Full List of Candidate Bios, Listed Alphabetically
President-Elect
ANTHONY BONDON, BSM, CRCST, CHL
Central Sterile Manager
HSHS St. John’s Hospital
Springfield, Ill.
HSPA Involvement
- Board of Directors (2018–2020)
- Foundation Board of Directors - Vice President
- Certification Council - Certificant Representative
- Certification Development Subject Matter Expert (SME)
- Nominating Committee Member
- Illinois/Eastern Missouri Central Service Organization – President (2017–present)
Why do you want to serve as the President of HSPA?
We need leadership that will address our association and industry issues relative to patient care, while supporting our membership on a global scale. This takes strong leadership skills and compassion and consideration to listen to all points of view and still be able to do what is in the best interest of the whole. I can and will provide that voice.
How would you support the current mission and vision of HSPA?
I will carry on with the strategic plan and the global expansion of the association, while continuing to support the current mission and vision by soliciting the involvement of frontline staff members and aggressively seeking their engagement, ideas and concerns.
Describe the critical issues you think the Sterile Processing profession will face over your possible Board tenure. What is HSPA’s role in addressing these issues?
HSPA has to continue leading the way in creating and building worth for the association and the profession. The association can't do it alone; it takes a united effort from HSPA, SP professionals, vendors, and healthcare organizations. We must create and build engagement and value in the association and its membership (for current and prospective members) through developing and utilizing committees that build involvement, inclusivity and enthusiasm.
Describe any unique qualifications, such as leadership, life, and business expertise, that may set you apart from other candidates and position you to be an effective leader.
As a Sterile Processing manager with 18 years of experience and an ordained Administrative Pastor, I have always valued time management and organization. While advocating for my staff and our patients, I believe that my experience and responsibilities serving in these capacities, along with my diverse education, provide me with a unique skill set. These skills allow me to be a highly analytical professional, experienced in providing high-touch service to everyone. I emphasize service because, too often, people feel that such positions and titles mean that they should be served instead of providing the service. Aside from that, it has been my journey that has prepared me most for this opportunity. Our success lies in our tenacity and grit, our resolve to never quit or give up, and our dedication to finding a way to push through, no matter what.
ARLENE BUSH, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER
Supervisor, Sterile Processing Service
Lee County Veterans Clinic
Cape Coral, Fla.
HSPA and Industry Involvement
- Board of Directors (2021–2023)
- Certification Development Subject Matter Expert (SME)
- Nominating Committee Member (2019)
- HSPA Nominating Committee Chair (2020)
- Florida F.I.R.E. Chapter Board Member
Why do you want to serve as the President of HSPA?
With the mission, vision and values in place for our association, I feel that I can continue to carry the torch to shine and shed light on our ever-changing and vastly growing profession. I look forward to representing the association at a national and international level and ensuring our members have a voice with HSPA and industry-governing bodies, all for the greater good of our profession. Expressing the importance of the Sterile Processing profession and its role in patient safety must be paramount. Previous HSPA Presidents have paved the way to where we find HSPA today. These are exciting times for our association, which is geared toward the needs of its members, certification holders and the profession as a whole.
How would you support the current mission and vision of HSPA?
I would foster an environment where our membership and the association can work together to advance the message about the importance of delivering clean and sterile instruments to every patient, every time.
Describe the critical issues you think the Sterile Processing profession will face over your possible Board tenure. What is HSPA’s role in addressing these issues?
Required certification is and will always be a hot topic for our industry. The states requiring certification are paving the way for others to follow suit. HSPA has been the leader in the fight for required certification. Honestly, I cannot wait to see which state will be next!
Describe any unique qualifications, such as leadership, life, and business expertise, that may set you apart from other candidates and position you to be an effective leader.
Being a self-starter with extensive knowledge of the Sterile Processing profession, I go the extra mile to research the standards within the profession and ensure I am fully aware of changes that may occur within our industry. I also try to be a part of the decision-making process on how instruments are cleaned and processed to ensure patient safety. Having a seat at the table gives our profession a valid voice for growth and sustainability. Others that come after us need to know the importance of what they do, and our SPDs need to be viewed as the professional departments they are. We are a necessary lifeline for the hospital and all areas that utilize reusable medical equipment.
Directors (2-year term)
KENNETH CAMPBELL, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER
Director of Sterile Processing
Berkshire Medical Center
Pittsfield, Mass.
HSPA Involvement
- Certification Development Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Why do you want to serve on the HSPA Board of Directors?
