Austin, TX (May 12, 2021) - The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) announced today that Kevin Letz, DNP, MBA, CNE, CEN, FNP-C, ANP-BC, PCPNP-BC, FAANP is the in-coming Director of Certification.

Prior to accepting the Director position with AANPCB, Dr. Letz was an associate professor at Chamberlain College of Nursing where he held the positions of Director and Dean of NP Education. His current NP practice is virtual urgent care with AmWell Medical Group. Dr. Letz brings a diverse background in education, practice, and executive leadership. He has practiced as an NP for over 20 years mostly in the areas of emergency medicine and allergy, asthma, and immunology. Dr. Letz has published several books and numerous articles along with presenting nationally on both clinical and leadership topics. Additionally, he has founded several NP operated businesses and non-profit companies.

Dr. Letz received his DNP from Rush University (2001), MSN from University of St. Francis (1999), BSN from Purdue University (1997), and MBA from Keller (2012). He is a fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and member of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, the American Organization of Nurse Leaders, and National League for Nursing.

Kevin will succeed Diane Tyler, PhD, APRN, CAE, FNP, FAAN, FAANP, who will become the Chief Executive Officer for AANPCB on July 1, 2021 after Rick Meadows, MS, RN, ANP-C, FAANP retires at the end of June. The AANPCB Director oversees the certification staff, programs, and activities at the Certification Board office located in Austin, TX. Dr. Tyler has served in the Director role for eight years. Significant growth has occurred in certification activities in recent years with over 164,000 NPs currently certified by AANPCB.

AANPCB is a non-profit certifying body whose purpose is to provide a valid and reliable program for the evaluation of individuals wishing to enter, continue, and/or advance in the NP profession through the certification process. AANPCB national certification examinations are competency-based examinations for nurse practitioners to reflect their knowledge and expertise in the role and population area of education. AANPCB currently offers the Family NP and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP examinations, which are entry-level certifications, and the Emergency NP examination, which is a specialty certification for certified FNPs with expertise in emergency care.