Board Elections

I am formally declaring my candidacy for President-Elect of the Society of Trauma Nurses. As a long-standing member and current Board member, I have gained extensive knowledge of our organizational structure, governance processes, and strategic priorities. This experience has provided critical insight into both the challenges and opportunities facing our organization in today's evolving healthcare landscape. My candidacy is grounded in a dual commitment: honoring the distinguished legacy established by STN's leadership while strategically positioning our organization for sustained growth and innovation. I am prepared to advance evidence-based trauma nursing practice, expand professional development opportunities, strengthen advocacy efforts, and enhance member engagement across all career stages and practice settings.

The Society of Trauma Nurses represents an exceptionally diverse membership. It would be a profound honor to serve as the unified voice for this organization, ensuring STN continues to set the standard for trauma nursing excellence while adapting to meet the emerging needs of our members and the patients we serve.

It is with great enthusiasm and deep respect for the mission of the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) that I submit my candidacy for the position of President-Elect. Over the course of my career, I have been continually inspired by the resilience of trauma patients, the dedication of trauma professionals, and the transformational work this organization has championed to elevate trauma care nationally and globally. I see this role as an opportunity to give back to a community that has given me so much, and to help position STN for continued impact in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Above all, I am inspired by the resilience, dedication, and expertise of trauma nurses. It would be a privilege to represent and support this incredible community in shaping the future of trauma care.

I believe that a two-year appointment as Secretary will provide me with the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to both the board and the membership, particularly in advancing the field of trauma nursing. I am motivated by the prospect of helping expand our influence within critical care nursing, while also ensuring that we continue our legacy of training and supporting trauma nurses. I am eager to collaborate with the board to further elevate the profession, enhance member engagement, and drive initiatives that improve patient outcomes and foster a stronger, more dynamic STN community.

I am seeking the position of Secretary within the Society of Trauma Nurses. As a dedicated trauma nurse leader, I have found a home in STN. I am committed to advancing the mission by promoting collaboration, education and advocacy for trauma professionals.

Over time in my career and with STN I have demonstrated strong organization skills, effective communication and the ability to see projects through to completion. These are all qualities I believe are important to the role of Secretary. I have years of experience in policy development, committee participation and accountability in records and communication. I am excited at the possibility of continuing to serve the organization and its members.

I am honored to submit my nomination form for the position of Director at Large (Officer) on the Board of the Society of Trauma Nurses. With over 25 years of experience in trauma, emergency, and disaster nursing—spanning military, academic, and private healthcare sectors—I bring a unique and globally informed perspective to this role.

My career has been defined by a commitment to advancing trauma systems, empowering nursing leadership, and improving patient outcomes. I have served as the first Trauma Program Manager in South Africa, held national and international leadership roles, and contributed to the development of trauma education across continents. As a current member of the International Council and Organizing Committee for TraumaCon2025 and TraumaCon2026, and a co-author of the pediatric chapter in the upcoming ATCN manual revision, I remain deeply engaged in shaping the future of trauma nursing.

I am formally submitting my Statement of Intent for the position of Director-at-Large on the STN Board of Directors. For more than two decades, my professional career has been singularly dedicated to advancing the care of injured children, improving trauma systems, and mentoring the next generation of trauma professionals. My professional focus has centered on critical initiatives, including building multidisciplinary partnerships, implementing evidence-based protocols, partnering with community members while championing injury prevention initiatives, and aligning institutional practices with essential national standards, such as those set forth by the ACS Committee on Trauma. Furthermore, I have actively participated in performance improvement and quality assurance efforts, developed evidence-based practice guidelines based on the most current literature, led education and outreach programs including trauma simulation, and contributed to trauma research and advocacy. If elected, I commit to the following key objectives:

• Amplify the voice of all members within STN, ensuring their diverse perspectives inform organizational priorities.
• Champion trauma patient interests, promoting best practices that benefit our most vulnerable patients across the continuum of care and throughout the world.
• Support education, mentorship, and professional growth for STN members at all career stages.
• Advance STN’s mission nationally and internationally through strategic collaboration, outreach, and advocacy.

I believe that the fundamental strength of STN lies in its members' shared commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation in trauma care. As Director-at-Large, I will leverage my three decades of experience and commitment to advance the Society's mission through dedicated action. I am energized by the opportunity to work alongside fellow STN leaders to shape the future of trauma nursing. My long-standing commitment to clinical excellence, quality improvement, and professional collaboration aligns with the Society’s core values. I am honored to submit my statement of intent and humbly ask for your consideration and support for my candidacy as Director-at-Large.

I am honored to seek your support and nomination for the Director-at-Large position on the STN Board of Directors.

My Vision: To champion trauma care excellence across all facility designations through collaborative innovation, evidence-based practice, and equitable access to quality care—because trauma can happen anywhere, and every patient deserves optimal outcomes regardless of where they receive care.

