CV/RESUME/BIO

MARY SAMOST

I am honored to accept the nomination for President-Elect of e-Chapter. As a dedicated perioperative nurse and active member of eChapter, I have had the privilege of interacting with professional nurses from diverse backgrounds, solving challenges collaboratively, and networking with colleagues nationally and internationally. 

Being part of eChapter has provided me with a unique opportunity to engage in open, honest discussions that impact perioperative nursing practice. I have found this group to be a welcoming and inclusive community, encompassing nurses ranging from novice to expert levels of nursing practice. Together, we share a unified mental model of perioperative nursing focused on safe and exceptional patient care. 

Our members-at-large form the backbone of our organization, bringing a wealth of expertise, experience, and dedication to perioperative nursing. You are not just participants in our community, but you are the drivers of change and progress. The perspectives and contributions of our members are invaluable, and as President-Elect, I will prioritize creating opportunities for your voices to be heard. By fostering an environment of transparency and collaboration, together we can harness the collective strength of our entire membership to address critical issues and shape the future of perioperative nursing. 

Perioperative nursing is a challenging and complex specialty that often goes unrecognized by the public. Few understand the coordination, expertise, and dedication required to ensure patient safety during operative procedures. Despite varying regulatory requirements across states and countries, our mission remains steadfast—to provide excellent, safe care. The eChapter offers a platform for perioperative nurses to unify our voices, address challenges, and promote diversity and inclusivity within our profession.

My involvement with eChapter has included serving on the Nomination Committee (2021, 2022), the Membership Committee (2022), and most recently as your Treasurer (2023–2025). Through these roles, I have developed a deeper understanding of the gaps in perioperative nursing practice while contributing to the strategic direction of our organization. These experiences have strengthened my belief and conviction that all nurses are leaders and that active participation in professional organizations empowers us to influence the future of our perioperative nursing practice. 

As President-Elect, I will build upon this foundation to advance perioperative nursing practice and strongly advocate for diversity and inclusivity. Together, we can identify and address gaps in our nursing community and strategically work toward eliminating structural barriers. By fostering a diverse and representative nursing workforce, together we can better serve our communities and uphold our commitment to equity in care. 

I believe you, our members-at-large community, hold immense potential to drive innovation and bring practical solutions to the challenges we face. Whether through active involvement in committees, sharing best practices, or participating in educational initiatives, your input is vital. As President-Elect, I will work to expand engagement opportunities for all members, ensuring that each nurse—regardless of background or location—feels valued and empowered to contribute. 

Through my roles on the Nomination and Membership Committees and as Treasurer, I have gained valuable insight into the mission, vision, and strategic direction of eChapter, which aligns closely with AORN. 

My goal as President-Elect is to ensure the long-term growth and vitality of our chapter by: 

• Providing oversight and leadership to align chapter goals with AORN. 

• Monitoring the financial health of the organization to ensure sustainability. 

• Collaborating closely with the eChapter President, Officers, Board Members, and, most importantly, you our members-at-large.

In this leadership role, I will work diligently to set a clear vision for our chapter, supporting its overarching goals of advancing perioperative nursing practice through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Together, we can strengthen our specialty and continue to provide exceptional care to the patients and communities we serve. Thank you for your support and consideration.

CV/RESUME/BIO

KENDRA HARDY-DUNNIGAN, MSN,RN,CNOR,CNAMB,CPHQ

My name is Kendra Hardy-Dunnigan, and I am honored to be a candidate for the AORN eChapter position. My passion for perioperative nursing runs deep, and I hold AORN’s mission in high regard, as it aligns with my professional values and aspirations. With over a decade of active membership in AORN, I have been able to grow and contribute to the community of perioperative professionals.

My nursing journey spans over twenty years, during which I have gained extensive and diverse experience in various areas of healthcare. I have held positions in pediatric emergency nursing, where the fast-paced and often unpredictable nature of care demanded clinical expertise, quick thinking, and compassion. In the perioperative arena, I have worked diligently as both a circulator and scrub nurse, putting into practice my skills to ensure patient safety and surgical efficiency. My background also includes preoperative nursing, where I prioritized patient safety and comfort for surgical procedures. Beyond direct patient care, I have taken on education and quality management roles, focusing on performance improvement initiatives that have refined healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. I hold a master's degree in nursing leadership, equipping me with the skills necessary to lead teams and promote excellence in practice. I am proud to be recognized as a Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR), Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse (CNAMB), and a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). These certifications reflect my commitment to maintaining the highest standards in nursing practice. Currently, I am pursuing my Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification to further enhance my ability to effect positive change within healthcare systems. Additionally, my volunteering for the local Big Brothers/Big Sisters program allows me to give back to the community and positively influence the lives of young individuals. I have developed strong nursing, communication, and leadership skills throughout my career, which I believe are essential for effective collaboration and progress within the eChapter.

I am recognized for my integrity, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence. If elected to the board, I am dedicated to bringing these values to the role and fostering a collaborative environment where our collective goals can be achieved.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to serve the eChapter and look forward to working alongside all of you to enhance our shared vision for the future of perioperative nursing.

CV/RESUME/BIO

Patti Owens, MHA, BSN, RN, CMLSO, CNOR

As the previous President of the eChapter, I had the incredible opportunity to engage with our members and build our global community. We are still building our community, as eChapter represents members internationally who share similar values, connections, and interests. As acting Past President this year, I have networked with the nomination and member engagement committee, serving as their Board Liaison.  I am also honored to lead our delegates at this 2025 Expo in Boston, Massachusetts.

