Tom Baribeault, MSN, CRNA

Thomas Baribeault is the founder of the Society for Opioid-Free Anesthesia (SOFA) and is currently serving as President. SOFA is a non-profit organization dedicated to education and research on opioid-free anesthesia and post-operative pain management. Thomas currently practices in Atlanta, Georgia and is responsible for implementing opioid free anesthesia and post-operative pain protocols. He received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the Ohio State University, a master’s of science in nursing and anesthesia residency from Case Western Reserve University and a doctorate in nursing practice and pain management fellowship from the University of South Florida. 

Joseph A. Rodriguez, DNAP, CRNA

Joseph A. Rodriguez, DNAP, CRNA, is a managing partner at Arizona Anesthesia Solutions, based in Phoenix, AZ.  Dr. Rodriguez is the former president of the Arizona Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and currently on the board of directors for the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology.  Dr. Rodriguez has led successful reforms at the state and federal level, and within the AANA itself.  He currently lectures at National University, and has written for The Washington Times, Anesthesiology News, The Arizona Capitol Times, and Outpatient Surgery.  He speaks nationally on business and leadership. 

Suzie Newell, DNP, CRNA, FAANA

Suzie Newell is a Nurse anesthesiologist with 19 years of experience specializing in obstetric anesthesia. Chief of Obstetric Anesthesia for Capital Anesthesia (Sound Anesthesia). Established lecturer, teacher, and author. Experience includes work in anesthesiology, on advocacy and policy, obstetric anesthesiology, and mental health. Research on coping mechanisms led to the published book, The Path 365. Work in obstetrics in the heart of the opioid crisis includes running of national online group Recovery Path for Mothers and Others. 

Kristina Weger

Kristina Weger is a Director of Federal Government Affairs at AANA and lobbies Congress on behalf of the association’s policy priorities. Before joining AANA, she worked at the American Nurses Association and the American Physical Therapy Association. She also worked in the U.S. House of Representatives for several years. On Capitol Hill, she focused on health policy and communications. She is originally from Wentzville, Missouri, and she received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University.

Jon Lowrance, MSN, CRNA

Jon Lowrance, MSN, CRNA is the Chief CRNA at Maine Medical Center, Maine’s only level one trauma center.  He is also the producer of the podcast Anesthesia Guidebook… the go-to guide for anesthesia providers who want to master their craft. 

Erin Foley, DNAP, CRNA

Dr. Foley is an advocate, leader, mentor, educator, and clinician who works every day to protect and promote CRNA practice. She has served as MEANA State President, served on several AANA committees, and has served as the AANA Leadership Identification Committee Chair in her endeavors to advance our profession. She also has a Basset Hound named Agatha “Aggie” Hodgins.