The Society of Trauma Nurses transformed my career. When I joined trauma services in 2013, STN provided the mentorship, education, and community that shaped me into the leader I am today. Now, with regional leadership experience managing multi-facility/multi-level trauma operations, board governance experience through the Journal of Trauma Nursing, and proven success developing others through the Leadership Development Committee, I am prepared to contribute meaningfully to STN's strategic direction.

What I Bring to the Board:

• System-Level Perspective: Managing trauma operations across 10 diverse facilities—from Level I to non-designated centers—has taught me how to build bridges between different care environments. I understand the unique challenges facing rural centers, the resource constraints of smaller facilities, and the complexity of Level I operations. This breadth of experience positions me to represent STN's diverse membership authentically.
• Collaborative Leadership: My greatest professional satisfaction comes from growing others. I've mentored trauma registry professionals, supported nurses transitioning into trauma program management roles, and expanded STN Leadership Development programs to include business writing curricula for registry professionals. I believe STN's strength lies in lifting every member, regardless of their role or facility type.
• Data-Driven Innovation: My work on quality initiatives including reducing time to hemorrhage control and preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia demonstrates how data analysis drives clinical improvement. My MSN in Leadership and Management combined with CPHQ certification provides me with both the theoretical foundation and practical expertise to bring evidence-based, quality-focused thinking to organizational decision-making. I bring this evidence-based approach to organizational decision-making and can help STN leverage data to demonstrate nursing's impact on trauma outcomes.
• Strategic Partnership Building: I've successfully collaborated with the state and national departments in designation processes, partnered with community organizations on injury prevention, and built relationships across professional disciplines. I will work to strengthen STN's collaborative relationships.
• My Commitment: If elected, I will serve with the same dedication I've brought to the Leadership Development Committee for six years. I will attend all required meetings, meet deadlines, recruit new members enthusiastically, and commit weekly and monthly to board work. I will be an engaged, prepared, and constructive board member who listens carefully, thinks strategically, and advocates passionately for our members.

I am seeking support to contribute to STN's governance at this next level, bringing both gratitude for what STN has given me and a clear vision for how we can continue advancing trauma nursing excellence together.

As a dedicated trauma nursing professional, provider and educator, I am excited to submit my intent to serve as a Director-at-Large for the Society of Trauma Nurses. My commitment to advancing equitable, evidence-based trauma care aligns deeply with STN’s mission to promote optimal outcomes for all patients across the trauma continuum.

In my current role as both an assistant professor and trauma nurse practitioner, I have cultivated a strong foundation in leadership, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. I am passionate about empowering trauma nurses through education, fostering innovation in clinical practice, and advocating for inclusive care models that address disparities in access and outcomes.

If selected, I aim to:

1. Champion initiatives that support professional development and certification for trauma nurses, by supporting the courses STN offers.
2. Strengthen member engagement through inclusive programming and outreach.
3. Collaborate with fellow board members to advance STN’s strategic goals and global vision.
4. Promote mentorship opportunities for emerging leaders in trauma nursing, which will contribute to the growth of trauma nursing.

I bring a collaborative spirit, a commitment to excellence, and a deep respect for the diverse voices within our profession. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to STN’s leadership and help shape the future of trauma nursing. Trauma nursing is one of the best professions in the world. A huge impact can be made through this organization.

I feel I am qualified to serve this dedicated group of professionals. My experience includes many years of clinical expertise in the trauma field, starting in pre-hospital care and continuing thru all aspects of trauma patient care. Patient centric care is essential for trauma nurses. This is rooted in strategic leadership, education, and mentorship. All of these components need to be provided to the trauma nurse. The STN is supremely qualified to do this. I feel a weighty responsibility to make sure we have a strong core of trauma nurses for the future. I believe we can accomplish this by elevating our discipline by having strong member engagement within all the offerings of STN. This will include available education, mentorship at the ready, and the ability to collaborate across the healthcare spectrum. We will continue to integrate with trauma professional organizations to establish evidence- based practice across our continuum. This will serve to make us invincible as we cross this spectrum.

If selected, I would be deeply honored to serve as a Director at Large on the board of the Society of Trauma Nurses. Throughout my career, I have been a dedicated and active member of STN, benefiting immensely from its networking opportunities, educational resources, conferences, and professional development. I am eager for the chance to contribute to the society in a leadership role and give back to the organization and its members who have provided me with so much support and growth.

I am submitting this statement of intent to express my sincere interest in serving on the Board of Directors for the Society of Trauma Nurses. With a 30-year career dedicated to trauma nursing across the entire continuum—from prehospital interfaces to bedside care, program leadership, and system development—I am committed to advancing excellence within our profession and strengthening the national impact of trauma nursing practice.

