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WELCOME TO THE
N.A.H.S.E. CHICAGO ELECTIONS FOR 2025 – 2027
The following candidates below are all well qualified, ready and willing to serve as a N.A.H.S.E. Chicago Executive Board Member.
Please select one candidate from each category and your votes will be tallied and represented accordingly.
VOTING DATES ARE: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025.
Thank you for your participation and good luck to all the candidates.
Ballot released to paid NAHSE Chicago members electronically on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Voting will close on Tuesday, November 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
N.A.H.S.E. Chicago Nominating Committee Members:
- Amelia Fulgham - Chair
- Robert Currie - Co-Chair
- Debra Carey - Committee Member
- Dr. Knitasha Washington - Committee Member
- Sherry Pace - Committee Member
- Howard Robinson - Committee Member
- Dr. Rupert Evans - Committee Member
All candidates are in good financial standing with N.A.H.S.E. National.
The nominees and their biographies appear below.
N.A.H.S.E. CHICAGO ELECTIONS FOR 2025 – 2027
The following candidates below are all well qualified, ready and willing to serve as a N.A.H.S.E. Chicago Executive Board Member.
Please select one candidate from each category and your votes will be tallied and represented accordingly.
VOTING DATES ARE: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025.
Thank you for your participation and good luck to all the candidates.
Ballot released to paid NAHSE Chicago members electronically on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Voting will close on Tuesday, November 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
N.A.H.S.E. Chicago Nominating Committee Members:
- Amelia Fulgham - Chair
- Robert Currie - Co-Chair
- Debra Carey - Committee Member
- Dr. Knitasha Washington - Committee Member
- Sherry Pace - Committee Member
- Howard Robinson - Committee Member
- Dr. Rupert Evans - Committee Member
All candidates are in good financial standing with N.A.H.S.E. National.
The nominees and their biographies appear below.
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Naomi Tolbert, MA
Naomi Tolbert is a strategic healthcare equity leader and current Board Secretary and Leadership Development Chair for the NAHSE Chicago Chapter. She is the founder of the Emerging Leaders Program, a five-month professional development initiative that has expanded the chapter’s leadership pipeline and increased early-career member engagement by 60%. Under her leadership, the program has equipped 18 emerging healthcare professionals annually with executive mentorship, career strategy, and community engagement opportunities.
Naomi also served as Co-Chair of NAHSE Chicago’s Spring Fling this year, leading one of the chapter’s largest annual networking events celebrating member connection and community impact.
Professionally, Naomi serves as Assistant Director of Diversity & Inclusion at UI Health, where she leads systemwide workforce engagement and advocacy initiatives supporting 5,000+ employees. Her work integrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into health system strategy, professional development, and organizational culture.
Previously, Naomi served at the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), where she supported national leadership development programs for diverse executives across ACHE’s 50,000-member network. She brings over a decade of experience advancing health equity, developing leadership pipelines, and building professional communities that empower the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Naomi also served as Co-Chair of NAHSE Chicago’s Spring Fling this year, leading one of the chapter’s largest annual networking events celebrating member connection and community impact.
Professionally, Naomi serves as Assistant Director of Diversity & Inclusion at UI Health, where she leads systemwide workforce engagement and advocacy initiatives supporting 5,000+ employees. Her work integrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into health system strategy, professional development, and organizational culture.
Previously, Naomi served at the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), where she supported national leadership development programs for diverse executives across ACHE’s 50,000-member network. She brings over a decade of experience advancing health equity, developing leadership pipelines, and building professional communities that empower the next generation of healthcare leaders.
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Frances Atiase Monroe, BS, MS
Frances Monroe is a healthcare executive with 15 years of experience in community and population health, hospital/clinic operations, and implementation of strategic programs and services. Frances is passionate about creating innovative strategies to expand Value-Based Care initiatives, addressing Social Determinants of Health, advancing well-being offerings, while leveraging technology and meaningful systems to expand access to healthcare services equitably.
She most recently served as the interim Chief Administrative Officer with Cone Health’s Accountable Care Organization, and the past executive system director of population health and wellness strategy for Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, Texas and led the Community Health and Wellness division at Baylor Scott and White Health in Dallas, Texas. She holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University and a Bachelors of Science in Community Health from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. She’s enjoyed being apart of the Dallas – Fort Worth Chapter and a mentor with the Houston chapter in years past.
