Announcing the 2024 MOLN Election Candidates
PRESIDENT ELECT
Melissa Fritz
Purpose Statement:
To enhance the profession of nursing and nursing leadership through the elevation of MOLN.
Brief Biography:
Melissa Fritz is currently the vice president of patient care and chief nursing officer for Methodist Hospital, part of Health Partners. Melissa provides administrative oversight and direction to inpatient nursing and all patient care services. She works closely with nursing leadership to create and articulate a vision and strategic direction for the discipline of nursing across the system and support nursing in achieving organizational goals. Melissa received her Doctor of Nursing practice degree from Baylor University, her master’s degree from the University of Minnesota, and her bachelor’s degree from Marquette University. She has her certification in executive nursing practice
(CENP) through the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL). Melissa is currently a Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing (MOLN) member and is the secretary for MOLN. Melissa and her husband, Pat, have three children: 12-year-old twins- Brooke and Bryce and 10-year-old Maddy. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, running, and gardening.
If elected, what will you bring to the Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing:
If elected to the president elect position, I will continue to serve the board and the MOLN members in advancing the professional voice of nursing leaders in Minnesota. I will strive to foster an inclusive environment where every MOLN member feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their talents and perspectives. I will advocate for our profession and the patients we serve, focus on resources to enhance the professional development of our members at all career stages, elevate the focus on wellness and resilience, and continue to promote MOLN.
TREASURER
Elizabeth Keating
Purpose Statement:
With 17 years of managing budgets and experience with a variety of fiscal responsibilities and fund oversight, I can offer organization, detail-orientation and an analytical lens on our account management. I have strong integrity, and an committed to transparency and solutions. In the MOLN Treasurer position, I will be able to volunteer my time in a capacity that gives back to the nursing leaders across our state of MN while acquiring new skills and nurturing my affinity for lifelong learning.
Brief Biography:
Dr. Keating is the Director of System Nursing Practice and Education at HealthPartners. She began her nursing career in medical telemetry at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, followed by 8 years in nursing operational leadership at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital. She has since expanded her work to enhance nursing professional development, practice alignment, and systems leadership. Her advances have been applied to program planning and system alignment for pathway planning and workforce development, as well as nursing strategic planning and engagement.
If elected, what will you bring to the Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing:
I will ensure MOLN operates in a fiscally responsible manner. I will maintain proper accounting structures and processes, develop and maintaining budgets in partnership with the Board, ensure accurate record-keeping, review and partner on investments and/or long-term savings accounts, ensure compliance, safeguard assets, and prepare/deliver financial reports. I strive to communicate clearly and regularly, keeping the Board and key stakeholders informed.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR
Diane Bankers
Purpose Statement:
My purpose is to make a difference, whether in my professional life or personal life. The membership committee is committed to growing our organization's membership numbers. We want to support new members and collaborate with other committees to share and highlight all the benefits MOLN has to offer.
Brief Biography:
Diane Bankers, RN, MSN, is the Chief Nursing Officer at Welia Health. She is responsible for personnel and operations of nursing services in the hospital and clinics as well as social services, pharmacy, and emergency services.Diane graduated with her Master of Science in Nursing, leadership focus, from Regis University with honors in 2011. Her previous education includes an Associate Degree in Nursing from Anoka Ramsey Community College. Diane is a member of American Organization of Nurse Leaders and is a current membership committee and board member of the Minnesota Organization of Nurse Leaders. Diane has over 34 years of experience as a registered nurse, serving in multiple roles, at Welia Health since starting here in 1990 as a new graduate nurse. Positions she has served in include staff/charge nurse, nurse manager, director of nursing, senior vice president and her current role as Chief Nursing Officer.
If elected, what will you bring to the Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing:
I am committed to work with our membership committee members to continue to build our membership, support and promote the benefits MOLN has to offer.
RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR
Pauline Abraham
Purpose Statement:
It is important for nurses to feel empowered to impact current and future healthcare
decisions. I strive to help nurses identify and utilize their strengths to confidently lead
initiatives that make a difference within their professional environment. We must challenge ourselves and others to improve our influence as nurses and engage our healthcare partners to work collaboratively in ways that lead to positive outcomes.
Brief Biography:
Pauline Abraham began her nursing career at Mayo Clinic in 1984. She has held several
positions over her 40-year career including staff nurse; nursing placement coordinator; Division of Nursing Professional Development as a nursing education specialist; and director of Academic Affairs.
Dr. Abraham’s primary area of educational focus was leadership development. She developed and facilitated many programs within the Department of Nursing including the Nursing Leadership Perspectives Program, a leadership development program for staff nurses, and the Advanced Nursing Leadership Program for nurse executive development. She has authored several articles on the topic of leadership development and presented nationally and internationally.
Dr. Abraham has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nursing at Augsburg
University, a position she held for 10 years. Since 2015 she served in an adjunct instructor capacity until 2024. She holds a BSN from Winona State University, Winona, MN, a Master of Art’s Degree in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree from Augsburg University, Minneapolis, MN.
