2026 TxANA Board Elections

Candidate Office

President-Elect

Candidate for President-Elect

Jennifer Andersen

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Name

Jennifer Andersen

TxANA Offices Held

TXANA Interim Federal Political Director (2015–2020), TXANA Federal Political Director (2022–Present), Board Director (2023–2025), Vice President (2025–Present)

TxANA Committee Chair Positions Held

Co-Chair, Public Relations Committee (2024–Present); Chair, Education Committee (2025–Present)

TxANA Committee Positions Held

Government Relations Committee (2015–Present), Public Relations Committee (2023–Present), Education Committee (2025)

Employment Type

Collaborative Practice, Independent Practice

Awards and Honors

AANA FPD of the Year (2025)

Education

Wolford College – MSNA (2011); Currently enrolled in Missouri State University DNAP Program

Other

Personal Statement

My name is Jenni Andersen, and I am seeking the office of President-Elect. I respectfully ask for your vote as we continue advancing and protecting the practice of nurse anesthesia in Texas.

Since serving as Interim Federal Political Director (FPD) in 2015 and accepting the permanent position in 2022, I have worked diligently to advance CRNA federal legislation and secure Title VIII funding. This year, I was honored to receive the AANA FPD of the Year Award in recognition of these efforts. Over the past three years, I have also had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors, first as a Director and now as Vice President.

As FPD, one of my primary goals has been to build a strong statewide advocacy infrastructure by designing, implementing, and securing District Coordinators—key contact CRNAs—in every legislative district across Texas. I firmly believe that progress requires action. By developing long-term relationships with legislators and strengthening our grassroots efforts, we can continue to challenge restrictive practices and reimbursement barriers that impact our profession.

For far too long, outside groups have attempted to limit CRNA practice and promote alternative provider models to dominate the market. I believe it is time for CRNAs to control the narrative moving forward.

The only way to move the needle is to elevate our advocacy efforts and amplify the truth about our profession. We must continue telling our story—our safety, outcomes, expertise, and critical role in patient care—to ensure our practice remains unrestricted and protected. We cannot allow misinformation or self-imposed limitations to define what CRNAs do every day.

I am committed to building and mobilizing a strong CRNA advocacy network—our “CRNA Army”—to increase engagement, educate policymakers, and highlight the essential contributions CRNAs make to safe, high-quality patient care across Texas.

I am Jenni Andersen, and I would be honored to serve as your President-Elect. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote.

Candidate Office

Vice President

Candidate for Vice President

Brian Cornelius, DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C, FAANA

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Name

Brian Cornelius, DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C, FAANA

TxANA Offices Held

Board Director (2024–2026)

TxANA Committee Chair Positions Held

Chair, Regional Outreach Committee (2024–2026); Co-Chair, Education Committee (2026)

TxANA Committee Positions Held

Education Committee (2020–2026)

Employment Type

Associate Professor and Director of Simulation, Texas Wesleyan University; CRNA, John Peter Smith Hospital (Collaborative Practice)

Awards and Honors

Earl Brown Distinguished Faculty Award Nominee (2023, 2024); Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (2023); Johnson County Deputy of the Year (2023)

Education

University of South Florida – Pain Management Fellowship (2024); University of Alabama – Doctor of Nursing Practice (2017); Florida International University – Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Anesthesia (2012), Class President; University of Texas at El Paso – Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Cum Laude (2009); Excelsior College – Associate Degree in Nursing (2006)

Other

Personal Statement

As a CRNA, educator, and leader in simulation-based training, I am committed to advancing the profession of nurse anesthesia across Texas through advocacy, education, and strategic growth. My platform focuses on three priorities: strengthening our voice, supporting our members, and preparing the next generation of CRNAs.

First, I will work to expand TxANA’s legislative impact, ensuring CRNAs practice to the full extent of their education and training. Protecting scope of practice and promoting autonomous, high-quality care is essential to meeting the growing healthcare needs of Texas.

Second, I will prioritize member engagement and professional development. This includes expanding access to high-quality continuing education, simulation-based training opportunities, and regional outreach that connects CRNAs across urban and rural settings. A strong, unified membership is critical to sustaining our influence.

Finally, I am dedicated to building the pipeline of future CRNAs through mentorship, outreach to nursing programs, and support for students and residents. Investing in education and leadership development ensures the long-term strength of our profession.

