas.

Beyond her professional and academic achievements, Dr. Sterling takes great pride in her role as a parent to three children.

View MSR Website

Regional Jurisdiction: Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas

Norlissa M. Cooper, PhD, MSN, RN

Southwest Regional Director

SWRdirector@chietaphi.org

Norlissa M. Cooper, PhD, MSN, BSN, RN, earned her B.S. in nursing from the University of Rochester, her M.S. in nursing with a concentration in education from Georgetown, and her PhD in nursing with a concentration in health policy from the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Cooper works as a Registered Nurse at San Francisco General in San Francisco, California. She has over 13 years of experience in the acute care setting working as a staff nurse, charge nurse, nurse educator, and continuing education committee co-chair.

Dr. Cooper is trained as a critical ethnographer and her research agenda focuses on examining the intersections of policy, practice/implementation, and community impact with the purpose of identifying policies that create and/or reinforce institutional and structural racism and contribute to health disparities. Dr. Cooper’s area of expertise is perinatal illicit substance screening policies and practices in the acute care setting.

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Regional Jurisdiction: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.

Sarah M. Killian, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FCEPS

Immediate Past National President

immedpastnatlpresident@chietaphi.org

Dr. Killian is a nationally recognized nurse leader in education, administration, and practice. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and is board certified as a Nurse Executive, Advanced. She recently retired as a Clinical Associate Professor, from a 14-year stent at Georgia State University, where she was instrumental in designing and implementing the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. Although Dr. Killian completed her career in education, more than half of her work in nursing was spent in the practice setting as a nurse administrator and clinical nurse educator.

Dr. Killian also has a special interest in global nursing. She has participated in healthcare delegations to the former Soviet Republic of Georgia, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. The delegations focused on assessing and implementing healthcare practices to improve healthcare delivery systems and outcomes. The Dominican Republic delegation was coupled with a student nurse group immersion experience.

Dr. Killian’s research interest is formal mentoring of nurses in the practice, academic, and professional organization settings. The focus of research is on mentoring of nurses and retention in the three settings. Publications of this research include but is not limited to: “Examining Mentoring for Nurses” (NBNA News, Spring 2016) and “Examining Mentoring Relationships for Nurses: A Pilot Study” (JOCEPS, Fall 2015/2016).

Dr. Killian has given lifelong service as a volunteer, advisor, and or consultant to organizations for the improvement of health services within the community. While serving, she has assumed leadership roles in professional organizations on the local, regional, national, and international levels.

Her vision for Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.® is to “Embrace, Honor, Elevate, & Empower the Core of Chi,” “Embracing our Legacy with Honor; Elevating our Presence in the Community; and Empowering Visionaries to Lead us into the Future. She states, “It is about our organization and the community, and I will do my best to maximize efforts of actualizing the organization’s vision, mission, and beyond.”