Skip to main content
UVA Health logo of UVA Health Advanced Practice Providers APP
  • Home
  • APP Council
  • Professional Development
  • About Us
  • Fellowship Programs
  • Internal Only
  • Home
  • APP Council
  • Professional Development
  • About Us
  • Fellowship Programs
  • Internal Only

Advanced Practice Provider Council

  1. Home
  2. APP Council

 
 

The APP Council at UVA Health

A systemwide governance body driving strategic initiatives, elevating APP influence, and shaping the future of advanced practice through structured leadership, representation, and coordinated action across UVA Health.

 

 
 

Our Purpose

Shared Governance Forum: How do APPs get involved and grow in their roles here?

  • • Advocate for professional growth
  • • Create a safe space for APPs to voice their thoughts and concerns
  • • Provide education beneficial for clinical practice and professional growth
  • • Identify ways to promote inclusion and wellbeing
  • • Celebrate and highlight achievements
  • • Introduce creative ways to increase visibility
  • • Encourage scholarly work through research and innovation

The Principles of The APP Council

Accountability: Uphold the highest regard for their profession and their practice.

Professionalism: Practice with respect for the interdisciplinary team to provide patient-centered, collaborative care.

Leadership: Dedicated to quality improvement and professional development to help facilitate change in the healthcare environment.

Inclusion: Create a welcoming, respectful environment that promotes fairness and strengthens the APP community.

Research: Promote collaborative research and education that is ethical, influential, and medically sound.

 
Accountability
Professionalism
Leadership
Inclusion
Research

APP Council Executive Board
Structure & Responsibilities

The work of the Advanced Practice Provider Council is guided by a President and Vice-President, with oversight from the Executive Administrator of APPs. The APP President, Vice-President, and Secretary are elected annually for one-year terms.

Together, the Executive Council establishes the monthly agenda and holds meetings aligned with UVA Shared Governance bylaws to inform and engage the greater APP body.

Most importantly, the council identifies key APP priority areas and develops actionable plans in alignment with strategic priorities identified by UVA Health, UVA Medical Center, University Physicians Group, and APP members across the health system.

 

Executive Roles

  • • President & Vice-President
  • • Executive Administrator of APPs
  • • Secretary
  • • Council Members

“Guiding leadership, setting direction, and empowering professional growth across the UVA Health APP community.”

APP Council Leadership

Meet the elected leaders of the APP Council who guide initiatives, represent our community, and support collaboration across UVA Health.

 
Zuseen Rannigan

Zuseen Rannigan

MSN, RN, FNP-BC

APP Council President

View Profile
 
Scott Darrah

Scott Darrah

MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG-AG

APP Council Vice President

View Profile
 
Brenda Deller

Brenda Deller

MSN, RN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN

APP Council Secretary

View Profile
 
Evan Turnbull

Evan Turnbull

PA-C, MPAS

APP Council Past President

View Profile

APP Committees
Structure & Responsibilities

Our Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Committees are comprised of Genetic Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Audiologists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Certified Nurse Midwives, and Physician Assistants/Associates.

This group of clinicians provides leadership and guidance for APPs within UVA Health’s Center for Advanced Practice, focusing on improving systems, processes, and the overall practice of APPs.

Their key functions and responsibilities are centered around advocacy and representation, practice improvement, education and training, credentialing and certification, collaboration and communication, staffing and scheduling, policy development, research and evidence-based practice, and professional development.

 

Committee Focus Areas

  • • Advocacy & Representation
  • • Practice Improvement
  • • Education & Training
  • • Credentialing & Certification
  • • Collaboration & Communication
  • • Staffing & Scheduling
  • • Policy Development
  • • Research & Evidence-Based Practice
  • • Professional Development

Recognition Committee

  • Dedicated to recognizing the APP workforce for contributions, value, and growth
  • APP Recognition Week: Gala, cocktail/reception, awards ceremony

Social Media Committee

  • Outreach, partnership, recruitment, and engagement with other organizations
  • Follow us on LinkedIn & Instagram

“Driving excellence through collaboration, innovation, and leadership across all areas of Advanced Practice at UVA Health.”

