Candidates Bios for Open Board Positions 2026-2027

TREASURER

Dr. Jean Aertker, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP

Dr. Jean Aertker, DNP, APRN, is a pioneering Nurse Practitioner in Florida with over 51 years of clinical practice, business management, and nursing leadership experience. A New Jersey native, Jean served in the Vietnam-era USAF Nurse Corps nurse in 1974 and trained as a flight nurse. Her career path was delayed a bit, as she became a military widow and new mother in 1977 when her husband, Captain Alan Aertker, was killed in a RF-4 plane crash in Thuine, Germany. She returned to the U.S. to raise their two-week-old daughter, Kate, moved to Tampa and pursued her NP education at USF College of Nursing- BSN (1980)and MSN (1984). She joined USF faculty in 1985 in Nursing and PSMP. In 1992, she joined TGH as the first Clinical Director of TGH ‘s new Occ-Health Clinics and later opened her own business, Tampa Occupational Health she owned for over 23 years. She has always been a leader in NP health policy and responsible for early major legislative wins that expanded your Florida NP practice. She obtained her DNP from Case Western Reserve University in 2008, and has served on the AANP Board of Directors, and Past President of FNPN, and now serves now as FNPN’s  first Executive Director. A longtime advocate, mentor, and business entrepreneur, Dr. Aertker continues to provide NP care at the Judeo-Christian Health Clinic and Moffitt Team Medical Health Clinic, while championing for FPA for all in Florida.

Jean Aertker’s Campaign Message for Treasurer
As NPs, we know the importance of fiscal planning, accountability, and purpose. Our organization’s finances should reflect the same professionalism we bring to patient care. We’re moved beyond “just a checking account” to a goal-driven organization that supports our mission, members, and the community. A checking account balance isn’t a budget or business plan. We need solid fiscal planning and direction.

Dr. Cindy Parsons, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FAANP

Expertise for the Office
As a dedicated member of TBAPNC since its inception, I have proudly served our organization as the current treasurer. I am a PMHNP and have worked both as a direct care provider and faculty.  I am active in state and national nursing and nurse practitioner associations. In my current role as Treasurer, I have been a careful and transparent steward of our financial resources—developing balanced annual budgets, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring timely reporting to state and federal agencies.

I consistently collaborate with our governing board to align fiscal decisions with TBAPNC’s mission and goals, and I have represented our group at both local and national levels, including AANP, when needed. I bring deep knowledge of Florida’s nonprofit regulations, IRS requirements, and best practices for fiscal accountability. My commitment has always been to strengthen our organization’s financial foundation, enabling us to continue growing and serving the NP community effectively.

Goals for TBAPNC
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue building a strong, sustainable future for TBAPNC by:

• Ensuring fiscal transparency and accountability to support our mission.
• Enhancing communication within our organization and across the Tampa Bay NP community.
• Strengthening collaboration with professional organizations statewide and nationally to advance advocacy for nurse practitioners.
• Expanding engagement by welcoming NP students, new graduates, and long-standing members into meaningful participation.

Through responsible stewardship, responsive leadership, and a commitment to advocacy, I believe TBAPNC can continue to thrive as a trusted, influential voice for advanced practice nurses across our region and beyond.

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Kelly Cortes, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

I began my nursing journey in labor and delivery, where I found my passion for caring for women through some of the most meaningful moments in their lives. I went on to further my education with a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Florida in 2023.

Since becoming a nurse practitioner, I’ve focused my career in women’s health. Every day, I’m reminded of how important our role is in providing accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based care. I am proud to be part of a community of Nurse Practitioners who are making a difference, and I believe we’re stronger when we support and learn from one another.

As Managing Director of TBAPNC I will support the professional growth, as well as foster collaboration, mentorship, and engagement among members. I am passionate about advocacy and creating spaces where every voice is heard. I believe in building a council that not only represents - but empowers us to grow as clinicians. 

Kelly Cortes, MSN, APRN, FNP-BCH

Liza Hart,MS, APRN, FNP-BC

I Liza Hart, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, humbly seek your support to serve as the Managing Director for the TBAPNC. As the Managing Director my vision is to strengthen the council’s impact through effective collaboration, transparent leadership and focus on professional growth for all the members. I am committed to advancing policy efforts and ensuring the council continues to serve as a platform for empowerment, advocacy and innovation in healthcare.

Beyond the bedside I am engaged in mentorship, advocacy and community engagements to empower others, and support families in need. I am the president and founder a nonprofit organization that provides educational resources to students, supports individual facing life transitions and assists abused individuals.

Through this work I have successfully built partnerships, coordinates programs and managed resources, skills I intend to bring to the council as the Managing Director.

Marlicia Perry, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Fellow TBAPNC members, it is an honor to be nominated for the role of Managing Director. I am a Family Nurse Practitioner and a doctoral student at the University of South Florida with more than ten years of nursing experience. My service as a U.S. Army Veteran continues to shape how I show up for my patients, my colleagues and the profession we share.

This year, I was proud to serve as a student leader and ambassador at the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network conference, where I received the Dr. Loretta C. Ford Scholarship. I also serve as Vice President of the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society, where I have the privilege of supporting and mentoring fellow veterans. These experiences have prepared me to step into broader leadership and to represent our community with commitment and integrity

As Managing Director, I will work to keep members connected, highlight our accomplishments and create meaningful opportunities for growth. Together, we can build a stronger community of nurse practitioners who lead with purpose and inspire lasting change in Tampa Bay and beyond.   

SOCIAL MEDICA DIRECTOR

Ebele Ezenwa,DNP, APRN, FNP-C

My name is Ebele Ezenwa, and I am popularly known as Eby. I am interested in the position of the social media Director of the Tampa Bay Advanced Practice Nurses Council (TBAPNC). I am a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner with more than 10 years of nurse practitioner experience. I currently work in Internal Medicine, providing quality patient-centered and compassionate care to patients with acute, chronic, and oncologic conditions in both clinic and hospital settings.

I am an advocate for work-life balance, encouraging others through my love for indoor gardening and travel experiences. I am passionate about using digital platforms to connect, educate, and inspire others. I use social media as an avenue to promote wellness initiatives and foster a sense of community with peers. At work, we share lifestyle and travel tips to strengthen workplace morale.

Outside of my work role, I am passionate about health, wellness, team engagement, and community outreach. As the co-chair of my department’s Wellness Committee, I have championed initiatives like cultural potlucks, wellness-focused events, and volunteer activities. These experiences are shared in social and company media. I volunteer at my local church to promote community health education. I recently completed an Executive Education Certification in Lifestyle and Wellness Coaching from Harvard Medical School to further strengthen my work in this area.

My goal is to bring this same creative energy and engagement to TBAPNC by enhancing its digital presence. I envision a dynamic social media strategy that would highlight the organization’s activities, promote community engagement, increase membership, increase merchandize purchases, and showcase the valuable contributions of nurse practitioners. I believe in using social media as a powerful tool for education, visibility, and connection which will in turn amplify TBAPNC’s impact across Tampa Bay and beyond.

Elizabeth Wehnes, MA, MSN, FNP-BC, APRN, CHPN

I began my career in healthcare 20 years ago when I first pursued a degree in Mental Health Counseling, earning my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from The University of South Florida in 2010. While working as a therapist, I saw firsthand the profound impact nurses have on patient care and outcomes. Inspired, I made the pivotal decision to transition into nursing, completing my ASN in 2016 and my BSN and 2018.

My nursing career has spanned, the emergency department, psychiatric care, and hospice, where I was continually impressed by the professionalism, knowledge, and compassion of the Nurse Practitioner’s I worked alongside. That admiration led me to further my own education, and in 2023 I graduated with my MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Carson-Newman, University in Tennessee

Since then, I have served as the Nurse Practitioner at Spring Gardens Recovery, specializing in substance abuse and mental health while also launching my tele-health and consulting business; RKL consulting, named after my three children. Recently, I began a new role as a Nurse Practitioner at a Neuro medspa and Pinellas County, where I consult on therapies designed to restore cognitive vitality. I am also proud to have earned my autonomous NP credentials.

Beyond clinical practice, I understand the power of communication and connection. Growing up with a mother, active in politics, and as a proud wife of a first responder; I have seen firsthand how communication and advocacy can shape awareness, build, trust, and inspire action.

As social media Director for TBAPNC, I will use these tools to elevate Nurse Practitioner voices, share resources, and foster stronger professional networks. I am passionate about, ensuring nurse practitioners are seen, heard, and valued – locally and beyond. My goal is to leverage social media, not just to inform, but to unify and amplify the impact of our community and our profession.