Dr. Banister is the former executive director of the Institute for Patient Care and Yvonne L. Munn Center for Nursing Research at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. She was also the inaugural Connell–Jones Endowed Chair for Nursing and Patient Care Research and assisted in ensuring that Nursing and Patient Care Services at MGH sustained and advanced its exemplary professional practice environment. This included supporting education and professional development, research, patient education, and innovation. 

Dr. Banister is certified as a nurse executive, advanced (NEA-BC), a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, and received the American Nurses Association’s Mary Eliza Mahoney award and the American Organization of Nurse Executives’ Prism award for her outstanding achievements and leadership in promoting the integration, retention, and advancement of minorities in nursing. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Black Nurses Association.

She received a PhD in Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing in Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing and Nursing Administration from the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing. She was honored as an Outstanding Alumna. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Wyoming, Laramie. 

Dr. Banister is active professionally as a member of the American Nurses Association, the Organization of Nurse Leaders – MA, RI, NH, CT, VT., and the Institute for Nursing Leadership at the American Academy of Nursing. She serves as a board member of the New England Regional Black Nurses Association and is a Lifetime member of the National Black Nurses Association. 
In addition, Dr. Banister serves as a board member of the Massachusetts Health Council and an advisory member at the Museum of Science, Boston.