Name and Credentials: Cynthia A. Diefenbeck, PsyD, APRN, BC

Professional Background
I am seeking re-election to the Governance Committee. I have served as chair of this committee for the past biennium (2009-2011). We have addressed numerous important issues throughout the biennium, and I am eager to continue being a member of the committee if elected. In terms of other international experience, I served on the International Leadership Succession Committee during the 2005-2007 Biennium. I also participated on the Foundation Chapter Philanthropy Committee in 2006-2007. On a local level, I have served as chapter president and past president, as well as chapter delegate, counselor, secretary, outreach coordinator and membership involvement and philanthropy chairs. 

I am an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Delaware. In addition, as a psychiatric advanced practice nurse and clinical psychologist, I maintain a small private practice caseload. Given my professional background, I have worked hard to hone skills such as active listening, astute assessment and careful conceptualization – all of which allow me to see problems and concerns in complex, multi-faceted ways. I feel that I am particularly capable of acknowledging multiple viewpoints and helping to achieve consensus, even on particularly challenging topics. This is particularly important for the position of Governance Committee member, which is charged with maintaining the integrity of the organization, while also encouraging flexibility and innovation to change with changing times. 

I desire to help maintain all that is wonderful about the organization – its values, its rich history and heritage, while also being open to embracing new ideas and opportunities to grow the organization – meeting the needs of a diverse group of members whose careers span novice to expert to retiree, and meeting the needs of a diverse group of members from across the world. If elected, I will provide a thoughtful, forward-thinking, and unique perspective to the committee with the goal of strengthening STTI’s position as the world’s only honor society of nursing. I will provide input and guidance into making the organization a continually relevant one for all of its members – and a continually impactful organization charged with improving the health of the world’s people.

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