If elected, what will you bring to the Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing:
I will promote awareness and understanding of professional nursing issues that impact
Minnesota nurses. I will be visible, approachable and work to promote professional nursing locally and beyond.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR-ELECT
Emily Nowak
Purpose Statement:
Professional development for Nursing professionals has never been more important. MOLN has an opportunity to lead and influence current and future generations of our workforce. Working collaboratively with other nursing leaders to expand professional development opportunities that have the potential to impact our communities is both rewarding and needed. As an organization recognized for its voice for nursing leadership in Minnesota, I believe that we have an opportunity to create change. Through strategic collaborations with healthcare partners and educational institutions, MOLN can make a difference.
Brief Biography:
Dr. Nowak is an experienced Nursing Professional and leader with a demonstrated history of leadership in higher education and the healthcare industry. She has served for the last two years as the Assistant Dean for Online Nursing and as a tenured Professor at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Dr. Nowak spent the previous decade leading the MSN: Nurse Educator program option as a director, where she helped to grow the program into a sustainable and thriving educational experience. Clinically, Dr. Nowak spent 20 years at the bedside working as a Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU), Nursery, and Postpartum Nurse, leaving only to focus solely on educating the next generation of
nursing professionals. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she has four children, ages 15, 11, 8, and 5, who make the days busy and rewarding!
If elected, what will you bring to the Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing:
If elected I bring strong background and experience in Leadership, Nursing Education Curriculum Design and Evaluation, Program Development, Inpatient Neonatal/NICU. Nursing Care, Patient Education, Clinical Research, and Continuing Education and Professional Development.
Bridget Slusarek
Purpose Statement:
Ensure that the ongoing MOLN education offerings are related to the nursing leadership skill development and knowledge enhancement of the board's current and future members while improving its effectiveness and efficiency by actively participating in strategic planning, resource allocation, and implementation of tailored events. Aim to equip members with innovative nursing leadership insights and perspectives to help them navigate and improve their current nursing practice environments. Capitalize on Innovative opportunities while driving tangible and sustainable change to improve patient and nursing outcomes in their organizations.
Brief Biography:
With a wealth of experience in the nursing field spanning over two decades, I have spent the last nine years as a system-wide and service line director in both ambulatory and acute care settings for obesity, GI, and nephrology services. As the course director of Bariatric Education Days, I had been at the helm for 15 years, overseeing curriculum development, faculty recruitment, program management, promotion and marketing,
accreditation and compliance, evaluation, and feedback. This extensive experience underscores my commitment and stability in the healthcare industry.
If elected, what will you bring to the Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing:
If elected, I bring a blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and my commitment to fostering quality in governance. With a background in nursing leadership, I offer a
unique perspective that will contribute to versatile decision making in many areas of the healthcare ecosystem. My strengths lie in problem-solving, communication, and active
listening. I am dedicated to conducting all board activities ethically to ensure accountability and to be congruent with the board's current mission, values, and vision. I am passionate about improving the development of nurses at all stages of their leadership phases. I believe in collaborating with members and fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. Overall, I am deeply invested in the success of MOLN. If elected to the board, I am fully committed to working collaboratively with the PDC fellow chair, board members, MOLN members, and external stakeholders to achieve the collective goals.
DISTRICT B REPRESENTATIVE
Adrienne Radovich
Purpose Statement:
I am excited for the opportunity to serve on a board to work collaboratively with other professionals in the field of nursing. As a nursing leader, I have the responsibility to inspire, engage, support and grow the teams I am privileged to work with. By serving on a
board, I will be able to learn from others to grow professionally in the field of nursing organizations.
Brief Biography:
I have worked at Essentia Health for the past 17 years. I worked as a CNA, LPN and RN on a Medical-Surgical Floor. After Med/Surg, I transferred to the Burn Intensive Care unit where I spent 7 years as a staff nurse and 2 years as Assistant Head Nurse. I became the manager of the Burn Intensive Care unit for 3 years before transferring to my current role as Regional Nursing Director in Superior, WI. I received my RN from Lake Superior College in 2010, BSN from The College of St. Scholastica in 2018 and received my MBA in Rural Healthcare from the College of St. Scholastica in 2021.
If elected, what will you bring to the Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing:
I have enjoyed being a part of MOLN and appreciate the organizations focus on leadership, innovation, and self improvement. I would bring perspective of someone who has worked as a staff nurse for years in various nursing areas and also my career path to leadership. I bring a strong work ethic, positive attitude and passion for the field of nursing. I see challenges in healthcare as motivation to continue to work hard to support our nursing teams and improve patient experience.
DISTRICT D REPRESENTATIVE
Kathryn Hoehn
Purpose Statement:
To represent and advocate for the nursing profession as well as the communities we serve.
