MEET THE CANDIDATES

I am Larry Z. Slater, PhD, MAc, RN-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, dean and professor at the Quinnipiac University School of Nursing in Hamden, Connecticut, USA (Tau Rho; Region 15). I am honored to be running for the position of Secretary. Since my induction in 2008 (Nu at UAB; Region 8), Sigma has remained my professional organization of choice as it has steadfastly lived up to its vision of connected, empowered nurses transforming global healthcare. It has allowed me to participate fully in its operations, governance, and growth on many levels and afforded me outstanding leadership development opportunities that have positively impacted my career in nursing education. 

I have been engaged with Sigma at the chapter (e.g., president, publicity), regional (e.g., treasurer, awards), and international (e.g., Governance Committee chair) levels. In Region 8, I worked with a team of new members to develop a membership ambassador program, designed to engage newly inducted members in leadership and development opportunities and help ensure their lifelong participation in Sigma. I served Sigma on its virtual chapter workgroup, which led to the launch of Sigma’s premier virtual chapter, Phi Gamma, for which I was a founding member. I participated in Sigma’s clinical partnerships taskforce, out of which came the recommendation to allow clinical partners to join with academic chapters, providing members with a seamless Sigma transition from education to practice while also expanding induction opportunities for nurse leaders in clinical practice. I served for four years as the chair of Sigma’s Governance Committee when the organization chartered its first academic-clinical practice chapter partnership while also significantly expanding the number of international chapters within the organization. These are just a few experiences that highlight my extensive participation in and commitment to Sigma. My knowledge of member needs and how they are served by the chapter, region, and international organizational structures will be critical as Secretary, ensuring micro and macro level viewpoints in Board discussions that impact immediate programming and long-range strategic planning.  

I would bring to the Board my collaborative and progressive leadership skills. I value shared governance and teamwork, ensuring all members have not just a voice but the opportunity and resources to achieve personal and professional goals while helping Sigma meet its strategic objectives. I prize innovation, embracing change and design thinking, and would work with board leadership and organizational staff to outline bold new initiatives to realize Sigma’s vision and maintain its prominence within the global nursing community. I also bring a wealth of national and international organizational leadership experience that affords me a deep understanding of my governance and fiduciary responsibilities to Sigma and its membership.  

If elected, some initiatives I would bring forward include: 

1. Building robust resources for chapter success, including specific tools and mentorship resources designed for struggling chapters. 

2. Strengthening regional structures to support chapter growth and collaborations within their regions. 

3. Expanding Sigma’s mentoring and leadership academies and programs, providing opportunities across the member’s career path (early, mid-career, expert) and setting (academic, clinical practice, public health).