The OADN Foundation has appointed Juan M. Gonzalez, DNP, PhD, APRN, AGACNP-BC, ENP-C, FNP-BC, CEN, CNE, FAANP, FAAN, and Geoffrey M. Roche, MPA, to its Board of Directors. These appointments reflect the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to advancing associate degree nursing education through leadership that brings lived experience, professional expertise, and a national perspective on workforce development and academic progression.
Dr. Gonzalez is Professor of Clinical and Director of the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies. He began his nursing career as an associate degree nurse in 2006, an experience that shaped his clinical practice, leadership, and academic advancement. He continues to practice as an emergency nurse practitioner and maintains a strong focus on nursing education, workforce development, and creating accessible pathways that support progression and excellence in nursing.
“I began my nursing career as an associate degree nurse in 2006, and I remain deeply grateful for the doors that ADN education opened for me,” said Dr. Gonzalez. “Serving on the OADN Foundation Board is a meaningful opportunity to give back, advocate for accessible nursing pathways, and support the next generation of nurses who begin their journey through associate degree programs.”
Mr. Roche is Senior Vice President of Healthcare Solutions at Risepoint, where he leads strategy focused on strengthening and modernizing the healthcare workforce. A nationally recognized healthcare workforce expert and education advocate, his work centers on expanding access to education, strengthening degree pathways, and building sustainable pipelines into healthcare careers. His commitment to nursing education is informed by his personal connection as the son of a nurse who earned an associate degree.
“Joining the OADN Foundation Board is deeply personal for me,” said Roche. “My mother earned her Associate Degree in Nursing, and I saw firsthand how that pathway created opportunity, stability, and purpose not only for her, but for our entire family. My work has always been about honoring that legacy by strengthening and expanding nursing education and degree pathways so more nurses can enter the profession, advance their careers, and continue transforming lives.”
Donna Meyer, MSN, RN, ANEF, FAADN, FAAN, President of the OADN Foundation Board, emphasized the importance of the appointments, noting that Juan Gonzalez and Geoffrey Roche bring credibility, perspective, and deep commitment to the Foundation’s mission. “Their experiences reflect the power of associate degree nursing and strengthen our ability to invest in faculty, students, and the future of the profession.”
“The OADN Foundation exists to support access, academic progression, and excellence in nursing education,” adds Rick García, PhD, RN, CCM, FAAOHN, FAADN, FAAN, Chief Executive Officer of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing and the OADN Foundation. “These appointments underscore our commitment to leadership that understands the impact of associate degree pathways and the essential role they play in building a strong nursing workforce.”
About the OADN Foundation
The OADN Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing. The Foundation advances excellence in associate degree nursing education through investment in academic progression, leadership development, and scholarly research that strengthens the nursing workforce.