I am submitting my election statement to serve on the eChapter Board for the next two years. Our momentum is increasing, and I look forward to helping develop future strategies for promoting our members’ mental, physical, and professional development.

CV/RESUME/BIO

CASSIE SCOTT

As a candidate for the AORN eChapter election, I bring a wealth of international experience and a strong commitment to both the global and local advancement of perioperative nursing. My diverse background in various healthcare systems allows me to approach challenges from a unique perspective, and I am passionate about collaborating with eChapter members to enhance the quality of perioperative care we provide to our patients.  As an international eChapter member, I value the electronic platform that eChapter provides, bridging geographical barriers to engage and empower perioperative nurses worldwide.  I believe that there are many international members out there that are unaware of the fantastic and welcoming community eChapter has grown.

I believe in the power of professional development, engagement, and innovation. As the recently appointed Chair of the AORN eChapter Member Engagement Committee, I’ve had the opportunity to cultivate meaningful connections within our community, and I plan to continue these efforts by focusing on strengthening member resources, increasing engagement, and supporting ongoing eChapter initiatives.

My ultimate goal is to be a part of a continued movement toward improving perioperative nursing practices globally. I am excited about the opportunity to work with my colleagues within the AORN eChapter and I ask for your support and vote as we continue to work together to elevate our profession and provide the highest standards of care for our patients globally.

CV/RESUME/BIO

MARC PARENT

This is my second time running for Chapter office. I was on the board of Directors in 2018 but due to starting a new job and several job disruptions I was unable to devote the time needed. Now that everything is settled, I have the appropriate amount of time to devote to the duties of a Director. If elected, I will work with the other directors to help grow the chapter and offer more educational opportunities. eChapter is a great chapter and more active than some. We need to maintain that momentum and keep growing.

CV/RESUME/BIO

GILDA GILBERT

I grew up as a preacher's kid with a mother who was a dedicated teacher, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for both faith and education. During my youth, our family traveled across the United States during summers, exposing me to the rich diversity of cultures and perspectives that would shape my worldview. Initially, I hesitated when the healthcare field called to me in the early 1980s, but I eventually embraced it, enrolling in an LPN program in Virginia. After gaining experience in Med-Surg settings, I discovered my passion for the operating room as a scrub nurse, ultimately earning my CST credentials as an Ohio resident. In the early 1990s, I returned to Virginia, balancing work, motherhood to three sons, and continuing my academic journey. In 2024, I earned my terminal degree in nursing education. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of honing skills in data collection, management, academic and clinical education, and collaborative teamwork. As a member of the eChapter Board of Directors, I am driven by a personal commitment to foster membership growth and improve the overall quality of member experiences, supporting others in their own professional journeys.

CV/RESUME/BIO

KATIE VAUGHAN

It is with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of commitment that I announce my candidacy to be a member of the Nominating Committee. I am inspired to contribute my skills, experience and passion for perioperative nursing to further our shared mission. As an RN with over 9 years’ experience in the operating room, I have witnessed firsthand the critical role our profession plays in ensuring safe and effective patient care. Throughout my career, I have sought opportunities to grow professionally while advocating for excellent in perioperative practice. My journey has been shaped by collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to mentorship and education. I am deeply committed to the vision that AORN has of being an indispensable resource for evidence-based practice and education. Through my candidacy I hope to uphold and advance AORN’s commitment to excellent standards in perioperative nursing care.

I am deeply passionate about advocacy, smoke evacuation, and adhering to evidence-based practices. Through this eChapter, I have found a community that has not only supported my growth as a perioperative RN but also provided me with invaluable opportunities to expand my knowledge and advance my career.

Being a part of this community has given me a sense of professional belonging that I have struggled to find in my own home state. The chance to help identify and nurture future leaders while continuing to learn and grow myself inspires and motivates me. Serving as a committee member would be an excellent opportunity to contribute meaningfully while gaining experience. I am committed to dedicating the time and effort needed to grow within this chapter and to fulfill the responsibilities as a committee member, if given the opportunity.

CV/RESUME/BIO

REGINA HAYFORD

Perioperative nursing has been my passion since nursing school and serving in the chapter will give me a solid platform to significantly impact the future of perioperative nursing globally and contribute to the mission of AORN to promote excellence in patient care delivery through education, professional growth, development and support, and networking. 

CV/RESUME/BIO

ALEJANDRA CONTRERAS, , MSN, MBA, HCM, RN, CNOR, NE-BC, FACHE

As a healthcare leader I have been given many opportunities to advance in my profession and currently I’m looking to support our perioperative community of professional nurses as a Board Member of AORN E-Chapter.  During my early career I became a member of AORN as soon as I could and serve as president and board member during that time.  I have been a nurse for almost 30 years.  I have been a director of nursing in perioperative services as well as medical surgical units.   I am committed to the development and sustainability of Perioperative clinical practice through strategic planning, implementation of service lines and transformational leadership principles.  

Through vast experience and the knowledge gained from past employment opportunities, I do believe I have much to offer to the chapter and will be an asset to the organization.

I’m no stranger to change management, team development, leading by example, conflict management, emotional intelligence and building strong leadership.  These are some of my strengths. and with strong support from the chapter, I’m hoping to further develop my presentation skills, evidence base research and to eventually be authored. 

I’m eager to start and move forward to have a strong positive impact in our dynamic chapter to serve, give back, and learn.