ACNL is the premier professional organization for nurse leaders in California, with over 1400 members spanning the entire state. Sixteen local chapters work to further the organizational mission of developing nurse leaders, advancing professional practice, influencing health policy and promoting quality health care and patient safety throughout the state.
The voice of San Diego’s
nurse leaders
nurse leaders
San Diego ACNL Chapter
Through the Association of California Nurse Leaders, nurse leaders at every platform possess a vital and vibrant voice. From emerging to executive levels, the San Diego Chapter of ACNL is an assembly of dynamic nurse leaders, spanning a broad continuum of professional expertise and experiences. Based on the values of integrity, innovation, diversity, and inclusion, the SDACNL provides novice and experienced nurse leaders the opportunity to discover and pursue their passion, influence healthcare policy, and advance professional practice.
Chapter President
Chantelle Hicks MSN, RN, CEN
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- 2015 Life Moxie Mentorship Program
- 2016 Healthy Work Environment Committee
- 2016 Innovations Conference Committee, SDACNL
- 2017 Quality, Safety, and Care Experience Committee
- 2017 Innovations Conference Committee, SDACNL
- 2018 Quality, Safety, and Engagement Committee
University California San Diego Health
Quality and Patient Safety
Clinical Quality Improvement Specialist
I have had the privilege of my career being guided by wonderful and inspiring mentors and nurse leaders, many of whom I have met through the ACNL. Collaborating and communicating with this group of nurse leaders has encouraged me to see nursing differently, to see the potential in myself, to take chances, and to reach higher. Influential nurse leadership and mentorship, continuing education, and professional organization membership allow nurses to achieve greater goals and promote the positive environment they desire for their patients and colleagues.
President-Elect
Ala Garza, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
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- 2017 Innovations Conference Committee, SDACNL
- 2017 Healthy Work Environment Committee, ACNL
- 2018 Healthy Work Environment Committee, ACNL
Rady Children’s Hospital
Emergency Department Director
The Association of California Nurse Leaders provides incredible opportunities, education, and networking for nurses in all roles. This organization connects nurse leaders across city limits to move California in a united direction of advancing professional practice, influencing health policy, and developing nurse leaders. Personally, ACNL has provided the forum where I can connect, learn, and be inspired by expert nurse leaders, specifically through the San Diego local chapter as well as a member of the Healthy Work Environment committee. Authentic leadership is a key component to supporting a healthy work environment through mentoring, collaboration, communication, and supporting professional nursing practice. There is no better place to learn how to influence, grow, and sustain our own professional practice environment than through the ACNL and SDACNL.
Former Chapter President
Karen Mitchell-Keels, EdD(c), MSN, RN, CMCN
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- 2015 Member of Innovations Planning
- 2016 ACNL Life Moxie Mentorship
- 2016 Co-Chair, Innovations Planning
- 2017 San Diego Chapter
- 2017 Healthy Workplace Environment
- 2017 Innovations Planning
- 2018 Innovation Planning Committee
University California San Diego Health
Department of Emergency Medicine
Clinical Educator and Community Outreach Manager
As professional nurses, we are challenged with the complexities of global health concerns, perplexing healthcare politics and policy and expansions in knowledge and innovation. Nevertheless, we hold a unique position to celebrate diversity among our patients, our colleagues, and others with truth and integrity. As nurses we should always face these opportunities with human respect, appreciation, and compassion. The Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL) provides the opportunity to acquire and share these important values among like-minded nurses.
I am honored and privileged to serve as the 2017 San Diego ACNL Chapter President.
Secretary
Catherine McJannet RN, MN, CEN, HTCP/I
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- 2018 Innovations Conference Planning Committee
Cathy has been an active member of the San Diego Chapter of ACNL for a number of years, and secretary for the chapter since 2010. She is a longstanding member of the Innovation Conference Planning Committee. Cathy is an emergency nurse and educator for Sharp Healthcare, educator for UCSD Extension Studies, and nursing faculty at Southwestern College. She has been active participant in nursing education accreditation (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing ) in a variety of roles since 2010.
Treasurer
Janet Wessels MSN, RN, PHN, Captain US Navy
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Assistant Professor, Azusa Pacific University
Captain US Navy Reserve- Director of Professional Education
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Board Member
Marlena Montgomery, MBA, MSN, RN, CEN
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- 2016-2017 Innovations Conference Planning Committee
- 2017 Member Experience Board
- 2018 Health Policy Committee Board Liaison
Sharp Memorial – Director of Emergency Services
California nurses are facing the reality of senior nurse leaders transitioning to retirement and a growing need for succession planning. I believe one of ACNL’s significant challenges is mentoring, training, and retaining nurse leaders. My greatest impact with be engaging emerging nurse leaders and I will bring a unique lens to the board as a member of “generation X”. I will work to foster involvement and activism in the new generation.
Board Member
Dante Segundo, MSN, RN, PHN, CNL
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- Member Experience Committee 2015-Present
UC San Diego Health – Nurse Services Manager
In a health care environment undergoing ever evolving change at an astounding pace, ACNL and is membership are vital in navigating and shaping the unfolding landscape. Together we’ll ensure that nurse leaders are embedded at the forefront of decision-making and that ACNL is positioned as the organization for their development. Crucial to our success is the ability to engage our experienced and established leaders to produce lines of succession – to identify, recruit, and transform impassioned nurses into conscientious and empowered nurse leaders. It is an honor to serve and contribute as we journey together toward our future.