The Florida Nurses Association proudly welcomes its 2025–2027 Board of Directors — a team of accomplished professionals representing diverse specialties, experiences, and regions across the state. Each member brings leadership, passion, and a shared commitment to advancing nursing practice, advocacy, and education for all Floridians.
President – Marcos Gayol, EdD, MSN, MPH, MBA, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE
Dr. Marc Gayol, Dean of Nursing at Samuel Merritt University, has more than 30 years of experience in clinical practice and academic leadership. As FNA President, he plans to promote workforce development, inclusion, and science-based advocacy to strengthen public trust and professional excellence in nursing.
President-Elect – Valerie Morrison, DBA, MSM, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, SHRM-SCP
A retired U.S. Navy Captain, Dr. Valerie Morrison brings over three decades of distinguished military and nursing leadership. Now Director of Student Health Services at the University of North Florida, she is committed to advancing leadership, equity, and excellence in healthcare and education.
Vice President – Meghan Moroney, MPH, BSN, RN
After two meaningful terms as the West Central Region Director, Meghan Moroney is honored to continue serving the Florida Nurses Association as Vice President. She is passionate about advancing FNA’s mission to strengthen the nursing profession and promote a healthier Florida.
Treasurer – George Peraza-Smith, DNP, A-GNP-C, GNP-BC, GS-C, CNE, FAANP
Dr. George Peraza-Smith is a past president of the Florida Nurses Association and a trustee of the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission. With more than a decade of academic leadership experience, he is dedicated to advancing gerontological nursing and excellence in education.
Secretary – Deborah Hogan, BSN, RN, MPH
With more than 40 years of experience as a public health nurse, Debbie Hogan is devoted to health promotion and disease prevention. She continues to champion FNA’s mission to ensure quality healthcare for all Floridians and to safeguard nursing practice statewide.
Northwest Region Director – Aminah Johnson, MSN, BSHA, RN
Aminah Johnson served two terms as FNA’s Early Career Director, where she helped launch the organization’s first Early Career Nurse Bootcamp. With a strong background in critical care and progressive care, she remains dedicated to mentoring and empowering prelicensure and early-career nurses.
North Central Region Director –Denise Schentrup, DNP, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP
Dr. Denise Schentrup serves as Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Florida College of Nursing. A practicing family nurse practitioner and rural health advocate, she works to expand access and improve care quality in underserved communities.
Northeast Region Director – Amber Johnson, DNP, MSN, APRN, AG-CNS
Amber Johnson, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Mayo Clinic Florida, blends expertise in neurocritical care and lifestyle medicine. Serving her second term as the Northeast Region Director, she advocates for wellness, professional growth, and holistic health integration in clinical care.
East Central Region Director – Melba Jamison, MSN, BSN, RN
Serving her second term on the board, Melba Jamison is a nursing leader with a background in oncology and service in the U.S. Army. She is passionate about advancing patient outcomes and empowering nurses through advocacy, mentorship, and culturally responsive education.
West Central Region Director – Robert Neff, MSN, BA, RN, PMH-BC, EMT-D
Robert Neff is honored to serve his first term on the board as the West Central Region Director. A psychiatric nurse with firsthand experience addressing workplace violence, he is committed to advocating for safer environments and stronger protections for nurses and bedside professionals across Florida.
Southwest Region Director – Anthony Silva, MSN, RN, CNOR-ORTHO, AMB-BC, ROT
Anthony Silva works in orthopedic surgery and serves as an adjunct faculty member. He is dedicated to uniting the nursing voice across Florida and advancing professional advocacy for nurses and the patients they serve.
Southeast Region Director – Lisa Rivera, MSN, RN
Lisa Rivera, MSN, RN, Dean of Nursing at Fortis Institute in Port St. Lucie, is dedicated to educational excellence and faculty development. Her leadership centers on empowering nurse educators and advancing professional standards across Florida.
South Region Director – Guillermo Valdes, DNP, MSN-HCS, PGC-NEd.,
MEDSURG-BC, RN
Serving his second term as South Region Director, Dr. Guillermo Valdes has nearly 40 years of clinical, academic, and leadership experience. His focus includes promoting professional excellence, mentorship, and safe, consistent healthcare delivery.
Director of Early Career Nurses – MacKenzie Simmons, BSN, RN
MacKenzie Simmons represents the next generation of nurse leaders. Having previously served on the Board of Directors for the National Student Nurses Association, she champions innovation, well-being, and mentorship for early-career nurses.
LERC Liaison – Marsha Martin, RN
Marsha Martin has served for decades as a critical care nurse at Shands. She is deeply committed to advocating for nurses and protecting their workplace rights through her role as the FNA Labor and Employment Relations Council (LERC) Liaison.