I am excited to submit my intent to serve as Director-at-Large for the Society of Trauma Nurses. With over two decades of nursing experience, including 21 years at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and a deep commitment to trauma care for the past 15 years, I have dedicated my career to improving outcomes for injured patients and supporting the professionals who care for them.

In my current role as Director of the Trauma, I lead initiatives that ensure compliance with national standards, foster multidisciplinary collaboration, and drive performance improvement. These responsibilities have strengthened my ability to think strategically, advocate for best practices, and engage diverse stakeholders. These skills directly align with the leadership and vision required for the Director-at-Large position.

I am passionate about advancing the mission of STN through education, advocacy, and innovation. Serving in this role would allow me to contribute to shaping the future of trauma nursing and amplifying the voice of our members nationwide. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and lead within this exceptional organization.

I am motivated to serve as International Director of the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) in order to advance the organization’s mission through meaningful international engagement and representation. I am committed to promoting awareness of STN membership, programs, services, and strategic initiatives within the global trauma nursing community, while strengthening relationships with international stakeholders.

A key aspect of my interest in this role is the opportunity to evaluate STN programs and services from an international perspective and to provide informed recommendations to the Board of Directors that enhance accessibility, relevance, and participation for international members. I am dedicated to serving as a representative voice for international constituents by actively seeking and conveying their feedback to support informed decision-making and continuous organizational improvement.

I am particularly interested in collaborating with the ATCN International Chair on matters specific to international ATCN initiatives, ensuring alignment and consistency in educational standards and program delivery. In my role as Chair of the STN International Membership Council, I would work to promote engagement, communication, and professional development among international members.

Additionally, I am committed to serving as a liaison to all STN committees on international issues, facilitating coordination and integration of international perspectives across the organization. Through diligent service, effective communication, and collaborative leadership, I seek to contribute to the continued growth of STN and the advancement of trauma nursing on a global scale.

I am honored to submit my statement of interest for the position of International Director-at-Large with the STN. Having been an active and engaged member of STN for over a decade, currently serving as ATCN Director, Educator, international faculty member, Chair and member of multiple STN committees, I am deeply committed to advancing STN’s mission of excellence in trauma nursing through leadership, education, quality improvement, and global collaboration.

My professional career spans more than 20 years across trauma clinical practice, nursing leadership, academic scholarship, healthcare management, and international program evaluation. I have held senior leadership roles in major trauma centers and academic institutions in Lebanon, the Gulf region, and internationally, while simultaneously contributing to STN’s global mission through ATCN promulgation, international faculty development, curriculum review, leadership development, and trauma quality improvement initiatives.

Alignment with the Role of International Director-at-Large
The responsibilities of the International Director-at-Large align seamlessly with my professional trajectory and sustained contributions to STN:

• Global Representation & Advocacy: I have represented STN internationally through ATCN and trauma leadership forums across the Middle East, Latin America, and North America. I have led the promulgation and scaling of international trauma education programs in low-resource and developing trauma systems, giving me firsthand insight into the needs, barriers, and opportunities faced by international trauma nurses.
• Evaluation and Enhancement of STN Programs: As a Doctor of Business Administration with specialization in program evaluation, I bring structured expertise in assessing educational programs, membership engagement, and strategic initiatives. I have led formative and summative evaluations of trauma education programs and can provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance STN’s reach, inclusivity, and value for international members.
• Collaboration with ATCN International Leadership: My longstanding role as ATCN Director and international faculty member positions me uniquely to collaborate effectively with the ATCN International Chair, ensuring alignment between ATCN and STN strategic priorities while strengthening international pathways for trauma nurse development.
• Chairing the International Council: I have extensive experience leading international committees, mentoring diverse teams, and facilitating cross-cultural collaboration. My leadership style emphasizes inclusivity, accountability, and measurable outcomes—key attributes for advancing international membership growth and engagement.
• Committee Liaison & Strategic Integration: I currently serve as liaison and member within STN committees and understand the governance structure, reporting expectations, and strategic alignment required at the Board level. I am experienced in translating board-level decisions into actionable committee initiatives and ensuring bidirectional communication between committees and leadership.

Commitment to Board Expectations
I fully understand and am prepared to meet the expectations of an STN Board Member. I have a proven record of almost a 100% participation in meetings, timely deliverables, adherence to governance standards, and active engagement in strategic discussions. I routinely dedicate well beyond the required monthly time commitment through committee leadership, international program support, manuscript review, curriculum development, and mentorship. I attend the STN Annual Conference consistently (whenever I do have financial support to be honest :)) and actively represent STN in international forums with professionalism and integrity.

Additionally, I am committed to actively recruiting new international members, strengthening global partnerships, submitting in-kind contributions documentation, maintaining continuous STN membership, and supporting STN’s policies, strategic plan, and operational excellence.

Thank you for the opportunity
Diana Skaff