Your Manatee Area Council Announces New Leadership

The Manatee Area Council for Advanced Nursing Practice which began in 2010 under the direction of Claudia Ramey, President,  Janet DuBois Treasurer and Carol Lewis, Member at Large in Bradenton who have served our local NPs for many years. We’d like to stop and thank Dr. DuBois, the 2025 President and the Executive Board of Directors for 2025:

Janet DuBois, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, FAANP, President
Carol Lewis, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, Vice President
Denise Elswick, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, Treasurer
Lura Springfels, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, Secretary
Susan Urutia , MSN, ARNP, Member at Large

These loyal members maintained this group for several years, keeping the local NPs apprised of legislative  bills, state and national issues, and giving back to the community while supporting future NPs.  Appreciation also goes to include the many loyal Manatee County long time members who built this professional network for our county for the past 15 years. Due to retirement, health changes and relocation, our leadership opportunities opened up as we redirect our mission to once again be the leader in Manatee County, a place where we practice, care of others, and help our families, 

When Janet Dubois retired in 2025, two long time leaders in our local area have stepped up to continue this great group that our pioneers started. They include Deb Frederick, Denise Elswick, and many others. Dr. Nicki Derrick, DNP, APRN a leader at Optum Care Medical Group and whom resides in Palmetto and Dr.Cindy Drew, DNP, FNP in Adult Gero and Cardiovascular from Ellenton, will take the helm to steer Manatee NPs to build a strong professional network. FNPN as since the start, is helping to support our efforts. Thanks to Cindy and Nicki for leading this effort. 

The New 2025 Team will kick off a welcome gathering on November 8th at “The Grove" at LWR, FLorida.  Please sign up for this event and let's get ready for NP week together! Check Sarasota and this website Announcements.

A major change is we would like to have all rejoin at no cost for now! Let's get our local needs identified, build our network and decide what our NP community wishes to accomplish now. We have legislative issues, practice issues, helping those in need in our community, and helping students find practice sites. What is your passion?  Rejoin  our Mantee group today at no cost and recommit to Manatee Area Council for ANPs. 

Manatee NPs numbers  have really expanded since we first started and we hope to encourage all to get to know each other and network. This is how we build our nursing profession. Lets do this at our kickoff gathering on November 8th, 2025  at The Grove! see Annoucements to register as a Manatee Council Member on theSarasota NP website.