DENVER, COLO. (July 30, 2020) — Nurse-Family Partnership®, a national program serving first-time moms and their children living in poverty, announces the appointment of three new members to the Nurse-Family Partnership Board of Directors: Dr. Bobbie Berkowitz, the dean emerita of the School of Nursing at Columbia University; Dr. Marion E. Broome, dean of the Duke University School of Nursing, vice chancellor of nursing affairs and associate vice president for nursing at Duke University Health System; and David Kass, vice president for government affairs & strategic communications at the Council on Foundations.
Berkowitz, who lives in Seattle, served on a board of advisors to NFP founder Dr. David Olds in the very early days of the organization. In that role, she helped assess the potential impact of the program in a public health context. Among her accomplishments, Berkowitz worked in public health at the county and state level in Washington, including serving as chief of nursing services for the Seattle-King County Department of Public Health and as deputy secretary of the Washington State Department of Health, before joining University of Washington to lead an initiative funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation aimed at strengthening the public health system. Berkowitz also held academic appointments at the University of Washington School of Nursing’s Pscyhosocial & Community Health Department and at Columbia University’s School of Nursing.
“Dr. Berkowitz first encountered Nurse-Family Partnership early in her career. Now, the organization will benefit from her extensive experience,” said Christian L. Soura, chair of the NFP board of directors. “It is rare to find someone with such broad, hands-on expertise in public health and public policy. I’m confident Dr. Berkowitz will contribute greatly to the board’s Nursing and Healthcare Committee.”
Broome is a nationally recognized academic leader, healthcare executive and researcher who has authored papers and books on a range of topics, including pediatric pain, children’s engagement in research, research ethics and nursing leadership. As dean of the Duke University School of Nursing, Broome has led strategic investments in a Center for Community Health Improvement focused on improving population health in Durham, North Carolina. From her role as a head nurse and captain in the United States Army to academic appointments at University of Alabama at Birmingham, Indiana University and Duke University, Broome has been a steadfast champion of the nursing profession.
“Dr. Broome brings to NFP a deep commitment to the nursing profession, fundraising success and extensive experience in research related to children’s healthcare issues. Marion is a nurse at heart and advocates for nurses and nursing students, understanding that advances in healthcare are only possible when we invest in our nurses,” said Soura.
The Children’s Defense Fund, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Council for a Strong America are among the organizations that have benefitted from Kass’ dedication to helping disadvantaged children. While at the Council, Kass was instrumental in proposing and advocating for the standards that led to the passage of the legislation that created the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program, which provides federal funding to Nurse-Family Partnership and other home visiting programs. Kass currently serves as vice president for government affairs & strategic communications at the Council of Foundations, where he is leading a re-branding effort and working with foundations nationwide on improved advocacy and philanthropic policy.
“In addition to providing one-to-one nursing care for new moms, NFP also plays a vital role in advocating for resources for vulnerable families. David brings to his role as a board member expertise in public policy and advocacy and deep knowledge of philanthropy and non-profit governance,” said Soura. “I am looking forward to working with David and having his perspective on the board’s Public Policy and Advancement Committees.”
Nurse-Family Partnership’s National Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated professionals from across the country who volunteer their time and skills to the program to help first-time parents succeed and expand the program’s services to more low-income families. The directors provide governance, stewardship and leadership to help NFP advance its mission.