2026 AHVAP Certification Center Board of Directors

Chairperson:

Karen Niven, MS, BSN, RN, CVAHP, FACHDM, FNAP, FAHVAP

As Premier’s Senior Director, Clinical Value Analysis leads and facilitates the Value Analysis Committee and the clinical process within the Performance Groups and Premier’s committed programs. As a clinical expert she uses her understanding and medical expertise to analyze current and future market technology trends while prioritizing customer needs. In addition Karen’s responsibilities also include assisting the clinical work groups for all Performance Groups as well as working with members and suppliers to identify and develop strategies to introduce new technology and improve product utilization.

Prior to joining Premier, Karen has more than 33 years of nursing experience in the Perianesthesia and Surgical Services.  Her management duties included capital equipment acquisitions, total joint implant management, physician preference product ordering, daily oversight of the Department of Anesthesia, and responsibility for over 50 OR’s 12 Endoscopy procedure rooms and all Pre-op and Post-op departments.  

Past Chair:

Toni Young, MSN, RN, CVAHP
 

Treasurer:


Joanna Williams, MSN, RN, CPHQ, ACM-RN, CCM, CVAHP, LSSGB, FACHDM, FAHVAP


 
Secretary:



Kristine Steely, BS, CVAHP


 
Public Member: 

Kyle Atkins, EdS, NRP, FACHDM
 

Director at Large: 



Jillian Jalbert, JD, BS, RN, CVAHP, ESQ
 

Director at Large:



Sarah Hobbs, MSN, RN, CCRN, CVAHP, LSSGB
 

Director at Large:

Andy Preising, MSOL, CVHAP, CMRP, FAHVAP

Ex-Officio-Chief Certification Officer:

Dr. J. Hudson Garrett Jr., Ph.D., MSN, MPH, MBA, FNP-BC, IP-BC, PLNC, VA-BC, BC-MSLcert™, MSL-BC, CPHRM, CPPS, CPHQ, CVAHP ,CMRP, CPXP, CDIPC, CIC, LTC-CIP, ICE-CCP, FACDONA, FAAPM, FNAP, FACHE, FSHEA, FIDSA, FAHVAP

Dr. Garrett holds the prestigious Institute of Credentialing Excellence Certified Credentialing Professional designation and is a graduate of the Credentialing Professional Certificate Program. Dr. Garrett is an active member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence.