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2026 NBNA ELECTIONS

CANDIDATES FOR 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

SHIRLEY EVERS-MANLY
SHIRLEY EVERS-MANLY
COUNCIL OF BN | LOS ANGELES

I, Dr. Shirley Evers-Manly, am seeking re-election as 1st Vice President of the NBNA to lead with bold vision, proven results, and unwavering commitment to our communities. I am a resilient, reliable, and ready leader who delivers. I helped nearly triple NBNA’s investment portfolio and strengthened fiscal accountability. I have elevated NBNA’s visibility through national media, strategic partnerships, and high-impact service—raising over $100,000 in honor of Dr. Bernadine Lacey during COVID-19 and additional funds honoring Dr. Linda Burnes Bolton. As a Chief Nursing Officer, Director of Public Health, Director of Community Benefits, Vice President of Patient Services, and Dean, I bring executive leadership and a lifelong commitment to serving communities in need while developing the next generation of diverse nurses. I represent NBNA nationally and globally through leadership with NCNW and NCEMNA. I am ready to lead NBNA forward—together. I respectfully ask for your vote.


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1ST VICE PRESIDENT
 MARCIA LOWE
MARCIA LOWE
BIRMINGHAM BNA

I, Dr. Marcia Lowe welcome the opportunity to serve as your next First Vice President. With over 40 years of nursing experience, I have witnessed and responded to significant changes in nursing practice, healthcare, and technology. As a local chapter president, officer and board member of NBNA, and chair of various committees, I have gained important insights about the organization’s policies and procedures. Using many of my creative strategies, I have helped numerous chapters acquire and retain members. I will continue to advocate for safe nurse staffing methods to avoid burnout, seek corporate partners to protect NBNA’s budget, increase membership, mentor student nurses, and celebrate seasoned members’ contributions. There is a common thread that runs through all my NBNA service: My emphasis has always been our membership. Cast your ballot for Dr. Marcia Lowe, your high- level servant leader to be the First Vice President of the NBNA!



CANDIDATES FOR 2ND VICE PRESIDENT


TRILBY BARNES-GREENE
TRILBY BARNES-GREENE
NEW ORLEANS BNA

I, Trilby Barnes, am committed to openness, honesty, and trust, backed by 24 years as a proud Lifetime member of NBNA. I have supported the organization’s growth by founding and co-founding chapters, expanding membership, and mentoring future leaders.

As a past Board Member, I have upheld my fiduciary responsibilities of care, loyalty, and obedience - recognizing the paramount importance of transparency, servant leadership, and fiscal sustainability.

The advancement of NBNA’s mission is non-negotiable. I remain dedicated to advancing its mission through advocacy for birth rights and positive birth experiences, and by promoting awareness of drug abuse, youth smoking, end-of-life care, gun violence, dental health, and JEDI initiatives.

My steadfast dedication and commitment to NBNA remain unwavering.

Re-elect Trilby Barnes, 2nd VP, to continue courageously moving our organization forward together. together.


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 KENDRICK CLACK
KENDRICK CLACK
FORT BEND COUNTY BNA

I, Kendrick Clack, respectfully ask for your vote for Second Vice President of the National Black Nurses Association. I proudly stand on the platform of ACT: Accountability, Clarity, and Trust.

As servant leaders, we are ACCOUNTABLE to our members and entrusted with supporting their professional development, fostering community engagement, and advocating to improve health outcomes. We must promote CLARITY through transparent actions and clear communication of NBNA’s goals, initiatives, and opportunities for ALL members. We must build TRUST by leading with integrity, consistency, collaboration, and principled decision-making.

The future of NBNA depends on leadership that listens, acts, and delivers. As a past NBNA officer with over 20 years of leadership experience across professional, academic, and community organizations, I am prepared to work collaboratively to advance NBNA with purpose and impact.

Together, we will ACT. Together, we will lead.

For ACTion, vote Kendrick Clack for NBNA Second Vice President!



CANDIDATES FOR TREASURER


LAURIE REID
LAURIE REID
ATLANTA BNA

I, Laurie C. Reid, am grateful for the opportunity to currently serve as treasurer. I am seeking a second term to continue to elevate and move NBNA forward in a challenging healthcare, environment. It is important to keep our mission and focus on NBNA and what we represent to Black Nurses and to the communities we serve.

Fiscally, NBNA is sound and thriving. Forward thinking includes a strategic plan with long-term financial growth and stability options, membership development, and chapter sustainability.


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 TAMMY WOODS
TAMMY WOODS
PIEDMONT-CHARLOTTE BNA

I, Tammy L. Woods, am seeking the office of NBNA Treasurer to strengthen the financial integrity, transparency, and sustainability of our beloved organization. My leadership as an NBNA Board Member, Membership Committee leader, NCNA Finance Committee member, and founding president of an award-winning chapter has prepared me to responsibly steward NBNA’s resources. I bring proven experience in budget oversight, membership revenue growth, sponsorship development, scholarship funding, and nonprofit governance. If elected, I will prioritize transparent financial reporting, strong internal controls, responsible oversight of grants and sponsorships, and alignment of every dollar with NBNA’s mission and strategic goals. I am committed to building member trust through accountability, supporting chapter financial education, and ensuring long-term fiscal strength that empowers our programs, scholarships, advocacy, and future nurse leaders. Together, we will protect NBNA’s legacy while building a financially stronger future. — Tammy L. Woods



CANDIDATES FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS


DAJANEA GRESHAM-RYDER
DAJANEA GRESHAM-RYDER
CAPITOL CITY BNA

I, DaJanae Gresham-Ryder consent/willingness to serve.


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 JARON BURCH
JARON BURCH
SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AREA BNA

I, Jaron Burch, am seeking a seat on the Board of the National Black Nurses Association to lead with transparency, accessibility, honesty, and integrity without compromise. Our members deserve clear communication, open decision-making, and full visibility into how this organization operates and grows.

My platform is simple: no barriers, no confusion, no silence. I will champion real transparency in governance and finances, expand access to leadership and development opportunities, and ensure every member at every level has a voice that is heard and respected.

I stand for honest leadership that does not avoid hard conversations and integrity that holds us accountable to the communities we serve. With proven experience in leadership, finance, and policy, I am ready to help move NBNA forward with clarity, purpose, and results.


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 TENEISHA HOWARD
TENEISHA HOWARD
METROPLEX BNA | DALLAS

I, Teneisha Howard, seek to serve as Board Member at Large with a commitment to strengthening the voice, visibility, and impact of the National Black Nurses Association. My leadership is grounded in service, accountability, and the belief that NBNA’s strength lies in its members. I will lead by listening—ensuring the perspectives of our nurses, students, and chapters guide the decisions that shape our organization. I am committed to upholding NBNA’s visibility, transparency, and integrity at the highest level while advancing initiatives that support professional growth, community engagement, and health equity. By advocating for our members and acting on their behalf, we can continue to expand NBNA’s influence and honor its legacy of leadership and service. Together, we will move forward with purpose, ensuring NBNA remains a powerful voice for nurses and the communities we serve.


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 SYLVIA MARTIN
SYLVIA MARTIN
COUNCIL OF BN | LOS ANGELES

I, Dr. Sylvia K. Martin, seek election to the NBNA Board of Directors to help strengthen the leadership, visibility, and influence of Black nurses across the nation. As a System Chief Nursing Executive, international speaker, and published author, I bring extensive experience in strategic planning, workforce development, and clinical health equity. My platform centers on expanding leadership pathways for Black nurses, advancing equity‑driven practice, and elevating our collective voice in national policy and healthcare transformation. I am committed to strengthening mentorship, amplifying our history and contributions, and ensuring that Black nurses have the support, recognition, and opportunities needed to thrive at every level of practice. I will use my platform, networks, and executive expertise to help NBNA grow its impact and continue its vital work as the leading voice for Black nurses and the communities we serve.


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CHADWICK RICKS
CHADWICK RICKS
COUNCIL OF BN | LOS ANGELES

I, Dr. Chadwick Ricks, am committed to advancing the mission of the National Black Nurses Association by strengthening mentorship, expanding community engagement, and promoting leadership development among Black nurses. My platform centers on three priorities: empowering the next generation through structured mentorship and scholarship support, enhancing member engagement through innovative programming and transparent communication, and amplifying our voice in addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect Black communities. I will work collaboratively to build sustainable partnerships, increase visibility, and ensure our initiatives remain impactful and member-driven. With integrity, accountability, and dedication, I seek to serve in a way that honors our legacy while positioning us for continued growth and influence.



CANDIDATES FOR STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE


GEORGE GOFF
GEORGE GOFF
DETROIT BNA

I, George Goff am a difference maker and advocate for all students.

As your next Student Representative, I pledge to be the voice of every NBNA student member nationwide.

My platform centers on a “Club Health Check” initiative focused on four pillars: expanding service opportunities, elevating project quality, strengthening social activities, and developing student leadership.

NBNA’s legacy is built on service, fellowship, and an unwavering commitment to transforming communities through nursing. Together, we can honor this mission by ensuring every chapter thrives and every student’s voice is heard.

I solemnly pledge to fulfill the duties of this national office to the best of my ability, to support student representatives across the country, and to uphold the constitution and bylaws of NBNA.

Let us embark on this chapter together—creating lasting impact as future nurse leaders dedicated to making a difference.



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BRYAN THELISMA
BRYAN THELISMA
SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AREA BNA

I, Bryan Thelisma, will work diligently to establish communication, consistency, and meaningful change within our student body. As a full-time student and member of my local NBNA chapter’s leadership, I have the opportunity to understand both what an organization strives to accomplish and what students hope to receive.

Through transparent communication, I aim to connect with our student body and gain valuable insight into what they want to see from NBNA. By remaining consistent with updates, follow-ups, and honesty, I will build trust with students and create a strong foundation for meaningful progress. Finally, with the active support of students and fellow board members, I will strive to create real change that advances the quality and impact of NBNA.

With intentional communication, focused consistency, and a genuine desire to see change, I, Bryan Thelisma, will work to integrate the student body and general membership in an impactful and innovative way.