As the president-elect for the Chicago Midwest chapter, Frances plans to first, to drive innovation and strategic thinking as we methodically plan and execute on initiatives across the nation to advance the mission and vision of NAHSE. Moreover, I plan to collaborate with the chapter and regional officers and leaders from across NAHSE to build and strengthen strategic partnerships with other organizations who can aid in the advancement of our mission and vision. Finally, I plan to bring a fresh energy to NAHSE’s leadership team. One who actively listens, brings creative and thoughtful ideas, and executes with a smile.
As a person of integrity, who enjoys connecting with others to drive transformative change and enhance opportunities for the advancement of NAHSE, I am sure to aid in the advancement of our communities and members and grow and deepen allyship.
We’ve often been told, with every challenge, there’s an opportunity. Thus, today’s challenging climate provides great opportunity for strengthening partnerships, collaborations, and executing on the work that NAHSE sought out to accomplish over 40 years ago. I look forward to actively involving myself our Chicagoland area and Midwest communities to learn from past NAHSE leaders, while building on the strength and insights from those in current roles and ones held previously.
Innovation is birthed out of necessity and opportunity. Thus, let us use this time to dig deep, ignite positive energy, and fine-tune what has previously worked well, and advance the mission and vision of this historic and honorable organization!
She most recently served as the interim Chief Administrative Officer with Cone Health’s Accountable Care Organization, and the past executive system director of population health and wellness strategy for Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, Texas and led the Community Health and Wellness division at Baylor Scott and White Health in Dallas, Texas. She holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University and a Bachelors of Science in Community Health from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. She’s enjoyed being apart of the Dallas – Fort Worth Chapter and a mentor with the Houston chapter in years past.
As the president-elect for the Chicago Midwest chapter, Frances plans to first, to drive innovation and strategic thinking as we methodically plan and execute on initiatives across the nation to advance the mission and vision of NAHSE. Moreover, I plan to collaborate with the chapter and regional officers and leaders from across NAHSE to build and strengthen strategic partnerships with other organizations who can aid in the advancement of our mission and vision. Finally, I plan to bring a fresh energy to NAHSE’s leadership team. One who actively listens, brings creative and thoughtful ideas, and executes with a smile.
As a person of integrity, who enjoys connecting with others to drive transformative change and enhance opportunities for the advancement of NAHSE, I am sure to aid in the advancement of our communities and members and grow and deepen allyship.
We’ve often been told, with every challenge, there’s an opportunity. Thus, today’s challenging climate provides great opportunity for strengthening partnerships, collaborations, and executing on the work that NAHSE sought out to accomplish over 40 years ago. I look forward to actively involving myself our Chicagoland area and Midwest communities to learn from past NAHSE leaders, while building on the strength and insights from those in current roles and ones held previously.
Innovation is birthed out of necessity and opportunity. Thus, let us use this time to dig deep, ignite positive energy, and fine-tune what has previously worked well, and advance the mission and vision of this historic and honorable organization!
Secretary
Jamia Thomas
In my current role as Nurse Manager of Pediatric Ambulatory Services at the University of Chicago Medicine, I oversee 13 pediatric subspecialty clinics and recently led the launch of a new Adolescent-to-Early Adult Gynecology Clinic. This initiative bridges pediatric and adult care, expands access for underserved populations, and reflects my commitment to creating sustainable, equitable health programs that dismantle barriers to care.
My experience in strategic program development, cross-continuum care coordination, and team empowerment has strengthened my ability to manage complex systems while fostering collaboration and accountability, skills that translate directly to the responsibilities of a Board Secretary.Serving as an Adjunct Faculty member at Resurrection University further deepened my commitment to developing the next generation of equity-focused healthcare leaders.
By incorporating health equity, cultural competence, and community partnership into nursing education, I aim to ensure that the principles of diversity and inclusion are woven into the foundation of healthcare leadership.
As Secretary, I would bring meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a collaborative leadership style to support the effective governance of the Board. More importantly, I view this position as an opportunity to deepen my commitment to the organization in advancing representation and equity across the healthcare leadership landscape.
Through this role, I hope to continue bridging practice, education, and community partnership, upholding N.A.H.S.E.’s mission to transform healthcare by ensuring that leadership at every level reflects the diversity and strength of the communities we serve.
My experience in strategic program development, cross-continuum care coordination, and team empowerment has strengthened my ability to manage complex systems while fostering collaboration and accountability, skills that translate directly to the responsibilities of a Board Secretary.Serving as an Adjunct Faculty member at Resurrection University further deepened my commitment to developing the next generation of equity-focused healthcare leaders.
By incorporating health equity, cultural competence, and community partnership into nursing education, I aim to ensure that the principles of diversity and inclusion are woven into the foundation of healthcare leadership.
