OCN Board of Directors
Guiding the Future of Oregon’s Nursing Workforce
Strategic Leadership. System Perspective. Mission-Aligned Oversight.
The Oregon Center for Nursing is governed by a board of directors representing diverse expertise in nursing, healthcare systems, higher education, and workforce strategy.
Our board ensures that OCN remains accountable to its mission and aligned with the evolving needs of Oregon’s care infrastructure. Their leadership sharpens our vision, strengthens our strategy, and reinforces the statewide partnerships that power our work.
Together, they provide the guidance and oversight that keep our initiatives responsive, relevant, and forward-thinking.
The Leaders Guiding Our Work
Below are the individuals entrusted with governing OCN’s direction and impact. Their leadership spans disciplines and sectors, offering the insight and accountability needed to shape a resilient, data-informed nursing workforce for Oregon.
Board Officers
Board President
Pam Fifer, EdD, RN, CNE
George Fox University
Board Vice President
Troy Larkin, PhD, RN
Providence Health & Services,
Board Secretary
Don Jacobs, RN, MSN, MHA
St. Charles Medical Center
Board Treasurer
Kyle Stevens, MS
Coastal and Workforce Development NewSun Energy
Board Members
Cynthia Evans, MS
Nursing Professional and Advocate
Lori Hill, RN, BSN, MSEFD
Kaiser Permanente, NPCS
Julie Plagenhoef, MPH, RN
Maternal Child and Family, Oregon Health Authority
LaSheila Rotchford, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CLSSGB, HCPM
Kaiser Permanente
Christy Simila, BSN, RN, CMSRN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC
Oregon Nurses Association
Wendy Stultz, JD, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
PeaceHealth Riverbend
Ron Woita, MBA HM, BSN, RN, LSS GB, CEN
Sky Lakes Medical Center
George Gilchrist, MSN, RN Oregon State Hospital
Sarah Wickenhagen, DNP, FNP-C, APRN
Oregon State Board of Nursing
Non-Voting Member
Governance & Accountability
Board members ensure OCN integrity through mission-aligned governance, financial stewardship, and strategic accountability.
Strategic Direction
The board brings deep insight across workforce, policy, and education sectors — helping OCN stay future-ready and systems-focused.
Visibility & Influence
Through advocacy, partnerships, and visibility, board leaders champion OCN’s mission across Oregon’s healthcare landscape.
Interested in Board Service?
We welcome interest from individuals aligned with our mission and systems-level work. While positions open based on timing and term cycles, we accept statements of interest year-round for future consideration.
Board members provide oversight, insight, and external advocacy, helping OCN remain impactful and future-ready. They meet virtually or in person quarterly, participate in an annual board retreat each May (typically centralized in Portland), and are encouraged to support awareness, fundraising, and strategy aligned with OCN’s goals.
We especially seek professionals with backgrounds in nurse practice settings & nursing education, workforce development, public service, or philanthropy. Diverse geographic and practice variety perspectives are essential to our leadership.
To express interest:
Please send a brief statement outlining your background and why you’re interested in board service to admin@oregoncenterfornursing.org .
Get to Know the People, Progress, and Research Behind OCN
The Oregon Center for Nursing (OCN) Board of Directors brings together healthcare, education, and policy leaders from across Oregon. Their collective expertise ensures that OCN’s workforce research and strategy efforts remain grounded, mission-aligned, and relevant to the evolving needs of Oregon’s systems and communities.