Board of Directors (Three to be Elected)

Read Candidate Q&A

Debra C. Callender, DNP, RN, CNOR, CSSM, is the administrative director of Surgical & Orthopedic Services, AdventHealth, Sebring, Florida. She earned an associate degree in nursing from Medgar Evers College, City University of New York, Brooklyn; a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing, St Louis, Missouri; and a Master of Science in nursing education and Doctor of Nursing practice from Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Callender has been a perioperative nurse for 17 years and a member of AORN for 17 years. She is a member of

• AORN of Central Florida (2019-present),
• the Leadership Specialty Assembly (2014-present),
• the Sterile Processing/Supply Chain Management Specialty Assembly (2014-present), and
• the Ambulatory Surgery Specialty Assembly (2017-present).

She has been a member of

• the Clinical Nurse Educator Specialty Assembly (2014-2016).

Callender has attended Congress nine times in the past 10 years, two times as a delegate.

Highlights of Callender’s service to AORN include that she is

• president of AORN of Central Florida (2019-present);
• team lead for the Continuing Education Approval Committee (2023-present); and
• a Periop 101 administrator at AdventHealth, Sebring, Florida (2017-present).

She has been           

• a member of the Continuing Education Approval Committee (2022-2023) and
• a Periop 101 administrator at University Hospital, New Jersey (2014-2016).

In other leadership roles, Callender is

• chair of the Orthopedic Steering Committee at AdventHealth, Sebring, Florida (2018-present);
• an educator and mentor for first- and second-year medical students in the surgical environment at AdventHealth, Sebring, Florida (2018-present);
• an educator and clinical advisor for surgical technologist program at South Florida State College (2021-present); and
• a clinical advisor for surgical technologist program at Southern Technical College, Port Charlotte, Florida (2023-present).

She has been

• chair of the Robotic Certification Steering Committee at AdventHealth, Sebring, Florida (2019-2022); and
• an educator for nurse leaders, nurse residents, and novice nurses at AdventHealth, Sebring, Florida (2017-2022).

In her community, Callender is

• a team leader for New Testament Church and Mission House, Highlands County, Florida (2020-present); and
• a leader and donor for OR-Nurses & Techs Adopt-a-Family AH-Highlands County, Florida (2021-present).

She has been

• a team lead for the Multiple Sclerosis Stride for Life, Avon Park, Florida (2020); and
• a team lead for Adopt-a-Family, Highlands County, Florida (2019-2020).

Election Statement

AORN’s vision, mission, values, commitment to excellence, safe practice and lifelong learning are the foundation of our association. Perioperative nurses are patients’ advocate during their most unguarded moment(s).

As we encounter challenges in our practice, we must remain focused and true to our commitment by providing excellent care. AORN leaders represent us at local, state, national, and legislative levels to overcome challenges that impact our practice.

Attention to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is at the forefront of care, and may be challenging. AORN’s commitment to DEI is unwavering and we must support the principles to reduce disparities in health care. We also, must be receptive to differences and remain focused on our calling, remain stronger, and grow together.

As an AORN member my goal is to contribute to my organization’s growth, represent our perioperative community with honor and encourage nurses to join perioperative nursing practice. As an AORN, member, a perioperative leader/nurse, with years of experience, I am focused on influencing others to become lifelong learners and members of our prestigious organization.

As the president of AORN of Central Florida Chapter #1024 and currently serving on AORN’s Continuing Education Approval Committee (CEAC), I am passionate about representing you on the Board of Directors. I will uphold the goals, mission and vision of our prestigious association, by supporting our organization and members. I would be honored to serve and ask you to consider me when you vote. Thank you for your commitment to AORN and perioperative practice.