NLNAC STAFF

Sharon J. Tanner, EdD, RN
Chief Executive Officer

Biographical Sketch

Sharon J. Tanner. EdD, RN has been NLNAC’s Executive Director since 2006. As Executive Director, Dr. Tanner serves as NLNAC’s chief executive officer overseeing all aspects of the Commission. In partnership with the Board of Commissioners, Dr. Tanner oversees the work of the volunteers and staff; is accountable for the financial stability of the organization; represents NLNAC in the professional accreditation, education, and nursing communities; and strategically leads the organization to ensure that it meets the needs of its constituents. Prior to being appointed Executive Director by the Board of Commissioners, Dr. Tanner was a program evaluator (1997-2006) and an elected member of the Board of Commissioners (2005-2006).

Dr. Tanner has served as faculty, associate dean, and academic dean in diploma, associate, and baccalaureate nursing programs. She has been involved in nursing education and nursing service administration for over twenty years. She has been active in regional, state, and national organizations including serving on boards for a number of associations. In particular, she is a charter member for the Tennessee Center of Nursing, and she served as president of the National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (N-OADN).

Dr. Tanner holds a doctorate from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in Administration and Policy Studies in Higher Education with a concentration in assessment and evaluation. Her primary research focus has been related to accountability policies and practices in higher education. She also holds a master’s in nursing with concentrations in primary and secondary care in Maternal-Child Nursing and Women’s Health. In addition, she has practiced in a number of nursing service and administration roles including advanced practice as a clinical nurse specialist.