Winifred V. Quinn, PhD, FAANP(H), FAAN, Honoris Causais a nationally recognized expert in health care policy and highly regarded for her work to improve the quality of life for older adults, their families, and advance equitable access to care. For 14 years, Dr. Quinn co-directed the Center to Champion Nursing in America, an initiative of AARP and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that was responsible for implementing the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action.

For over 15 years, Dr. Quinn led AARP’s efforts to modernize laws that improve patients’ access to high quality care provided by nurses. This includes advocating the right of advanced practice registered nurses and registered nurses to provide clinical care to the full extent of their education and training. As a result of her efforts, in coalition with nursing advocates, more than a dozen states fully modernized laws – leading to more than 90 million Americans gaining better access to care. Additionally, Dr. Quinn initiated AARP’s efforts to ensure a diverse and inclusive nursing workforce - to help eliminate disparities and to achieve health equity. Dr. Quinn has also worked to improve New Jersey’s Medicaid funding for home and community-based care for older adults and people with disabilities. She also served as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, working with people with traumatic brain injuries, which gave her an understanding of the health care system, particularly in delivery and workforce.

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In recognition of her work, Dr. Quinn has been honored as an Honorary Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and an Honorary Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and received the Outstanding Leadership Award from the American Academy of Nursing.