Alumna Desiree' Branson to Lead Nurse Practitioner Association

Desiree’ M. Branson, DNP, RN, FNP-C, EBP-C began her term as President of the Nurse Practitioner Association New York State (NPA) in January 2023.

Branson is a triple alumna of the School of Nursing, having earned her bachelor's of science in nursing in 2004, her master's in the Family Nurse Practitioner specialty in 2007, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2015.

Branson hopes to inspire other nurse practitioners to get involved in professional organizations and pursue leadership roles.

"Nurse practitioners in New York State are strong patient advocates, contributing to health care reform, reducing healthcare disparities and removing barriers to care," Branson said in an announcement from the NPA. “I am excited and proud to be serving in this role, and continuing to support and advocate for all nurse practitioners in New York State.”

She has been practicing as a family nurse practitioner for 16 years and currently maintains practice at the University of Rochester Medical Center's Department of Anesthesia, in the Center for Perioperative Medicine. She also spent 14 years of practice in Vascular Surgery at URMC and recently served on the COVID Task Force, caring for patients within the complex care network, primary care, employee and student health services, and in partnership with the United Way.

In addition to her role at URMC, Branson is an assistant professor at St. John Fisher University's Wegmans School of Nursing. Her areas of interest include leadership, advocacy and evidence-based practice, and she is an active member of the Wegmans School's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Branson has been a member of the NPA for more than 15 years, with experience in various board positions, including President and Regional Director of the organization’s Region 2, where she served the areas of Greater Rochester, the Finger Lakes, Susquehanna, and Tompkins Cortland.

Learn more about the NPA.