Dr. Brandy Hershberger, chief nursing officer and vice president of academic affairs for UPMC, will serve on the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing for 2025. She plans to use the knowledge she acquires during her tenure to amplify the voices of nurses, as well as increase retention in the field.
Hershberger’s term began in November 2024 and will continue until fall 2025. This appointment will give Hershberger the opportunity to travel to Harrisburg to meet with fellow members throughout the next six months and recommend policies that protect the health and safety of Pennsylvanians.
Dr. Brandy Hershberger
“My journey into nursing was fueled by a desire to care for others, including my colleagues. As a nursing leader, I strive to be a voice for frontline staff, working to enhance their work environment through problem-solving and finding effective solutions,” said Hershberger.
The board is charged with issuing licenses and certifications to qualified nursing applicants, approving nursing education programs and establishing standards of practice for those in professional and practical nursing and dietetics-nutrition in the Commonwealth.
Hershberger has had a prestigious career path beginning at UPMC Lee Hospital in 2002 as a student nurse intern. She eventually became a patient care technician and after receiving her BSN in 2003, she served in various roles at UPMC throughout the years, including a professional staff nurse and a clinical manager. In 2010, she served as a unit director at UPMC Bedford and later transitioned to the Clinical Director of Emergency and Surgical Services. In 2014, she left UPMC to join West Florida HCA Healthcare. She served as a trauma program director within the North Florida division before accepting two new roles as Assistant Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Nursing Officer within the West Florida Division until 2020. In 2021, she rejoined UPMC when she accepted the role as Chief Nursing Officer at UPMC East and UPMC McKeesport.
Hershberger obtained her BSN from Mount Aloysius College, her MSN from the University of Pittsburgh, and her DNP from Chatham University. Although she cites nursing as her primary focus, she has had a passion for political science throughout her career.
“I am thrilled to take on this role, representing nursing at the state level with the hope of expanding my influence to the national stage and impacting the future of nursing practice,” said Hershberger. “My passion for nursing drives me to be a voice for my fellow nurses, advocating for positive changes and improvements in our field.”
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