Brief Biography:
I have been at Regions hospital for 11 eleven years I started as a floor RN on the Neurology floor and then worked as a Charge RN and I am currently in a Nurse Manager role for the last 5 years. I started as a Nurse Manager on the Orthopedic floor and I currently manage 2 Medical/Surgical Cardiac Telemetry floors. I obtained my Masters at Augsburg University with an emphasis on serving our local communities and diversity, inclusion and health equity. I have a passion for advocacy and lead the Complex care review team at Regions and have been a member of the MOLN advocacy committee for 3 years. I am a Professor at Rasmussen University and teach clinicals to nursing students. I have a passion to develop our new nurses to broaden their lens and for their nursing practice to encompass a holistic lens.
If elected, what will you bring to the Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing:
I have a can-do positive attitude and love to overcome barriers. I bring advocacy and creativity to the table to best serve our community and support the nursing workforce.
Traci Moreland
Purpose Statement:
I believe all nurses are leaders in whatever position they are in. Fostering the development of leadership skills benefits both the leader and their team members to become the best version of themselves.
Brief Biography:
Traci gained a wide variety of nursing experience over the past 30 years with 19 years in a critical-care access hospital, in which ten years was spent as Coordinator of a Level 3 Trauma Emergency Department; and for the past decade, worked in clinical informatics, provided RN support & operations management in ambulatory practices, and working currently as a NPDP. She had experience as an ambulatory NPDP and now supports new graduate nurses as a Transition Coach/Mentor and a site coordinator in a formal Nurse Residency program, while working on her master's degree in nursing education.
If elected, what will you bring to the Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing:
As a current Nursing Professional Development Practitioner, it is my hope to cultivate the next generation of nurse leaders through innovative teaching and mentorship; which, in the end, leads to positive patient outcomes.
Tom Pint
Purpose Statement:
I feel truly fortunate to have spent the last 29 years as a nurse and I take pride in being part of such an amazing and noble profession that makes a profound difference in the lives of others. MOLN is a great organization that recognizes and represents the voice of nursing leadership in Minnesota. I am thankful to not only be a MOLN member, but to also serve our membership and our profession as the District D Representative on the board of directors and I would like to continue serving in that capacity.
Brief Biography:
I am currently serving as the Chief Nursing Officer at Astera Health in Wadena, Minnesota. Prior to joining Astera Health in 2018, I served in a variety of progressive leadership roles with Hennepin County Medical Center and Allina Health. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and Health Science from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a Master of Nursing Leadership and Management degree from Metropolitan State University. In addition to my involvement as District D Representative with MOLN, I am also a member of the American Organization of Nursing Leadership and Rotary International. I am married and I have three adult children and two amazing grandchildren. For fun and relaxation, I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, boating, hunting, and relaxing by a bonfire.
If elected, what will you bring to the Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing:
I have a passion for nursing and developing people. I believe that nursing has a lifechanging impact on those we serve and those we interact with in our communities. Nursing leaders play a unique role, a guiding force, in ensuring that patients receive
compassionate, safe, and high-quality care. Nursing leaders are well positioned to drive healthcare improvements, healthcare policy, identify new and innovative models of care, and resolve barriers to care access and care delivery. If elected to continue as the District D Representative, I will work to elevate the voice of nursing leadership, make collaborative connections between nursing leaders, represent the voice of District D nursing leaders at the MOLN board level, and advance the mission and work of MOLN in our district and across Minnesota.
DISTRICT F REPRESENTATIVE
Brittney R. Dahlen
Purpose Statement:
It is my personal mission, as a nursing leader, to energize others to dream about the future and how their efforts, talents, and strengths play a part in contributing to that dream. As a leader, it is my mission to develop relationships with others to better understand their talents to maximize their strengths to allow them to transform the future. It is my duty to serve as their cheerleader and confidant. To utilize my positivity, optimism, and stamina to be a leader and role model for others to strive for
their goals and to achieve their dreams.
Brief Biography:
Brittney R. Dahlen, D.N.P., R.N., C.M.S.R.N. currently serves as the Co-Nurse Manager (NM) for Occupational Health Services (OHS) at Mayo Clinic Rochester. Ms. Dahlen received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (2014) and her Doctor of Nursing Practice-Health Innovation and Leadership (2021) from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Prior to her current role, Ms. Dahlen has had a robust career at Mayo Clinic since 2014, serving as an Ambulatory Nurse Manager at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi, UAE, an Ambulatory Nurse Manager in Connected Care Remote Monitoring and an Interim Nurse Manager and Registered Nurse in Hepatobiliary, Breast, Endocrine, Metabolic, and Gastrointestinal Surgery and Plastic Surgery. Ms. Dahlen has obtained the Silver Level Certification as a Mayo Clinic Quality Fellow and is an Instructor of Nursing in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.
If elected, what will you bring to the Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing:
If elected to be the District F representative, I would rely back on y personal mission and purpose as a nurse leader to help energize fellow nurse leaders to utilize their talents and unique positions as healthcare experts to promote advocacy, leadership and professional development, collaboration, and diversity and inclusion. District F holds a lot of potential to help lead and influence change in nursing and health care for Minnesota, and it would be an honor to help lead and empower the District F team as their MOLN board representative.