As Secretary, I would bring meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a collaborative leadership style to support the effective governance of the Board. More importantly, I view this position as an opportunity to deepen my commitment to the organization in advancing representation and equity across the healthcare leadership landscape.
Through this role, I hope to continue bridging practice, education, and community partnership, upholding N.A.H.S.E.’s mission to transform healthcare by ensuring that leadership at every level reflects the diversity and strength of the communities we serve.
Treasurer
Zonzerrias Woods, MS, BS
Zonzerrias “ZeZe” Woods is a transformative healthcare leader and Chicago native with a progressive 15+ year career spanning revenue integrity, healthcare operations, and strategic performance improvement. She has led at every level—from bedside care to senior management roles—across private equity-backed, nonprofit, and community-based healthcare systems, including Duly Health & Care, Lurie Children’s Hospital, and Ascension Illinois. Her experience reflects a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape and a consistent ability to deliver financial, operational, and cultural transformation.
Zonzerrias has built a reputation for driving enterprise-wide initiatives in revenue optimization, clinical operations, and value-based care delivery—translating strategy into measurable outcomes that enhance both organizational performance and patient experience. With each opportunity, she has expanded her impact, led high-performing teams, while enhancing patient experience and organizational performance. Her leadership style is rooted in collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to operational excellence.
Zonzerrias is an active member of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), reflecting her commitment to advancing leadership and equity in the healthcare industry. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is passionate about volunteering her time and voice to causes supporting financial literary, leadership development, and women’s health initiatives. She enjoys traveling, fitness, music, and new adventures- passions that reflect her commitment to growth, wellness, and exploration both personally and professionally.
She holds a Master of Science degree from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Carroll University, where she also serves as an Alumni Engagement Ambassador.
Zonzerrias has built a reputation for driving enterprise-wide initiatives in revenue optimization, clinical operations, and value-based care delivery—translating strategy into measurable outcomes that enhance both organizational performance and patient experience. With each opportunity, she has expanded her impact, led high-performing teams, while enhancing patient experience and organizational performance. Her leadership style is rooted in collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to operational excellence.
Zonzerrias is an active member of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), reflecting her commitment to advancing leadership and equity in the healthcare industry. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is passionate about volunteering her time and voice to causes supporting financial literary, leadership development, and women’s health initiatives. She enjoys traveling, fitness, music, and new adventures- passions that reflect her commitment to growth, wellness, and exploration both personally and professionally.
She holds a Master of Science degree from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Carroll University, where she also serves as an Alumni Engagement Ambassador.
Parliamentarian
Leslie Buckner, PT, DHS, MPT, MBA, NCS, CSRS
Leslie Buckner PT, DHS, MPT, MBA, NCS, CSRS is a licensed physical therapist currently serving as a Director of Rehabilitation Services at Methodist Hospitals in Northwest Indiana. Leslie has been a therapist for the past 23 years and is a graduate of Marquette University, University of Indianapolis, and Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville.
She is Board Certified in Neurological Physical Therapy and has spent time in critical care, acute care, wound care, and sports medicine throughout her career. Leslie has a passion for seeing people attain goals they once deemed impossible and assisting them to return to the life they desire. She enjoys doing community education and fighting for health equity. Additionally, Leslie serves as adjunct faculty in the Governors State University DPT program and guest lectures for other PT programs in the Chicagoland area.
She is a charter member of the Tau Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc, where she has previously served on all levels of the organization including as chapter president, and currently serves as the community education chair. Leslie is a member of the Black Alumni Association Board for Marquette University, the corporate advisory board for Larabida Children’s Hospital, and currently serves as the membership chair for N.A.H.S.E. Chicago. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, leading the dance ministry at church, spending time with friends, and staying fit as a Certified X-treme Hip Hop Instructor.
She is Board Certified in Neurological Physical Therapy and has spent time in critical care, acute care, wound care, and sports medicine throughout her career. Leslie has a passion for seeing people attain goals they once deemed impossible and assisting them to return to the life they desire. She enjoys doing community education and fighting for health equity. Additionally, Leslie serves as adjunct faculty in the Governors State University DPT program and guest lectures for other PT programs in the Chicagoland area.
She is a charter member of the Tau Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc, where she has previously served on all levels of the organization including as chapter president, and currently serves as the community education chair. Leslie is a member of the Black Alumni Association Board for Marquette University, the corporate advisory board for Larabida Children’s Hospital, and currently serves as the membership chair for N.A.H.S.E. Chicago. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, leading the dance ministry at church, spending time with friends, and staying fit as a Certified X-treme Hip Hop Instructor.
