
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Outgoing Executive Advisory Board Members
By Lori Gunther, MS, CPXP
CEO, Synova Associates
At Synova Associates, we are honored to have a remarkable group of executive nurse leaders who volunteer their time and expertise on our executive advisory board. As we navigate the complex and ever-evolving landscape of neonatal and perinatal nursing, your contributions are invaluable. Your engagement in guiding our strategic vision is not just appreciated—it’s absolutely crucial to our success and the advancement of our field.
Your deep knowledge and experience in key areas such as equity, quality, safety, and mentorship are integral to our mission. In a world where these elements are critical to shaping effective healthcare environments, your leadership helps us ensure that our strategies align with the highest standards of excellence. By providing your perspectives on these topics, you help us address the needs of a diverse and dynamic healthcare community, fostering an environment where both current and future generations of nurses can thrive.
Rose L. Horton, MSM, RN, NEA-BC
Equity in Healthcare
Equity in healthcare is a cornerstone of our work, and your expertise in this area is driving important changes. You’re helping us create policies and practices that ensure all nurses have access to the resources and opportunities they need to excel, regardless of their background. This commitment to fairness and inclusion strengthens the entire nursing profession and enhances the care we provide to patients and families. To Rose L. Horton, MSM, RN, NEA-BC who helped us craft the certification, led the community and equity work for Synova and gave coaching to us as owners we thank you.
Quality and Safety
Quality and safety are paramount in neonatal and perinatal care, and your guidance in these areas is shaping how we approach these critical issues. By focusing on continuous improvement and innovative solutions, you are helping us set new benchmarks for excellence and ensuring that our practices not only meet but exceed industry standards. Your efforts are making a tangible difference in the lives of patients and the professional lives of nurses. So, thank you Pattie Bondurant, DNP, RN, ANLC who was one of our original executive board members and led the strategic vision and clinical execution of the new Advanced Nurse Leadership Certification under the Synova Brand.
Pattie Bondurant, DNP, RN, ANLC
Jennifer Deeney, PgD, MSc, BsC, RN
Dena Carey, RN, BSN, MBA
Mentorship
Mentorship is another vital area where your impact is profound. Through your guidance and support, you are helping to develop the next generation of nurse leaders. Your dedication to mentoring fosters a culture of growth and development, ensuring that nurses are not only equipped with the skills they need but also inspired to reach their full potential. This mentorship is key to building a strong professional identity and creating pathways for career advancement, which ultimately benefits the entire healthcare system. Jennifer Deeney, PgD, MSc, BsC, RN we always appreciated your expertise in how Neonatal Care was different in the NHS and what collaboration could do to support nurse leaders around the globe. Dena Carey, RN, BSN, MBA your drive for helping nurse leads be stronger business advocates for themselves, their teams and their patients we thank you.
We deeply value the time and energy you dedicate to Synova Associates. Your willingness to volunteer and your unwavering commitment to our mission are truly inspiring. It is your leadership that enables us to meet the growing needs of neonatal and perinatal nurse leaders and drive meaningful change in the healthcare field.
As we continue to work together to advance our shared goals, please know that your contributions are making a significant impact. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to the ongoing success we will achieve together.
As we welcome 4 new incoming executive advisory board members later this year David Melissa and I would want to acknowledge what you each mean to us. Thank you once again for your dedication, expertise, and the positive difference you are making. Your leadership is not only shaping the future of nursing but also ensuring a brighter, more equitable future for healthcare as a whole.
With sincere appreciation,
Lori Gunther, CEO/Partner
Melissa Gehl COO/Partner
David M. Haggard II, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, NEA-BC, C-NPT, ANLC-N