During my service on the Board of the Texas Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (TxANA), I developed and implemented statewide CRNA Connect events as a key avenue for outreach, mentorship, and professional engagement while actively supporting TxANA’s legislative priorities through direct testimony and policymaker engagement.

With experience in clinical practice, academia, and leadership, I bring a practical and forward-thinking approach. As Vice President, I will work collaboratively to move TxANA forward and ensure CRNAs in Texas remain leaders in patient care, education, and advocacy.

Candidate for Vice President

Masson D. Farmer, DNP, CRNA, FASPM

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Name

Masson D. Farmer, DNP, CRNA, FASPM

TxANA Offices Held

Director (2017–2021)

TxANA Committee Chair Positions Held

Chair, Practice Committee (2013–2017); Co-Chair, Practice Committee (2017–2021)

TxANA Committee Positions Held

TxANA PAC Board of Directors (2015–2021), Nominations Committee Secretary (2014), Pain Management Ad Hoc Committee Member (2014), Government Relations Committee Member (2012–2013), Education Committee Student Representative (2010–2011)

Employment Type

Clinical – Independent contractor providing long-term locums and vacation coverage for CRNA practices, hospitals, and surgery centers; consultant for regional anesthesia training and program startup; PRN high-risk OB, 24-hour in-house coverage. Education – Instructor and Lead Instructor, Maverick Medical Education; Adjunct Faculty, Middle Tennessee School of Nurse Anesthesia Acute Surgical Pain Management Fellowship.

Awards and Honors

Education

Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia Acute Surgical Pain Management Fellowship (2018); Texas Christian University – Doctor of Nursing Practice Anesthesia (2011); Texas Christian University – Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (2011)

Other

Personal Statement

My goal is to improve practice and steward the regulatory environment for the benefit of individual CRNAs within Texas. I believe that the stronger the position of individual CRNAs are within the state, the better the profession as a whole will be.

While it is important to represent the practice of all CRNAs in Texas, the bannermen of the profession have historically been independently practicing, full-scope CRNAs. Understanding and experience practicing independently is vital to represent CRNAs’ interests to stakeholders with the goal of expanded scope of practice.

I have a track record of representing CRNAs within Texas as a Director, including during the early disruptions of Covid. I led efforts to resist pressures to utilize CRNAs in more expedient roles as ICU RNs during the period of elective surgery cessation, instead of utilizing them in their full-scope roles as was so desperately needed in many rural areas.

I understand Texas CRNA practice well and have a good working knowledge earned through years of volunteer service on the Practice Committee and through past work with the TxANA counsel and the Board on regulatory matters within the state.

I ask for your vote so that I can work with the TxANA President and Board to move our profession forward and improve the outdated and inaccurate regulatory environment to more closely mirror the current practice realities within Texas.

Candidate Office

Director

Candidate for Director

Keith Lathrop, DNP, CRNA

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Name

Keith Lathrop, DNP, CRNA

TxANA Offices Held

TxANA Committee Chair Positions Held

TxANA Committee Positions Held

Employment Type

Military, Educator, Independent Practice

Awards and Honors

Post-Doctoral Pain Fellowship

Education

US Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing; Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia Acute Surgical Pain Management Fellowship

Other

Personal Statement

My career has been committed to staunch advocacy of patient safety, education, and independent practice. With a wide range of experience in military and civilian settings, I admire what CRNAs accomplish every day to ensure the highest level of anesthetic care throughout the state.

As a military-trained CRNA with proven skills as a leader, a clinician, and an educator, I commit to strengthen the profession and enhance and expand CRNA training programs. I believe in the power of our collective voices and welcome the opportunity to develop the next generation of leaders, ensure access to care, and strengthen TxANA.

Candidate for Director

Christopher J. Mazza, DNAP, CRNA, EBP-CH, MAJOR, US Army Nurse Corps (Ret.)

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Name

Christopher J. Mazza, DNAP, CRNA, EBP-CH, MAJOR, US Army Nurse Corps (Ret.)

TxANA Offices Held

TxANA Committee Chair Positions Held

TxANA Committee Positions Held

Employment Type

Department of Veterans Affairs, Michael E. DeBakey VA Hospital

Awards and Honors

Ohio State University Helene Fuld Evidence-Based Practice Certification in Nursing

Education

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP); Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA); Evidence-Based Practice Certification (EBP-CH)

Other

Personal Statement

As a Regional Director, I would apply my 26 years of knowledge and experience to fulfill the requirements of this position and help advance our profession by leading from the front and setting a standard of excellence that future candidates can strive to follow.

