AANA Expands Its Leadership in Lifelong Learning and Professional Advancement, Welcoming Dr. Hallie D. Evans as Senior Director of Education and Professional Development

Rosemont, Ill. — The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) is excited to announce the hiring of Hallie D. Evans, DNP, CRNA, APRN, CNE, CHSE, FAANA, as Senior Director of Education and Professional Development, effective December 2025. In this role, Dr. Evans will lead strategic initiatives to strengthen professional growth, lifelong learning, and academic innovation for nurse anesthesiology across the nation. 

“I am inspired to step into this role at AANA because it offers a powerful opportunity to expand the reach of innovative, evidence-based education on a national scale,” she said. “What excites me most is the chance to integrate technology, creativity, and compassionate, learner-centered design into meaningful lifelong learning experiences that strengthen our workforce and advance the nurse anesthesiology profession.” 

Dr. Evans is a nationally recognized nurse anesthesia educator and innovator known for advancing transformative education, meaningful research, and collaborative learning environments. A thought leader in nurse anesthesiology education, program development, and faculty mentoring, her career has been shaped by a commitment to excellence, growth, and innovation. 

Dr. Evans earned both her master’s degree in nurse anesthesiology and her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Florida International University (FIU), where she joined the faculty upon graduation. She is currently pursuing a PhD in nursing at Florida State University. Her research centers on the use of innovative methods to educate both stigmatized patient and student populations. 

At the Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia (MTSA), Dr. Evans created and served as the founding director of the nation’s first accredited nurse anesthesia educator program and launched the Education Innovation Center. At MTSA, she also served as Director of the Doctoral Completion Program and Grant Director, leading initiatives that expanded access to doctoral education and strengthened institutional innovation. 

As a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), Dr. Evans has led the design of modern curricula and instructional models that incorporate micro-learning, stackable micro-credentials, active learning strategies, and wellness-integrated instruction. Her expertise includes simulation-based education, interprofessional collaboration, and culturally responsive teaching. She has guided multiple programs through successful accreditation cycles and remains engaged in global academic partnerships, including curriculum development and teaching initiatives with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and University of Guyana. 

In addition to her education leadership roles, Dr. Evans continues to practice clinically, bringing current, real-world perspective to AANA’s work in professional development. She specializes in pairing forward-thinking approaches with a strong commitment to learner outcomes and the ongoing advancement of nurse anesthesiology. 

“Dr. Evans brings a rare combination of educational vision, program-building expertise, and a deep commitment to the success of learners and faculty,” said Shayne Haglum, PhD, CRNA, APRN, AANA’s Chief Science and Practice Officer. “Her leadership and innovative approach will help advance AANA’s education strategy and support the continued growth and excellence of our great profession.”