Governance
For more than 40 years, the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) has been a trusted authority in perioperative certification, dedicated to fostering excellence in nursing. With four decades of history, CCI has supported and certified over 40,000 nurses worldwide.
As a recognized leader in nursing competence assessment, CCI serves as the credentialing body for various certifications tailored to acknowledge specialized expertise. These certifications include the Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR), Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM), Certified Perioperative CNS (CNS-CP), Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse (CNAMB), Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse (CFPN), and Nursing Professional Development Advanced – Board Certified (NPDA-BC).
These certifications are thoughtfully designed and regularly updated to reflect the evolving standards and practices within the perioperative nursing field. They stand as symbols of dedication and proficiency, recognizing the commitment of nursing professionals globally to achieve excellence and advance their knowledge and skills.
CCI operates under two primary governing bodies: the Board of Directors, responsible for charting the organization’s strategic direction and upholding fiduciary responsibilities; and the Certification Council, tasked with supervising the development and maintenance of CCI’s certifications programs. The day-to-day operations are managed by a dedicated staff leadership team, led by the Chief Executive Officer.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors at CCI holds authority over the nonprofit’s strategic direction and financial oversight, aligning with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Comprised of eight directors, each possessing at least one of CCI’s certifications, the Board also includes two public members.
Darcie Opalko
MBA, MS, RN, CNOR, CSSM, NEA-BC
President
Leigh Anne Piper
MSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM(E)
Vice President
Arthur Shapiro
RN, MSN, CNOR, CNAMB, NE-BC, CSSM
Secretary/Treasurer
Simone Auger
MIArch, LC, LEED AP
Member
Joshua A. Wymer
DNP, MSPM, MA, RN, CNOR, RN-BC, NEA-BC, CHCIO, CDH-E, FACHE, FAAN
Member
Jennifer L. Misajet
MHA, BSN, CNOR, CSSM
Member
Sharon Van Wicklin
PhD, RN, CNOR, CRNFA(E), CPSN-R, PLNC, FAAN, ISPAN-F
Member
Sally A. Irvin
MA, MEd, JD
Member
Beth Bozzelli
MBA, RN, CNOR, CSSM
Member
Gini Beatty
CNOR, NPD-BC
Member
Certification Council
The Certification Council oversees the development and oversight of CCI’s credentialing programs. The Council is comprised of individuals representing each credential and two public members. With independent decision-making authority over all aspects of the credentialing programs, the Certification Council is dedicated to maintaining and supervising the operations of CCI's established certification programs in accordance with recognized national accreditation standards. Their activities are aligned with CCI's mission and values while upholding the highest level of professional integrity.
Britta DeVolder
MBA, BSN, RN, CSSM, CNOR
Chair
Mary Jo Steiert
BSN, RN, CNAMB
Vice Chair
Russell Hildebrand
Member
Amanda Akers
RN, MSN, CNOR, CSSM
Member
Amos Schonrock
MAN, RN, ST, CSSM, CNAMB, CNOR, NE-BC
Member
Beth Hogan
MSN, RN, CNOR, CASC, CGRN, CNAMB
Member
Kelly Marcum
DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CNOR, CSSM, CPHQ
Member