PITMAN, NJ — The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) is excited to announce George Peraza-Smith, DNP, A-GNP-C, GNP-BC, GS-C, CNE, FAANP, as the organization’s new president. With more than 25 years of experience as a gerontological nurse practitioner and a long-standing dedication to the care of older adults, Peraza-Smith will lead GAPNA into its next chapter of growth and advocacy for advanced practice nursing.
Peraza-Smith has an impressive career in both practice and academia. He is currently a professor and program dean for DNP, A-GPCNP, graduate specialties, and RN to BSN programs at West Coast University, where he supervises nursing faculty and manages the instructional and administrative needs of post-licensure nursing programs. His educational accomplishments include earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a focus on nursing education from Case Western Reserve University, post-graduate certifications in gerontological nursing from the University of South Florida, and adult nurse practitioner certifications from Brandman University.
Peraza-Smith is no stranger to GAPNA leadership. He has previously served as Treasurer from 2013 to 2015 and, most recently, as the Immediate Past President of the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission. He remains a dedicated advocate for gerontological nursing, serving as a Member-at-Large Trustee as well as being an active participant in several key GAPNA committees, including the Geropsych SIG, the Education Committee, and the Awards Committee.
Peraza-Smith has been a member of the Florida and Florida Gulf Coast GAPNA Chapters and currently serves as President for the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. He also represented GAPNA on the task force for the 2nd Edition of the Gerontological Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, participated in the roundtable and author group for the consensus statements for advanced gerontological nursing practice, and co-authored the GAPNA position statement for supporting evidence for geropsychiatric nursing as a subspecialty of gerontological advanced practice nursing.
In his role as President, Peraza-Smith aims to grow GAPNA’s membership and expand its influence in health care decision-making circles. “I am dedicated to our GAPNA mission to promote excellence in advanced practice nursing for the well-being of older adults,” said Peraza-Smith. “As president, I will continue to grow our organization's identity in health care circles to ensure we are participating members at the decision tables and promote our members’ activities that influence the care of older adults.”
He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and inclusiveness as part of his leadership style, promising to be “honest, respectful, transparent, and accountable” to the GAPNA membership.
About GAPNA
The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) is the premier professional organization that represents the interests of advanced practice nurses, other clinicians, educators, and researchers involved in the practice or advancement of caring for older adults.