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Bringing Better Healthcare to Nevada

Meet our Board

President Brian Hansen, CRNA

11/13/2025

 
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​I am the chief CRNA at UMC hospital and also very busy in solo practice outside the hospital. I was born and raised in Nevada and joined the board member shortly after moving back to the state from training. I was concerned then about the lack of CRNAs in the state back then and the restrictions that have led to the small numbers. The number of CRNAs in the state have doubled in that short time but we still face many large barriers to practice both in large facilities as well as in the community. I have four young kids and want to remain in Nevada which has been my main motivation for improving the environment for CRNA practice in the state.
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I have been serving on the NVANA board since 2022.  I have led the development of the CRNAs for a Safer Nevada PAC since its inception in 2022.  My variety of work environments in Nevada from academic hospital to critical access and office based keeps me in touch with issues in all areas of our profession and helps form contacts and allies.

Treasurer James Stimpson, CRNA

11/13/2025

 
​I want to advance the practice of CRNAs in Nevada & improve legislative efforts that are important to CRNAs.  I have been a CRNA for 24 years.  I have served on a Board of Nursing for three years, served as Program Director for 18 years.  I served on the AANA Nominating Committee for two years and the Utah state board for seven years. It would be highly desirable to bridge the gap of understanding of the plight of CRNAs in the state and why APRN status is so critical.
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​Davrin Davis, CRNA

11/13/2025

 
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I bring a fresh, new perspective to NVANA. This will be my first time serving on a board if elected. However, ever since my first class in CRNA school, I have been passionate about CRNA advocacy. I know how badass we are and I know the NV laws do not reflect that. I have already taken it upon myself to create a CRNA Facebook group to connect us and unite our fight. I see the path forward only possible with unity from NV CRNAs. With such low numbers of us in the state, just one person not participating in advocacy or donations sets us back. We need to energize our membership, connect through networking, and funnel that energy into the offices of politicians, hospital executives, and key supporters. I believe that through educating these parties on what CRNAs do, it becomes self-evident how vital a role we play.

Erin Root, CRNA

11/13/2025

 
I have been a CRNA for 14 years. I have worked as a chief CRNA and am comfortable interacting with others on a professional level. I am passionate about securing the future of CRNAs in Nevada.

​CRNAs are relatively unknown in this state and face a lot of misinformation regarding our practice and skills. Demonstrating that we are both skilled and safe in our practice will definitely be a challenge as a board member.  I like to be involved in making this a better place for CRNA practice.
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Marissa Wat, CRNA

11/13/2025

 
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Lauren Carlton, CRNA

11/13/2025

 
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My desire to serve on the NVANA Board stems from a deeply rooted commitment to advancing legislative change for CRNAs in Nevada. Like many of my colleagues, I have reached a crossroads in my career—either we move the needle on CRNA practice in this state, or we risk losing talented providers to more progressive environments. I have called Nevada home for the past 12 years; I earned my BSN from the University of Nevada, Reno, met my husband here, and started my family here. Nevada is where I want to stay and continue to serve—but I also recognize that meaningful change requires active participation, not passive hope. I can no longer stand on the sidelines; I need to know that I have given 110% toward shaping a better future for our profession and our patients.

As a board member, I will continue to channel my energy and experience into advocacy, collaboration, and strategic action. I am eager to contribute my perspective, vote, and voice toward advancing CRNA practice and protecting access to high-quality anesthesia care across Nevada.

Brian Koonce, DNAP, CRNA

11/13/2025

 
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​My name is Brian Koonce, and I’m a CRNA providing anesthesia for the OB population served by Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center. While I’ve only been in Nevada for 2 years, I’ve been a CRNA in both military and civilian hospitals for 26+ years. Before moving to Carson City, I was an educator and clinician in Fort Worth, Texas. It was a blessing to guide nurse anesthesia students through simulation experiences at Texas Wesleyan University while also working in OB or the main OR at one of Fort Worth’s major trauma centers.

As you are painfully aware, Nevada is woefully behind the times regarding CRNA practice rights when compared to most other states. I personally know of CRNAs who left the state and others who have declined a job offer due to concern for their professional standing or negative action against their license. Sadly, you may know CRNAs who have left and you might be considering uprooting your family for “greener pasture” too! I certainly hope not because I believe that change is on the horizon and it’s going to take more than a village. We need each and every CRNA and student pushing the governing bodies and the state legislature to see us, hear us, and realize that CRNAs are not a problem for or a danger to the residents of Nevada!!

​I want to be the fearless and tireless leader on the front-line pushing CRNA practice forward in this state!

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