I want to be able to contribute knowledge to the organization from within by bringing my 30-plus years of Sterile Processing experience to the administrative side to help the industry, not just my department. I want to be a catalyst for change for the people who will come after me and remind those here with me that there are always ways we can improve.
How would you support the current mission and vision of HSPA?
I would support HSPA’s mission and vision by staying true to my professional ethics and personal code of conduct. I will live up to the expectations that come with being an HSPA Board member and dedicate my time to empower the Sterile Processing technicians I mentor, train and meet to have the same confidence in themselves that I have in them. I would instill the knowledge and courage in the ones who build our foundation so we can grow in numbers and continue to shape this industry—so the “Heart of the Hospital” is not just a moniker but the credo by which we live.
Describe the critical issues you think the Sterile Processing profession will face over your possible Board tenure. What is HSPA’s role in addressing these issues?
Staffing shortages, newer innovations, and standard changes are some of the critical issues I see us facing. HSPA should always be at the forefront of providing its members with valuable information as soon as it becomes available. Being transparent and keeping ahead of the change keeps members invested and demonstrates how we are evolving. What worked for us before will not always be the answer. I think we must be open-minded enough to see that HSPA will always be the leader in keeping Sterile Processing, as well as patient safety, as the top priority.
Describe any unique qualifications, such as leadership, life, and business expertise, that may set you apart from other candidates and position you to be an effective leader.
I’m an 18-year veteran from the U.S. Army, a volunteer firefighter, and a successful business owner and podcaster. I bring my knowledge as a traveler and leader to the table so I can speak from all sides. I’ve worked under pressure, served in wartime, and have been on the frontlines in decontamination, working alongside my fellow technicians, even in my director role. I’m not far removed from what happens in the department.
DEANNARD A.M. ESNARD, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER, CFER, CQIA
Manager, Central Sterile Supply & Surgical Services Inventory
Holy Redeemer Hospital
Meadowbrook, Pa.
HSPA Involvement
- Mid-Atlantic Central Service Association Chapter Board Member
Why do you want to serve on the HSPA Board of Directors?
I am honored to have the opportunity to be nominated by my peers for this illustrious position. My passion for this field is second to none, and I enjoy the challenges and opportunities that Sterile Processing has afforded me, to which I have devoted over a decade of my life. It is important to me to give back to HSPA because this association has impacted my life in so many positive ways. I want to help uplift the Sterile Processing community by helping others recognize the compassion and dedication these professionals show daily. Being part of the HSPA Board would be a wonderful opportunity to learn from like-minded professionals with diverse skill sets. HSPA has served this community through its growth of the profession and its philanthropic endeavors, which have reached many around the country and world. I would like to help further the agenda of this organization. I believe that given the opportunity to be on the Board of Directors, I would not only be able to provide unique input thanks to my background of missionary work overseas, growing from a technician to a manager, and participation in the national conference, networking with professionals getting their insight and perspectives on the potential of HSPA. One of my strengths I believe is the ability to bring people together, and an opportunity like this will help create cohesiveness in what is already a great group of professionals and an awesome organization.
How would you support the current mission and vision of HSPA?
I intend to support and uphold the values of HSPA, helping to drive initiatives that promote education and the advancement of the Sterile Processing profession. I plan to work closely with the Board and relay my accumulated feedback through the years. I hope this insight may shine an introspective light on decision-making, with a different understanding of the diaspora. I would make myself available to accomplish the tasks bestowed upon the Board. I will help promote the current mission and vision of HSPA. I will support our regional chapters in any capacity needed. I will be happy to participate in any initiatives HSPA has developed in developing this industry.
Describe the critical issues you think the Sterile Processing profession will face over your possible Board tenure. What is HSPA’s role in addressing these issues?
The critical issues I think the Sterile Processing profession will face over my possible Board tenure are certification and recognition. Certification in the aspect of it being available and accessible to not only the U.S. demographic but around the world. With the continued growth of HSPA and the far-reaching aspects of this field, HSPA may be able to adapt some aspects of education for the development of non-English-speaking professionals.
The recognition of Sterile Processing professionals and their dedication to the field would give some needed encouragement to those with limited opportunities for advancement. There also lies an opportunity for HSPA to create a program that recognizes those who have fallen through the cracks but who have made the efforts to acquire the knowledge to become better professionals and help others in the field.
Describe any unique qualifications, such as leadership, life, and business expertise, that may set you apart from other candidates and position you to be an effective leader.
The dedication of my career to staying abreast of the latest developments in Sterile Processing has helped me help others. I have made it my duty to impart that knowledge on everyone I meet.
