Nurse Practitioner Association of New York State selects executive director

The Nurse Practitioner Association New York State has announced the appointment of Dr. Stephen Ferrara, DNP, FNP-BC, to serve as the NPA executive director. Ferrara is a practicing senior clinical associate in a large urban hospital system in the Bronx, and a leader in creating legislation to advance the practice of nurse practitioners in New York state.

The path to this position started when Ferrara earned bachelor's degrees in both biology and nursing. He then completed a master's degree from Pace University and became a family nurse practitioner and graduated in the first cohort from Pace University's Doctor of Nursing Practice. A post-graduate fellowship in Health Information Technology for Clinician Leaders from George Washington University followed.

With prior positions in college, correctional and men's health, Ferrara brings more than a decade of clinical experience to his new post. He has lectured at numerous conferences and shared his vision for health care technology and integrating evidence-based practices into daily care with hundreds of patients and providers.

Ferrara's passion for advancing the practice of nurse practitioners in New York state has spearheaded recent discussions about the future of health care. NPA New York State said he is the key player responsible for the governor's advocacy to support enabling nurse practitioners to work autonomously without a written collaborative agreement with a licensed physician. This movement is known legislatively as the "Nurse Practitioners Modernization Act." Ferrara is being called upon by health department officials to shape that law, ensuring that areas throughout New York state will be fully served.

Ferrara has been the interim executive director of the NPA New York State since October, and has served as the NPA's membership chair (2008-09) and the board of director's president-elect (2012). Under his leadership as interim executive director, the NPA New York State has seen a 7 percent growth in membership and increased communications throughout the association. Currently, the membership is at an all-time high of 3,380.

Although many qualified candidates applied nationwide for the executive director position and an intense interview process was carried out, the NPA board of directors voted unanimously to hire Ferrara.

Jeanne Martin, ANP, president of the NPA, stated, "After meeting with Stephen and reviewing his credentials, we believe that his unique experience, education and skills will allow our association to continue growing while meeting its mission and values."

Ferrara will maintain his clinical practice in the Bronx and residence in White Plains with his wife, Melissa Ferrara, FNP, and his children, while traveling regularly to the Clifton Park NPA offices. In his new position, he will continue to work for full practice authority of nurse practitioners in New York state.

More information about the NPA New York State can be found atwww.thenpa.org.