1998 News

CGFNS Announces New Executive Director

PHILADELPHIA, PA — JANUARY 3, 1998 — At its first meeting of 1998 the Board of Trustees of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) appointed Barbara L. Nichols, MS, RN, FAAN as its new Executive Director. Ms. Nichols' appointment brought to a successful conclusion a national search for a distinguished chief executive officer for the organization.

"We are absolutely delighted that Barbara Nichols, our imNewste Past-President, has agreed to assume the Executive Director position at CGFNS," said Dr. Sylvia E. Hart, President. "Barbara is a pre-eminently qualified, nationally and internationally recognized authority on nursing and health care," Dr. Hart continued. "She brings a broad array of administrative, regulatory, organizational and professional expertise to the position. She is highly capable of advancing the mission and goals of the Commission with creative energy tempered by current and emerging realities."

Ms. Nichols, a native of Portland, Maine, holds her baccalaureate in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University, a Masters from the University of Wisconsin and four honorary Doctorates. She has held leadership positions in complex organizations, has published extensively, and has delivered over 1,000 papers throughout the United States and the world. Ms. Nichols is an international traveler and frequent consultant to developing countries. She has always been active in professional organizations, is a past President of the American Nurses Association, has served on the Board of Directors of the International Council of Nurses and was a member of the CGFNS Board of Trustees until this appointment was made.

Ms. Nichols appointment as Executive Director became effective on January 7, 1998. "I am excited about the possibilities associated with my new position," said Ms. Nichols, "and accept my responsibilities with great anticipation."