As a content creator developing my ability to network and develop meaningful relationships within the industry. I believe that I possess the ability to bring professionals together. As a manager who moved up through the ranks, I understand all levels of problem solving pertaining to this field and the adversity that we face on a daily basis.
Giving back to others is one of my major focuses. Being able to participate in two medical missions to the island of Jamaica, providing much needed medical support in the form of donations and gynecological procedures, helping women find relief from the ailments that they suffer from has been fulfilling to me and I will continue to do as much as I can to locally and overseas.
Growing up on the island of St. Lucia where resources were not plentiful helped teach me how to live in tough times and to always be thankful for what you have. With these humble beginnings I learned the lessons of working hard for what you want in life and that culture matters. My journey has been unconventionally different and has contributed to the unique perspective that I will bring to the board.
DAMON MILES, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER
Educator, Sterile Processing Department
Stanford Medicine Children's Hospital
Palo Alto, Calif.
HSPA Involvement
- Pacific West Sterile Processing Association Board Member
Why do you want to serve on the HSPA Board of Directors?
I would strive to make a positive impact in the healthcare community through HSPA as a servant leader, thinker, and educator.
How would you support the current mission and vision of HSPA?
As a professional development specialist with a passion for process improvement, I would use this opportunity with HSPA to elevate education. I would accomplish this through collaboration with other industry partners, in order to expand our reach in the perioperative community and elevate the standard of care for the patients we serve.
Describe the critical issues you think the Sterile Processing profession will face over your possible Board tenure. What is HSPA’s role in addressing these issues?
Our dynamic industry is always evolving. In the coming years there will continue to be advancements in the complexity of medical instruments, increased technical responsibilities of reprocessing personnel, and updates to stringent industry standards. As the leading certification organization, HSPA will use its platform to raise the knowledge base of its members through clear and prompt notifications and the development of continuing education.
Describe any unique qualifications, such as leadership, life, and business expertise, that may set you apart from other candidates and position you to be an effective leader.
Over the past year, I have created educational content on local and large scales as a Beyond Clean conference and podcast guest, participated in videos for The Process Media Group, and joined the Board of Directors of the Pacific West Sterile Processing Association. In addition, I’ve helped plan local educational conferences, and advised local Sterile Processing college programs on curriculum and keys to technician success.
As a leader at a top-10 children’s hospital, I have made positive changes to our program by developing new departmental competencies, procedures and policies, and initiating numerous process improvements. I stand for ethics and doing what is right for patient care, even if nobody is looking. I received a Stanford Medicine R.O.S.E. Award for stand-out service as well as the Dahlia Award for spearheading a process improvement project to reduce delayed reprocessing of flexible endoscopes.
How did I get to this point? For a very short time, I was a walk-on quarterback for my university’s football team. My sports journey didn’t last long, but to this day, I continue to bring the mindset of a walk-on quarterback to my professional career. I strive to remain coachable, to learn from mistakes, be a leader amongst my peers, and outwork my competition through perfect practice. My work history has provided experience in Pre-surgery, Surgery, and Post-surgery arenas, as well as the vendor side of healthcare. My peers describe me as well-rounded, sharp, professional, and personable.
Chief Sterile Processing Service
Portland Veterans Administration Hospital
Portland, OR
HSPA Involvement
- Cascade Chapter of HSPA Secretary (2016-2018)
- Advocacy Committee (2021–Current)
- Cascade Chapter of HSPA Board Member (2022)
- Cascade Chapter of HSPA Secretary (2023-Current)
Why do you want to serve on the HSPA Board of Directors?
To promote the Sterile Processing as a thriving profession. For many years, the field of Sterile Processing has not been as well-known as other Health Care professions or even that Sterile Processing existed. I challenge myself and every other Sterile Processing Professional to seize any opportunity to educate people about our profession. I see this as an incredible opportunity to further our profession and facilitate growth throughout HSPA. In addition, I would like to take this opportunity to learn more about our industry and to find ways to help other leaders and my colleagues in the field.
How would you support the current mission and vision of HSPA?
I would support HSPA’s mission and vision through commitment to communication, education and professionalism. In addition, I would support of the association’s advocacy initiatives and pursuit of excellence. Communication is an invaluable strength that is needed in the field of Sterile Processing. It is imperative to effectively relay changes and the essential information to staff to keep them informed. As a leader, one of the most important qualities is not just communicating but communicating effectively. Communication is one of my strengths, and I intend to use this skill to enhance the current state of the Board and help improve an any way possible. Education is another extremely important focus in Sterile Processing. As a changing and evolving profession, our processes, recommendations and standards are also changing and evolving and must be in lock step. As a leader in the field, it is my duty to stay current on trends and issues in the profession as well as educating staff on these and other issues. Professional development is key to this role and content prepares staff to be more effective which drive promotes patient safety, our goal. HSPA is all about education, and I would like to support this by assisting with new initiatives including educational articles and blogs that benefit all our members at every level.
