The Wyoming Nurses Association (WNA) is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members to its board of directors, effective January 2025. These appointments are the result of the dissolution of the Regions that was voted upon by the membership in November 2024.

These individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the WNA, and their diverse backgrounds will be invaluable in guiding the association’s mission to advance the profession of nursing and improve healthcare for all Wyoming residents.

The new board members are:

Dalton Stoddard, RN, New Graduate Director-at-Large (Kemmerer): Dalton is a recent graduate working at South Lincoln Medical Center. Stoddard was a Student Representative — Western Wyoming Community College Nurses Association and an Interfraternity Vice President of Member Safety and Wellness — University of Wyoming. Stoddard was also honored by the Sorority and Fraternity Council as ‘Freshman of the Year’ for his work with decreasing sexual assault on college campuses and recipient of the ‘Shaping Wyoming’s Future Award’ presented by the Wyoming Business Association in 2024.  His term will run through September 2026. 

Ashley Schmidt, RN, Director-at-Large (Cheyenne): Ashley a recent graduate and works at the Cheyenne Women’s Clinic. She has experience as the Marketing Director for her Student Nurses Association and is passionate about being able to use her marketing skills to bring a fresh perspective to the WNA. Her term will run through September 2026.

Lacy Love, BSN, RN, Director-at-Large (Rock Springs): Lacy holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is a clinical lead at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County. She is currently working on her Master’s in Nursing Leadership at the Fay Whitney School of Nursing at the University of Wyoming.  She is passionate about nursing policy and board service.  Her term will run through September 2026.

Julia Samz, MSN, RN (Rock Springs): Julia holds a Master of Science in Nursing MSN and is working on a Masters in Business Administration with a focus in Healthcare Management.  She is an emergency room nurse at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County and also services as a preceptor to nursing students. She was recognized with the Face of the Future Award at the 2024 WNA Convention.  Her term will run through September 2027.

Brittany Lewis, MLS, BSN, RN (Hartville): Brittany holds a Master’s in Legal Studies and a Bachelors of Science in Nursing.  She is a nurse in Cardiopulmonary Rehab at Platte County Hospital Banner Health.  She is excited to utilize her education and experience to advance the association and be part of the Policy and Practice Committees.  Her term will run through September 2027.

“We are thrilled to welcome these talented individuals to our board,” said Jennifer Rasp-Vaughn, MBA/MSN, BS, RN, RCIS, CNML, LBC, President of the Wyoming Nurses Association. “Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will be invaluable as we work to advance the profession of nursing and improve healthcare for all Wyoming residents.”

The new board members will serve staggered terms and will play a key role in setting the strategic direction of the WNA. They will also be responsible for overseeing the association’s programs and services, and advocating for the interests of nurses across the state.