PRESIDENT
Libby(Mary) McNaron, CST, RN, CNOR, BSN, MS
Appointed term: May 2008 - August 2009

I have worked in health care since 1979 and have always migrated to education and communication projects in any role that I have taken. I have a Masters degree in Human Resource Management with a graduate certificate in Human Resource Development.

As a Surgical Technology instructor for over 10 years and a Certified Surgical Technologist, I am currently working as the Coordinator for the Surgical Technology Program at Gulf Coast Community College. With experience in both Panama City and rural hospital settings, I understand many of the problems facing staff in the operating room.

I have always encouraged students to become certified, stay certified, and support the profession through membership, education, and active voting. I have presented many presentations on professionalism and what it means, provided professional input regarding textbooks/study guides, and served as an ARC-ST site visitor regarding the standards of education for surgical technology programs. Surgical Technology is an evolving career field with a very real need for community and legislative education regarding the role of the surgical technologist. Most people do not even know the profession exists. Therefore, we need hospital and legislative recognition regarding the importance of the surgical technologist as a valued member of the health care team.

As a member of the board, I hope to provide any educational support for the professional goals of the Florida State Assembly that I can. I thank Kevin for the opportunity to serve on the board and look forward to serving your best interests. Please feel free to call or look me up any time that I can be of assistance to you. lmcnaron@gulfcoast.edu

VICE PRESIDENT
Max Obando, CST, BSOE

Max Obando, Certified Surgical Technologist

Bachelor of Science, Occupational Education

It was my pleasure and great honor to be elected into the position of Treasurer for the Florida State Assembly of Surgical Technologists.

I believe that, based on my previous experience in the U.S. Army working with a large budget, I am able to provide you with an excellent financial background for this position.

I have over twenty years of experience as a healthcare professional, as a Surgical Technologist, Surgical Technology Program Instructor, Manager, and Supervisor.

I accepted the position of Treasurer to serve you, the members of the Florida State Assembly. I want to encourage every member to become involved in our State Assembly.

I challenge all educators to do the right thing. The future of our profession rests upon your graduates: the new generation of Surgical Technologists!

I am excited and honored to be your State Treasurer, and look forward to support our efforts in achieving legislation for all Certified Surgical Technologists in the State of Florida.

SECRETARY
Mark Wilms, CST

Hi! My name is Mark Wilms. I have been a CST for 15 years. I primarily scrub Orthopedic and Neurosurgery and specialize in spinal cases. I was employed at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.

For the last 9 years I have been employed as a Surgical Technology Program Director, and I am currently working in that capacity at Concorde Career College in Tampa, Florida. I also serve as a Surgical Technology Program Specialist Site Visitor and sit on the Review Committee for the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

I am proud to serve as your FLSA secretary, and am looking forward in helping promote the Surgical Technology profession here in our great state of Florida!

TREASURER
Luis Melendez, CST/CFA

Surgical Technology Program Director

Concorde Career Institute, Jacksonville, FL

Certified Surgical Technologist/ Certified First Assistant

Graduate, Naval School of Health Sciences,Bethesda, MD
Naval Hospital Corpman, Fleet Marine Force Medic
Education, Training, and Operations NCO, Camp Lejeune, NC

Member, Association of Surgical Technologists
Member, Association of Surgical Assistants

President, Florida State Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists 2008
Board of Directors, Florida State Assembly of AST 2006-2008

Serving with over 18 years as a Healthcare professional.
Education and training, military medicine, nursing and surgery

My operating room experience includes:
General surgery, orthopedics, vascular, cardio-thoracic, obstetrics and gynecology, genitourinary, plastic and reconstructive surgery, maxillofacial, neurosurgery, pediatrics, organ procurement, otorhinolaryngology, peripheral vascular, and trauma.

I am honored to serve as your President. Together we can continue to make progress in making our profession to be recognized. Our membership has increased and our meetings continues to motivate the state, especially ST students.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR
Shannon Smith

Professional Profile
Certified Surgical Technologist/Certified First Assistant with 21 years experience. Certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assistants (NBSTSA). Highly motivated results oriented team player with effective interpersonal skills.

Sept 1988-Dec 1989 Athens Technical College Athens, Ga.
Diploma Surgical Technology

B.S. Health Sciences, management minor
June 2004 - June 2006 Old Dominion University Norfolk, Va.
Currently enrolled in Master of Health Science Program
May 2010 – Present Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR
P.J. Sanzone, CST/CFA

I have been Surgical Technologist for 25 years. I worked in the operating room for 17 years   in the state of Texas, including 9 years at Hermann Hospital. I was a member of the Open Heart Team at Spring Branch Hospital

I was a clinical instructor for Texas School of Business for 3 years as a clinical specialties instructor for the Medical Assisting Program. I also taught Pharmacology, Microbiology, Medical Terminology, and the Clinical Skills Lab.

I was Clinical and Medical Instructor in South Florida for two years.

I also had an opportunity to assist with setting up the Surgical and Diagnostic Center of Sugar Land. I compiled the policies and procedures for Central Sterile and Surgical Suite. It was a great experience to put together a surgery center from empty walls to a fully functioning facility.

I obtained my First Assistant Certification in 1997 and moved to the Tallahassee area in 2003 where I have been working as a CST/CFA for the past four years.

It is my pleasure to serve as a board member on the Florida State Assembly.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR
Nicole Lambert

BOARD OF DIRECTOR
Crystal Weidman

BOARD OF DIRECTOR
Laurie H. Hill, CST

Orlando Regional Medical Center
Orlando Health Corporation

Certified Surgical Technologist since 1998
Graduate Orlando Technical 1998
Associate of Science Degree, 1977

Member of AST / FAST since 1998

I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors of the FAST once again! I’ve been privileged to participate in this organization since it’s inception!

I work as a CST III at a Level One Trauma Center hospital. My specialty is Neurosurgery. I also am proficient in Orthopedics, General, Colo-Rectal, Peripheral Vascular, Robotic, Plastics and ENT surgical procedures.

I am passionate about what I do and I strongly feel that EVERY patient deserves a Certified Surgical Technologist for their operative procedures!

Education