AARC Activities:
- American Association for Respiratory Care Future RTs Committee Member 2025-current
- American Association for Respiratory Care Safe and Effective Staffing Guide Committee 2024- current
- American Association of Respiratory Care Planning Committee Leadership and Management Representative 2023 – current
- Respiratory Care Journal Peer Reviewer 2019 – current
- American Association for Respiratory Care Judicial Committee 2022 – 2024
- American Association for Respiratory Care Safe and Effective Staffing Guidelines Expert Panel 2020 – 2024
HOD Activities:
- In the state of Delaware, the DSRC bylaws prohibit DSRC members and Division of Professional Regulation members from serving in both roles. I am an active member of the Delaware Provision of Professional Regulation Respiratory Care Practitioner Licensure Board from 2021 to current. Delaware just passed the Interstate Compact Bill for RT Licensure and is working on expanding scope for ECMO RTs.
Affiliate Activities:
- Respiratory Care Journal Peer Reviewer 2019 – current
- Delaware Provision of Professional Regulation Licensure Board 2021 – current
- Kids Health Medical Education Reviewer 2021 – current
- Childrens Hospital Association Respiratory Care Forum Advisory Committee 2022 – current
Related Organizations:
- Advisory Board Millersville University Respiratory Care Program 2013 – current
- Advisory Board West Chester University Respiratory Care Program 2013 – current
- Advisory Board Delaware Technical and Community College Respiratory Care Program 2013-current
- Advisory Board Thomas Jefferson University Respiratory Care Program 2021-current
- Advisory Board Rowan University Respiratory Care Program 2023-current
Education and Credentials:
- DSL (Doctor of Strategic Leadership)- Liberty University
- M.S.M. Health Care Administration Wilmington University
- B.S. Allied Health Sciences Wilmington University
Publications:
- Burr K. OBrien P. Brown J. Penfil S. and Hertzog J. 2020. OccupationalInduced Secondary Traumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Respiratory Therapists. Respiratory Care vol. 65 Issue 7.
- Burr K. Stump A. Tearl D. Lemon B. OBrien P. Bladen R. Brown J. Roby M. Hertzog J. 2021. Twice Daily Huddles Improves Respiratory Care Department Collaborative Problem Solving. Respiratory Care vol. 66 Issue 2.
- Burr K. Hinkson C. Smith B. Roberts K. Strickland S. Hoerr C. Rehder K. Miller A. 2022. Factors Associated with a Positive View of Respiratory Care Leadership. Respiratory Care vol. 67 Issue 6.
- Miller A. Burr K. Roberts K. Juny J. Strickland S. Emberger J. Hoerr C. Smith B. Hinkson C. Zaccagnini M. Redher K. 2025. Respiratory Therapy Leaders Perceptions of Value of Respiratory Care Services. Respiratory Care vol. 70 Issue 3 287297.
Elections Committee Questions:
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the AARC and what do you recommend addressing it?
The greatest challenge facing the AARC is sustaining and advancing the respiratory therapy profession amid workforce shortages, burnout, and rapid changes in healthcare delivery. As demand for respiratory care grows, the AARC must ensure the profession remains visible, valued, and relevant across all settings. I believe this requires strengthening the workforce pipeline, elevating the role of RTs through advocacy and leadership development, and delivering practical, career‑spanning value to members. As Director‑at‑Large, I would bring a practice‑grounded, forward‑looking perspective to help the AARC prepare respiratory therapists to lead the future of care.
Health care is changing more rapidly than ever. What ideas do you have to help today’s Respiratory Therapist meet these challenges?
To help today’s respiratory therapists meet rapid change, we must equip them with adaptable skills, not just static competencies. This includes stronger leadership and clinical decision‑making development, exposure to emerging technologies and new care models, and clear pathways for career growth beyond the bedside. The AARC can lead by providing accessible, practice‑relevant education, mentoring, and advocacy that prepares RTs to function as flexible clinicians, innovators, and leaders in an increasingly complex healthcare system.
How would you approach optimizing, developing, and implementing value added benefits, programs, and resources within AARC leadership and governance structures to meet the diverse needs of our members while also cultivating a keen sense of belonging and encouraging long term membership?
I would focus on aligning AARC programs and resources to the real needs of members across career stages by listening first, measuring impact, and scaling what delivers clear value. The Emerging Leaders Program, which I co‑chair, is a strong example, intentionally designed to develop future leaders, foster connection, and create a sense of belonging early in a member’s journey. Within governance, I believe transparency, collaboration, and inclusion are essential to building trust. When members feel seen, supported, and invested in, long‑term engagement and loyalty naturally follow.
Your role as Director-at Large is to represent the general AARC membership. If given the opportunity to represent, what will be your goals in advocating for the everyday respiratory care professional?
If given the opportunity to serve as Director‑at‑Large, my primary goal would be to advocate for the everyday respiratory care professional by ensuring their voice, challenges, and realities consistently inform AARC decisions. This includes advancing workforce sustainability, supporting professional growth and well‑being, and elevating the visibility and value of respiratory therapists across all practice settings. I would focus on promoting practical resources, leadership development, and advocacy efforts that directly impact daily practice, while fostering a sense of belonging so members feel connected, supported, and proud to remain engaged with the Association throughout their careers.
