|
Brooklyn, NY – April 11, 2024. The National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kenya D. Williams, EdD, MBA, MSN, RN, RP, CAE, FNYAM as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Dev Persaud, MA, as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective April 1, 2024.
The Board of Directors recognized Dr. Williams' educational pedigree, which includes two graduate degrees focusing on business and human resources, as a key factor in their decision to elevate her to the title of CEO. Her academic background, combined with her extensive experience and expertise in the field of business and human resources, uniquely qualifies her for this leadership role within NSNA.
“In order to better align NSNA with the best practice that of other professional organizations, a unanimous vote by the 2023-2024 Board of Directors concluded that the Executive Director would become Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Throughout her time as Executive Director, Dr. Kenya Williams has reflected the professionalism and the responsibilities that of a CEO and we wanted to ensure that her title reflected that," said Lauren Lodico, 2023-2024 NSNA President.
Dr. Kenya Williams was appointed as Executive Director on August 1, 2023, after previously serving as the NSNA Deputy Executive Director. In her new role, Dr. Williams will also serve as the CEO of the Foundation of the NSNA, making her the first person to hold the CEO title for both organizations in their history.
Having accumulated over 19 years of experience and active participation within NSNA, Williams commenced her leadership path as the Missouri Student Nurses' Association St. Louis Area District Officer. She subsequently advanced to a position on the NSNA Nominating and Elections Committee and furthered her engagement on the NSNA Board of Directors as the Breakthrough to Nursing® Director. By achieving the historic milestones of being the first African American woman to serve as NSNA President and the first African American FNSNA President, Williams is now breaking new ground as the inaugural African American Chief Executive for both organizations.
A native of Missouri, Williams earned an Associate of Science in Nursing from St. Louis Community College, St. Louis, MO, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, MO. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing focusing on Health Systems Management from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. She completed a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership at Creighton University, Omaha, NE. Williams earned a Masters in Business Administration at Webster University, St. Louis, MO.
“I am thrilled to embrace the challenge of becoming Chief Executive Officer at NSNA and FNSNA,” Dr. Williams expressed. “With my background in business and HR, I am confident in my ability to bring valuable assets to our organization and drive growth. I am committed to leveraging my skills to help us flourish, thrive, and make a meaningful impact in the nursing profession. Together, we will continue to grow and succeed.”
Mr. Dev Persaud, previously NSNA Director of Finance and Administration, will now serve as CFO to NSNA and the Foundation of the NSNA. In his role, Mr. Persaud has dedicated over 20 years ensuring the financial health, stability, and growth of the organization. He has played a pivotal role in enabling NSNA to navigate and overcome financial hurdles. Because of this dedication, Mr. Persaud was also presented 2024 Honorary Membership at the Opening Ceremony of the NSNA 72nd Annual Convention in Lake Buena Vista, FL. Honorary Membership is the highest recognition given by the NSNA.
“Dev Persaud is a proven executive with extensive knowledge and expertise in accounting, finance, and administrative operations,” Bernesha Pope, 2023-2024 NSNA Secretary/Treasurer said. “Dev possess over 20 years of experience with NSNA and has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s financial future and success. The 2023-2024 Board of Directors and myself are confident in his ability to continue driving NSNA towards financial prosperity and sustainable growth. I have enjoyed working closely with Dev and the Board this past year to achieve our shared goals for the betterment of NSNA and its members. With Dev at the helm, I am confident that NSNA will continue to thrive and reach new heights in the coming years.”
“I am humbled and appreciative of the recognition and promotion,” Mr. Persaud expressed. “The new role will give me more flexibility in strategic financial management and to chart, alongside the CEO, a new course for a financially successful NSNA so that we can fulfill the organization’s mission and long-term goals.
Mr. Persaud earned a Master of Arts in Economics, with a focus on managerial economics from Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Lehman College, Queens, NY.
| 