Candidate for Director

Bryon Turner, MSNA, CRNA

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Name

Bryon Turner, MSNA, CRNA

TxANA Offices Held

TxANA Committee Chair Positions Held

TxANA Committee Positions Held

Employment Type

Hospital-based hybrid Independent/ACT practice; Clinical Coordinator; Adjunct Faculty

Awards and Honors

Class President, TCU School of Nurse Anesthesia (2004–2006); Best of Hays Anesthesia Provider (2-time recipient)

Education

Texas Tech University – BSN (2003); Texas Christian University – MSNA (2006); Current DNP Student, University of Texas at Arlington (Class of 2028)

Other

Personal Statement

I have reached a point in my career that affords me the time to dedicate to advocacy for our profession. I plan to enter academia soon and want to be an example for my students while providing them with the most current legislative information affecting nurse anesthesia practice.

Candidate for Director

Brian Walford, MSNA, CRNA

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Name

Brian Walford, MSNA, CRNA

TxANA Offices Held

None

TxANA Committee Chair Positions Held

None

TxANA Committee Positions Held

District Coordinator Team Lead (2026), Public Relations Committee (2025–Present)

Employment Type

Independent Practice; Co-owner of an all-CRNA group serving multiple community hospitals and an ambulatory surgery center; Co-Clinical Coordinator, UTHealth Houston (Cuero location); Founder/Operator of two HOPD NSPM clinics

Awards and Honors

Distinguished Graduating Senior, University of Mary (2001); ASVAB Scholastic Achievement Award (1997)

Education

Texas Wesleyan University – Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (2004); University of Mary – Bachelor of Arts in Nursing (2001)

Other

Personal Statement

As a candidate for Director, my commitment is to ensure that every CRNA across Texas has a strong, effective voice within TxANA. Drawing on over 20 years of diverse anesthesia experience, I possess a firsthand understanding of the challenges we face—from scope of practice issues to clinical autonomy. As an independent practitioner and business owner in the Crossroads of South Texas, I will advocate for the resources and legislative support necessary to empower all Texas CRNAs to thrive. Together, we will protect our profession and the vital care we provide to our communities.

Candidate Office

Rural Director

Candidate for Rural Director

Brian Haschke, DNP, CRNA

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Name

Brian Haschke, DNP, CRNA

TxANA Offices Held

TxANA Committee Chair Positions Held

TxANA Committee Positions Held

Employment Type

Rural independent practice model in community hospital and ambulatory surgery center (May 2022–Present); Urban team anesthesia practice, including upper management, in tertiary care, community hospitals, and ASCs (January 2006–May 2022)

Awards and Honors

Outstanding Graduate Trauma Nurse Anesthetist, Baylor College of Medicine (2005)

Education

Baylor College of Medicine Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia – Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia, Cum Laude (2005); The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing – Doctor of Nursing Practice (2019)

Other

Personal Statement

Thank you for supporting me as your representative.

Candidate for Rural Director

Micah Walden, DNAP, CRNA

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Name

Micah Walden, DNAP, CRNA

TxANA Offices Held

None

TxANA Committee Chair Positions Held

None

TxANA Committee Positions Held

TxANA Key Contact for Texas Legislature (2025–Present), Bylaws and Resolutions Committee (2023–Present), Finance Committee (2023–Present), Diversity and Inclusion Committee (2023–Present), Texas Nurses Association Policy Council (2023–Present), Public Relations Committee (2022–Present), Education Committee (2022–2023), AANA Practice Committee (2023–2024)

Employment Type

W-2 PRN at a small hospital with an independent practice model (primary work site); 1099 PRN at an independent practice Critical Access Hospital; 1099 PRN at rural and suburban hospitals utilizing an ACT model

Awards and Honors

None listed

Education

Missouri State University – Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (2023); Texas Wesleyan University – Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (2020)

Other

Personal Statement

I am a CRNA dedicated to serving rural communities and improving access to safe, high-quality anesthesia care for underserved populations across Texas. I am passionate about advocating for the CRNA profession and supporting the continued advancement of nurse anesthesia practice. As a candidate for the board of the Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists, I look forward to supporting TxANA’s advocacy efforts, promoting professional excellence, and helping strengthen the future of anesthesia care for both providers and patients throughout Texas.