Kathleen Thimsen

As a long-standing member of the Academy of Forensic Nursing and a Founding Board member, I am extending my interest in serving as the President-Elect position. I feel that my experiences with the Academy and my experience as the founding treasurer and now, treasurer for the last three years, I am well prepared to lead the organization through a growth period and into 2026.

As Treasurer I have seen the growth and identified strategic areas for the organization to extend energy and focus to maintain and surpass present levels of success financially. I implemented long-term investments of our funds in order to create a sustainable and capacity building organization — setting the AFN up for continued growth. The Academy, through ongoing collaboration and communication with the Board, has afforded us to be in a viable position of no debt as an organization.

I also see the need to increase member engagement and to advance Board members’ professional and leadership development. I believe that both efforts along with strengthening leadership succession planning are critical aspects of all organizations’ viability and impact.

In the various roles I have been involved with since the Academy’s inception, I have worked for the development and formation of the Forensic Nursing Certification Board (FNCB) and became its first Treasurer. I joined the Journal of the Academy of Forensic Nursing as an Associate Editor and also developed and offered the first Clinical Validation of Competency course for Non-Fatal Strangulation. Additionally, I have worked on Walking Wise and other projects through collaboration with Board and general membership processes and development.

I have recently started two Not for Profits in Nevada. One is focused on Firearm Harm Reduction and the other is aimed at uniting and fostering professional development, policy advancements, and improving the Forensic Nursing work force state-wide in Nevada. In an effort to provide adequate time and effort for those two new organizations, I have collaborated to create leadership teams for both organizations that are capable and competent to stay true to the mission and values that the organizations were purposed around.

I have the support of my Dean to pursue the position and subsequent Presidency, as organizational leadership is a time commitment. I have support both at work and at home.

My tenure with the Academy of Forensic Nursing has been nothing short of an extraordinary experience as I have had the privilege and honor to meet and collaborate with amazing professionals and organizations. These experiences I believe have forged friendships for me personally.

The Academy has come to this place in 2024 because of collective contributions, communications, and collaborations and prepared us for a future that holds promise and great opportunities for us as a nursing specialty organization.

I see tremendous growth potential for the Academy and would be honored to have your confidence and vote to serve as President Elect.