our foundation
Board of Trustees
The Institute for Nursing (IFN) Board of Trustees plays a pivotal role in stewarding the foundation’s mission by guiding strategic initiatives, overseeing funding efforts, and ensuring impactful support for nursing education, research, and professional development.
IFN Mission Statement
The mission of the Institute for Nursing is to preserve the heritage, principles, values and practices of our healing profession through the support of scholarship, education and research.
IFN Vision Statement
The vision of the Institute for Nursing is to engender the spirit of giving to nurture the soul of nursing now and for future generations.
IFN CHAIR
(2025-2026)
Kristin Meloche Sagedy,Ph.D., RN, CEN
VICE CHAIR, TRUSTEE NJSNA
(2025-2026)
Kate Gillespie, MBA, BSN, RN, NE-BC
TREASURER (2025-2026)
Maureen Clark-Gallagher, MS, RN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Judy Schmidt, MSN, DHA(c), RN, CCRN
PUBLIC TRUSTEE (2024‑2025)
Timothy D. Marks, DNP, MBA, RN, CEN, NEA‑BC
PUBLIC TRUSTEE (2025-2026)
Jennifer Smith
PUBLIC TRUSTEE (2024-2025)
Maria Iacona Dietrich
PUBLIC TRUSTEE (2025-2026)
Wayne Hall
NJSNA TRUSTEE
(2025‑2026)
Teri Wurmser
NJSNA TRUSTEE
(2024‑2025)
Mary Anne Marra, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
NJSNA TRUSTEE
EMERITA
Dely Go, DNP, RN, LNHA
The Institute for Nursing is the public 501(c)(3) not for profit foundation of the New Jersey State Nurses Association established in 1988 by the former Chief Executive Officer of NJSNA, Ms. Dorothy Fleming; former NJSNA President Ms. Jean Marshall and dedicated community leaders and philanthropists. The Institute develops, implements, and funds innovative programs and projects influencing the practice and future of nursing professionals.