Cynthia Vlasich is the Director of Global Initiatives at the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (Sigma).
In this role Cynthia expands Sigma’s reach and reputation globally through relationships with global healthcare organizations, developing global healthcare leaders, creating global healthcare programs, and speaking on behalf of STTI to audiences around the world.
While directing the Education and Leadership departments at Sigma, she advanced the International Leadership Institute, established the Center for Excellence in Nursing Education, and doubled annual book publications. She also supported the transformation of an online abstract library into a global nursing e-repository. She was promoted to lead Global Initiatives for the organization in 2014.
Prior to coming to Sigma Cynthia was a Vice President of Gannett Healthcare Group, where she led the recognition of nurse leaders throughout the central and eastern United States.
Cynthia has extensive and diverse leadership experience, having been the Chief Nurse of the American Red Cross during which time she also chaired the Global Advisory Group for Nursing under the aegis of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva. She has chaired the United States Federal Nursing Chiefs Council, and coordinated nursing involvement for various disaster relief missions.
Cynthia has been recognized as one of 18 national nurse leaders for exemplary leadership and professional achievement at the highest levels of the United States Congress, Executive Branch; awarded the United States Public Health Service Chief Nurse Medal, and received the Distinguished Alumnus, Humanitarian Service Award, Minnesota State University – Mankato.