Meet the Candidates

The slate of candidates for the 2025 ENA Election is now available! Get to know each candidate and then cast your vote in September.

The ENA Leadership Development and Elections Committee presents the 2025 ENA Election candidates. To learn more about each candidate, read their biography and watch their videos.

Candidates were vetted and scored based on a scoring rubric comprised of application materials, competencies and a formal interview process. The candidates below are listed based on their rank.

Members will have the opportunity to hear from candidates during the Candidates Forum at Emergency Nursing 2025. The event will take place from 2-2:30 p.m. Central time on Sept. 16 in room 343 of the convention center.

The event will be livestreamed on Facebook for all to view.

Voting will open on Sept. 16 and close on Sept. 19 at noon Central time. Plan to exercise your right to vote!

Candidates

Professional headshot of a smiling man with short hair and a trimmed beard, wearing a navy suit, checkered shirt, and striped tie, against a neutral gray background.
Chris Parker, MSN, RN, CNL, CEN, CFRN, CPEN, TCRN, NPD-BC, NRP
President-Elect Candidate
Professional headshot of a woman with long straight dark brown hair, wearing a black blazer and patterned blouse, smiling slightly against a gray background.
Vanessa Gorman, MSN, RN, CCRN, FAEN, FCENA
Secretary/Treasurer Candidate
Professional headshot of a woman with curly auburn hair, wearing a green blazer and a colorful patterned scarf, smiling against a white background.
Cheryl Riwitis, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CEN, CFRN, TCRN, FAEN
Board Director Candidate
Professional headshot of a woman with long wavy brown hair, wearing a cream blazer over a dark top, smiling in front of a gray background.
Rachael Smith, MSN, RN, CEN, CCRN, CPEN, CNE, NPD-BC, TCRN
Board Director Candidate
Professional headshot of a man with short black hair, wearing a blue dress shirt and patterned tie, smiling in front of a light gray background.
Khay Douangdara, DNP, MSN, MSN-FNP, RN, APRN, CEN, CPEN, AGACNP-BC, FNP-C
Board Director Candidate
"Professional headshot of a man with short light brown hair, wearing a black suit, white shirt, and patterned tie, with multiple pins on his lapel, smiling in front of a gray background.
Ben Coe, PhD, DNP, MA, BS, RN, APRN, EMT-P, CEN, CPEN, FNP-BC, NHDP-BC, NREMT-P, PCCN, TCRN
Board Director Candidate
Professional headshot of a woman with long blonde wavy hair, wearing a white top, smiling in front of a light gray and blue background.
Leslie Kees, MSN, RN, CEN
Board Director Candidate
"Professional headshot of a man with a beard and short hair, wearing a navy blue suit, white shirt, and plaid tie, smiling in a brightly lit hallway.
Jason Carter, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, NE-BC, NRP, TCRN
Leadership Development and Elections Committee - Region 2 Candidate