Leadership Spotlight: Dr Debra Callender

Biography

Dr. Debra Callender, DNP, MSN-ED, RN, CNOR, CSSM, possesses extensive academic credentials, including a doctoral degree, a master’s in nursing education, a bachelor’s degree, and an associate degree in nursing. She currently serves as Executive Director of Wellstar North Fulton in Roswell, Georgia. She was formerly the Administrative Director of Surgical and Orthopedic Services at AdventHealth Sebring in Florida.

Dr. Callender’s experience includes leadership roles such as Director of PeriOperative Services and Quality Assurance/Performance Manager at a Level-I Trauma Center in New Jersey, as well as Surgical Oncology Clinical RN-II at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. With over two decades of active involvement in nursing education, she has remained deeply committed to professional growth, excellence in care, and advancing the nursing profession.

Born on the island of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Callender comes from a diverse multicultural background and is passionate about serving others, advocating for patients, families, communities, and those she encounters in every sphere of influence.

She has held academic appointments including Clinical Lab Technician and Professor of Nursing at Medgar Evers College, City University of New York. Her focus is on giving back to the discipline of nursing by precepting and mentoring incumbent nurses and novice nurses, while influencing growth and development in nursing practice for MSN, BSN, LPN, RN, and surgical technician students.

Leadership in Nursing

Dr. Callender is a respected nurse leader whose work spans executive leadership, perioperative services, quality improvement, nursing education, mentorship, and patient safety. Her leadership has shaped healthcare operations across hospital systems, academic settings, and professional organizations.

Her commitment to service, advocacy, and professional development continues to influence the next generation of nurses and strengthen nursing practice across diverse care environments.

Education & Academic Influence

• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Master of Science in Nursing Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing
• Associate degree in Nursing
• Held academic appointments as Clinical Lab Technician and Professor of Nursing at Medgar Evers College, City University of New York

Clinical & Professional Impact

• More than two decades of active involvement in nursing education
• Experienced in perioperative leadership, surgical oncology, orthopedic services, and quality assurance
• Precepts and mentors incumbent nurses, novice nurses, and students across multiple levels of nursing education
• Served as Operating Room Core Manager
• Advocates for patients, families, and communities through compassionate leadership and service

Awards & Recognition

• Received recognition for excellence in Clinical Innovation in 2012, 2013, and 2015 at the AORN Conference & Expo
• Served as newsletter author and Chair/Magnet Champion for the Recruitment, Retention, and Reward Committee
• Recognized for developing patient safety programs to reduce retained foreign bodies in New York City
• Implemented the AORN PeriOp-101 program in New Jersey
• Contributed as a speaker, author, poster presenter, and subject matter expert in nursing education and skills training

Mentorship & Community Influence

Dr. Callender is dedicated to giving back to her profession through mentorship, teaching, leadership development, and service to professional nursing organizations. She has guided nurses and students at multiple educational and clinical levels, helping shape confident and competent healthcare professionals.

Her influence extends through academic instruction, clinical training, patient safety initiatives, onboarding education, and professional advocacy, reflecting a lifelong commitment to excellence in nursing.