In Memory of Sherrie Dornberger RN, CDP, CADDCT, GDCN, IP-BC, AS-BC, CALN, EFLA, CDONA, FACDONA
NADONA Executive Director and Editor-In-Chief, The Director
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Sherrie Dornberger, Executive Director of the National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration (NADONA) on Wednesday, May 15 She was a tremendous advocate for directors of nursing and quality care in PALTC across the country. Sherrie’s passion was long-term care and assisting those Nurse Leaders in Long-Term and Post-Acute Care.She began her LTC career at the age of 17 while attending nursing school, as a Nurse’s Aide.
Sherrie was a founding member of NADONA and a guiding light for so many nurses in long-term care. She served as President of the NADONA board before becoming the Executive Director of NADONA.
Nursing and nurse education was her calling, and her passion was seen and felt at every NADONA National Conference. Sherrie loved providing a forum for learning, networking, and comradery and her dedication will be sorely missed. She served in positions from CNA to DON and has been involved in the long-term care profession for over 40 years. She was an author as well as an editor of the award-winning, peer reviewed journal, The Director. It was her passion and commitment to learning that ignited NADONA to offer certifications in Nurse Leadership, Infection Prevention, Antibiotic Stewardship, QAPI , LPN and Assisted Living.
Sherrie earned many awards and accolades over the 30 + years she was involved with NADONA. Of these she was most proud of serving on the President’s Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB), a four-and-a-half-year term until June of 2019 to which she was appointed by President Obama. She was the only nurse to serve on this council.
Finally, we recognize that for many, this is a time for reflection and mourning. We also recognize that the best way to honor Sherrie and her never ending commitment to NADONA , our members and our other strategic partners is to continue to work toward the goals she established as our Executive Director. In order to do so, the NADONA board has appointed Cindy Fronning as the acting executive director.