APP Council Recognition & Social Media Leaders

These leaders coordinate recognition initiatives and communication efforts that celebrate our Advanced Practice Providers and share their accomplishments across UVA Health.

 
Susan Ketchum

Susan Ketchum

MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CPAN

APP Council Recognition Chair

View Profile
 
Jennifer Schach

Jennifer Schach

AG-ACNP

APP Council Recognition Co-Chair

View Profile
 
Rhoda Shulaw

Rhoda Shulaw

MSN, ACNP

APP Council Social Media Chair

View Profile
 
Rachel Thal-Larsen

Rachel Thal-Larsen

PA

APP Council Social Media Co-Chair

View Profile

 
 

APP Committees

 

Onboarding, Orientation and Education Committee

Focused on creating comprehensive onboarding resources and establishing clinical competencies across all departments, ensuring a smooth and unified integration process for new APPs.

Advocacy Committee

Dedicated to advancing the professional voice of APPs through local, state, and national advocacy efforts. Collaborates with UVA’s lobbyist to monitor and influence healthcare legislation that impacts APP practice.

APP Council Onboarding, Education & Advocacy Leaders

These leaders oversee onboarding, education, and advocacy efforts for our Advanced Practice Providers, ensuring smooth transitions, professional growth, and representation across UVA Health.

 
Nicole Brooks

Nicole Brooks

PA-C

APP Council Onboarding, Orientation, and Education Chair

View Profile
 
Christa Sharpe

Christa Sharpe

DNP, FNP-BC, CCK

APP Council Onboarding, Orientation & Education Co-Chair

View Profile
 
Tanya Thomas

Tanya Thomas

DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC, OCN

APP Council Advocacy Chair

View Profile
 
Martha Thomas

Martha Thomas

MS, CGC

APP Council Advocacy Co-Chair

View Profile

 
 

APP Committees

 

Research Committee

Facilitates and supports QI, EBP, and Research initiatives by maintaining a shared pool of resources and providing mentorship to APPs pursuing scholarly work.

Mentorship Committee

Focused on building systems of professional support, fostering meaningful peer connections, and encouraging collaboration across APP disciplines.

APP Council Research & Mentorship Leaders

These leaders drive scholarly engagement and mentorship across the Advanced Practice community, fostering research excellence, collaboration, and professional development within UVA Health.

 
Lisa Letzkus

Lisa Letzkus

PhD, RN, CPNP-AC

APP Council Research Chair

View Profile
 
Michael Miller

Michael Miller

PhD, CRNA

APP Council Research Co-Chair

View Profile
 
Evan Turnbull

Evan Turnbull

PA-C, MPAS

APP Council Mentorship Chair

View Profile
 
Kathryn Morgan

Kathryn Morgan

AC-PNP

APP Council Mentorship Co-Chair

View Profile

 
 

APP Committees

 

Wellness Committee

Focused on promoting the health, balance, and well-being of our Advanced Practice Providers. This committee supports initiatives that encourage resilience, connection, and holistic wellness across UVA Health.

APP Council Wellness Leadership

Leading initiatives that foster balance, connection, and well-being among Advanced Practice Providers at UVA Health, supporting a resilient and thriving professional community.

 
Kathleen Haden

Kathleen Haden

RN, MSN, ANP-C

APP Council Wellness Chair

View Profile
UVA Health logo of UVA Health

© 2025 Rector and Visitors of the
University of Virginia. All rights reserved.

  • Copyright Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Non-Discrimination Notice
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Web Editor Login

Advanced Practice Providers

  • Contact Us Contact Us
  • UVA Health
  • Physicians Group
  • Health Sciences Library
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Medicine
  • UVA

© 2025 Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. All rights reserved.

  • Copyright Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Non-Discrimination Notice
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Web Editor Log In

Contact