LavigneAnn Kirkpatrick, RN, Manager of External Affairs at Avow Hospice, was recently elected Vice Chair of the Board of Nursing for the state of Florida. Mrs. Kirkpatrick’s term will run until Oct. 31, 2014.

Kirkpatrick, a registered nurse for 28 years, joined the Avow Hospice staff in 2004. Kirkpatrick is  a member of Board of Collier Senior Resources, and is a member on the Advisory Boards for I-tech and Lorenzo Walker Health Services. She is founder and board of director member of Coalition for Open Economic Development, President of Character Council of Collier County and the 2010 & 2011 chair of East Collier Relay for Life.

Lavigne is a member of the  Leadership Collier 2010 Class, East Naples Civic Association, Collier County League of Women Voters, 20th Circuit Court Examining Committee and is a Republican State Committeewoman forCollierCounty. Previously, she was a licensed Assisted Living Administrator and has been certified  in long-term care and gerontological nursing.

According to the Florida Department of Health website: “The Florida Board of Nursing is made up of 13 members: seven Registered Nurses; three Licensed Practical Nurses; three consumer members who have never been connected with the practice of nursing. All Board members must beFloridaresidents and one must be at least 60 years old.”  Mrs. Kirkpatrick is the only member representingSW Floridaarea.