It saddens me to observe the decline in professionalism in our field of Sterile Processing. We can impact this by representing our organization as Sterile Processing professionals in all aspects of our lives not only at work but also socially and at home. Our membership needs to be aware or reminded that this is a profession, and we need to promote it and make people aware of our essential role in healthcare. Leadership involves mentoring, and I have had some great mentors in my career. I hope to be able to give back to our membership by sharing thoughts and experiences that have helped me personally and professionally.
I am a huge proponent of advocacy in and for the Sterile Processing profession, and as such, my desire would be to continue my role on the HSPA Advocacy Committee, as I feel it is important to make our profession known and help move us along to required certification.
In conclusion, I would work to fulfill HSPA’s quest for excellence. In my years as a Sterile Processing professional, I have had the opportunity to participate on numerous teams in varying different capacities. Teamwork is an important element to achieving excellence as well as all the other mission points above. I would like to incorporate all these themes while working alongside the other HSPA board members.
Describe the critical issues you think the Sterile Processing profession will face over your possible Board tenure. What is HSPA’s role in addressing these issues?
The major issues plaguing Sterile Processing as of late is staffing. In my opinion, the decrease in the numbers of staffing is occurring for a wide variety of reasons including staff turnover, retirement, lack of compensation, and contract staff have all weakened the availability of qualified Sterile Processing technicians. HSPA, through its advocacy and education, can help provide resources and guidance for procuring staff, promoting our field of expertise, and sharing survey data that could be helpful for healthcare facilities to attract and retain qualified staff.
Describe any unique qualifications, such as leadership, life, and business expertise, that may set you apart from other candidates and position you to be an effective leader.
Throughout my years in healthcare, I have been given the opportunity to work in various healthcare roles. I have worked specifically in clinical settings, outpatient surgery centers and endoscopy, as well as operating rooms as a surgical technologist. I have also worked as a consultant and had the opportunity to help others in the field by providing audits and education for staff on areas where improvement was needed. As the Chief of SPS in a level 1A VA Medical Center, I have made it a point to promote our department and the importance of what we do. The various roles I held have afforded me the opportunity to come up with out-of-the-box solutions for issues within my facility as well as helping others throughout the Sterile Processing profession, whether that be when networking at HSPA national events or with our local chapter or any opportunity that may arise.
Sterile Processing Director
UF Health Shands
Gainesville, Fla.
HSPA Involvement
- Illinois and Eastern Missouri Central Service Organization – Vice President 2019, President-Elect 2020
Why do you want to serve on the HSPA Board of Directors?
By serving on the HSPA Board of Directors, I can be a voice for my team and ensure I am advocating for them. Our frontline technicians are the most important and valuable contributors in our organizations. I hope to inspire them and gain more knowledge and perspective so I can be the leader they need and deserve. Serving on the Board of Directors would truly be an honor and allow me to promote continuous education with a much wider reach. There is so much to learn in our industry and being able to work with fellow Sterile Processing professionals with equal drive and passion would be extremely rewarding.
How would you support the current mission and vision of HSPA?
The mission and vision of HSPA is to promote continuous education and provide professional development, and more importantly, to bring awareness to the profession as a whole. My advocating for the Sterile Processing profession can be seen through my commitment to my team members and my active contribution across various social media platforms. I’m committed to supporting education through my participation as a learner during local and national events and volunteering to present on topics I am passionate about. The HSPA mission is accomplished through collaborative relationships. I have been fortunate enough over the past two decades to meet and connect with various like-minded individuals who are equally passionate about Sterile Processing. I believe my work experience and current professional networks make me uniquely qualified to further HSPA’s relationships with allied partners and associates. By bringing awareness to the profession and supporting continuous education, patient experiences and outcomes improve.
Describe the critical issues you think the Sterile Processing profession will face over your possible Board tenure. What is HSPA’s role in addressing these issues?
