AANP Inaugurates New President at the National Conference in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) – the largest professional membership organization representing nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties in the U.S. – inaugurates a new president at its national conference in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania native Dr. Joyce Knestrick, CRNP, FAANP, officially assumes responsibility as president for the organization on Sunday, June 25, 2017.  AANP represents the interests of the more than 234,000 NPs licensed in the United States today.

Dr. Knestrick brings 20 years of experience as a family NP serving predominantly low-income and underserved populations in urban areas as well as rural Appalachia. She has held clinical roles as a family nurse practitioner, a nurse manager and a registered nurse in critical care, medical surgical, pediatric, and long-term care settings. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Knestrick has extensive teaching experience at the bachelor, master and doctorate levels, and has been a pioneer in organizational leadership and distance education for NPs.

"AANP has always empowered NPs to serve patients everywhere through not only practice but also education, research, advocacy and leadership," said Dr. Knestrick. "I am honored to build on the outstanding leadership of Dr. Cindy Cooke, who served as president for the last two years, and take the helm as president at a time when there are more opportunities for NPs than ever before. I look forward to working with our members nationwide to champion patient access to high-quality, affordable, NP-provided health care."

Dr. Knestrick succeeds Dr. Cindy Cooke, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, who has served at AANP president for two years and is now AANP Immediate Past President.

Dr. Knestrick earned a PhD at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, a Master's Degree in Nursing with a focus on primary care from West Virginia University, A BSN from Wheeling College, an ADN from Community College of Allegheny County and a BS in Chemistry from Point Park College. Dr. Knestrick has been active in her local school district as an elected official for 12 years where she has served as president of the board for nine years.

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties, represents the interests of the more than 234,000 licensed NPs in the U.S.  As The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®, AANP provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NP patients and other health care consumers. To locate a nurse practitioner, go to npfinder.com.  For more information about NPs, visit aanp.org.

SOURCE American Association of Nurse Practitioners

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