Employee burnout and turnover continues to be a challenge most departments face. HSPA plays a role in addressing this issue through its advocacy initiatives for public policy changes and by providing professional development opportunities. Policy changes help raise the level of expertise and overall awareness of the profession on a state and national level. Professional development opportunities through HSPA may be the only resource available to some members. By encouraging members to learn more and work on their personal development, HSPA will help advance the future leaders of our profession. Understanding and implementing best practice guidelines, such as ANSI/AAMI ST91, will be a challenge for some organizations because some of the changes require large capital investments and increased operational spending. HSPA plays a role in addressing this issue by providing education about the changes and how it promotes patient safety. This may also require working with our collaborative allied partners on education materials and support.
Describe any unique qualifications, such as leadership, life, and business expertise, that may set you apart from other candidates and position you to be an effective leader.
My various roles held within the Sterile Processing department make me uniquely qualified to serve on the Board of Directors. I have firsthand leadership experience and gained perspective on what the challenges and needs are at every staffing level. I’ve also had the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings (academic and community-based hospitals). HSPA members are very diverse and require the support of HSPA Board members who can relate to or understand them.
System Educator
UPMC
Pittsburgh, Pa.
HSPA Involvement
- Western Pennsylvania President (2016–Present)
- HSPA Nominating Committee member (2020–2021)
Why do you want to serve on the HSPA Board of Directors?
I was previously nominated for the HSPA Board of Directors and had kindly declined in each situation. At the time, I didn't feel like I was ready for the role and wasn't confident that I could do it justice. However, I would like to discuss the beginning of my Sterile Processing journey, which led to this place. In 2009, I held a job as a video editor, using my hard-earned college degree. Abruptly, my position was eliminated, and I found myself looking for what was next. On a whim, I found a job listing for a Sterile Processing technician at one of our UPMC hospitals. To be honest, I didn't know anything about the field but knew I needed a job to provide my family with an income and benefits. I jumped into a completely different field with no prior knowledge of the profession or what I would need to do on a daily basis. I spent a couple of years at this position before transferring to a new hospital—a children’s hospital. It was here, with this patient population, that I began to understand the importance of all that Sterile Processing encompasses. I was promoted to a lead position, then to a supervisor role, and then to a manager position. I truly fell in love with this profession. I obtained my certifications and made connections across the field, state and country to ensure I was up to date with new processes and new equipment. In 2021, I had the opportunity to become an educator for our largest hospital in the UPMC system, where I trained and educated new hires about Sterile Processing. I knew there needed to be a greater focus on the training and onboarding process for new hires in this field. I needed to be the change and was given the opportunity to do so. In 2022, I started my own teaching program through UPMC to educate, train and prepare all Sterile Processing employees to sit for their required certification exam. Over the year, I created a slogan, “Saving lives one tray at a time.” Unlike many other medical fields, Sterile Processing tends to fly under the radar, with few people familiar with the field and what it entails. I view this as a personal mission to advocate for the field and the importance of our work. I feel that being on the HSPA Board of Directors will help me achieve this mission.
How would you support the current mission and vision of HSPA?
The mission statement is easy to understand and support. I live this daily, educating new hires and ensuring that 30-plus locations are compliant on standard operating procedures (SOPs). In addition, I ensure that the SOPs are current with the latest standards.
Describe the critical issues you think the Sterile Processing profession will face over your possible Board tenure. What is HSPA’s role in addressing these issues?
The biggest issue is the lack of publicity for our profession. The healthcare industry is always there when someone needs it. We never close our doors, and we never turn patients away. Shining a light on Sterile Processing and the critical role it plays in healthcare is essential. With the massive job openings across our profession, I’m hoping we can create a positive and creative approach to supporting our profession and being in the news for the right reasons.
Describe any unique qualifications, such as leadership, life, and business expertise, that may set you apart from other candidates and position you to be an effective leader.
I have worked in every role in the Sterile Processing profession, from a technician to a manager and now as an educator, and across all types of hospitals (pediatrics, trauma, and surgical). I have spent the past seven years training new hires on proper procedure and technique. In my current role, I am the system educator for our 30-plus hospitals. I have created an in-depth, on-the-job training program that allows new hires to learn the didactic portion of Sterile Processing, while pairing their learning with hands-on training on the material they are learning in the didactic courses. This program helps them study and get through the CRCST manual for certification. Within eight to 12 weeks, they complete the course with the necessary knowledge to pass their HSPA exam, and this begins within three to four months of their start date. This ensures that employees have the skills and knowledge needed to meet the 18-month certification requirement set forth by Pennsylvania, while positioning them to advance in our service line career ladder. I also work closely with vendors for education and learning opportunities to ensure staff are provided with ongoing education and information about technological advancements in the profession. Additionally, I serve on advisory boards for Beyond Clean and Key Surgical and actively participate in several AAMI working groups.