Our mission is to facilitate the adoption and compliance with responsible and transparent practices that promote the ethical recruitment of foreign-educated health professionals to the United States and empower them to make informed career decisions.
About Us
Mission
About Us
The Alliance for Ethical International Recruitment Practices (Alliance) is a division of CGFNS International, Inc., a non-profit organization that enables health professionals to bring and use their education and experience across borders. The Alliance works to ensure all foreign-educated health professionals are recruited fairly, ethically, and with transparency for employment in the United States.
The Alliance works in three main ways:
- Creating resources to inform and empower migrating health professionals to make informed career decisions.
- Developing and sharing research on the recruitment landscape changes, challenges, and successes.
- Certifying recruiters who pass our rigorous application process and prove their practices are compliant with The Health Care Code for Ethical International Recruitment and Employment Practices.
The Alliance cannot provide direct legal assistance. However, we can assist individuals in navigating the framework of rights and responsibilities of the U.S. legal system, as well as answering questions and recommending additional resources.
History
2008
The Voluntary Code of Ethical Conduct for the Recruitment of Foreign-Educated Nurses to the United States is written and released by a group of stakeholders across the healthcare sector.
2008
The Alliance for Ethical International Recruitment Practices is established to oversee the implementation of the Code.
2009
The Alliance Advisory Board is established (at the time, it was known as the Alliance Board of Governors).
2010
The World Health Organization (WHO) releases its Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel, using the Alliance Code as an example.
2011
The second edition of the Code is released, expanding its provisions from focusing solely on nurses to incorporating all foreign-educated health professionals.
2014
The Alliance is acquired by CGFNS International, Inc.
2017
The Alliance launches the new Health Care Code for Ethical International Recruitment and Employment Practices.
2019
The Philippines Nurses Association of America (PNAA) incorporates the Alliance Code into its Code of Ethics.
2020
2020 – The Alliance and CGFNS International, Inc., create a comprehensive assessment of the State of Foreign Educated Health Professional Recruitment, which is published in the American Journal of Nursing.
2021
The Alliance and CGFNS International, Inc., create a study highlighting the critical health care work provided by foreign-educated health professionals during the pandemic, which is published in Nurse Leader.
2023
The Alliance releases the 4th edition of its Health Care Code, following a one year review to ensure that its principles and provisions remain relevant and timely in addressing ethical concerns in a time of expanding international recruitment.
Alliance Advisory Board
Barbara Green, PhD
Senior Vice President, Office of the President, Greater New York Hospital Association
Barbara Green, PhD
Barbara Green, PhD
Senior Vice President, Office of the President, Greater New York Hospital Association
Barbara Green, PhD, joined GNYHA in 1984. She works for GNYHA Ventures’ New Business Initiative Department and is responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of contracts in a wide variety of areas. Before joining GNYHA, Dr. Green was Special Assistant to Bellevue Hospital Center’s Executive Director, worked for the U.S. Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee, and for Senator Jacob K. Javits. Dr. Green earned a BA from Bradley University, an MPA from American University, and a PhD from New York University.
Ex Officio
Peter Preziosi, PhD, RN, CAE
CGFNS International, Inc.
Peter Preziosi, PhD, RN, CAE
Peter Preziosi, PhD, RN, CAE
CGFNS International, Inc.
Peter Preziosi is a leader in the global effort to strengthen health systems by improving career development and mobility for health workers. Recently appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of CGFNS International, the world’s largest credentials evaluation organization for the nursing and allied health professions, he is working to revitalize its leadership in developing and implementing credentialing solutions for a globalizing health workforce.
Prior to joining CGFNS in January 2023, Dr. Preziosi led quality, standards development and credentialing at the World Health Organization’s initiative to build a technology-driven global learning center, the WHO Academy, with a goal of upskilling millions of health workers worldwide.
After beginning his career as a registered nurse, Dr. Preziosi has spent nearly three decades in high-profile positions at corporations, government agencies and nonprofits. His work has included leading strategic innovation, partnership-building and healthcare reform initiatives for national and international organizations including Verizon’s healthcare innovation incubator, Concentrix Corporation, the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the National League for Nursing and the AMDEC Foundation, a New York-based biomedical research consortium. He also worked for the City of New York’s Health and Hospital Corporation and he directed the Mayor’s Office of Medicaid Managed Care.
Dr. Preziosi holds a PhD in health policy and a master’s degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a master’s in education from Columbia University’s Teachers College. His bachelor’s degree in nursing is from Florida State University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of SONSIEL, a society of nurse scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs, and is a member of the American Society of Association Executives, where he is a Certified Association Executive.
Dr. Gloria Beriones RN, NEA-BC
Philippine Nurses Association of America
Dr. Gloria Beriones, RN, NEA-BC
Dr. Gloria Beriones RN, NEA-BC
President-Elect, Philippine Nurses Association of America
A transformational nurse leader with over forty years of exemplary contributions to nursing practice, leadership, education, and research. Currently, the Staff Development Coordinator of Primary Care Clinics at Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affair Medical Center, Houston, Texas. She is passionate in her role as a leader, change agent, educator, consultant, facilitator, and researcher. She is a Coldiron Senior Nurse Executive Fellow at Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
EDUCATION
Her life-long learning includes: Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science at Texas Woman’s University, Houston, Texas. Her research study was on Adaptation Experiences of Internationally Educated Filipino Nurses Employed in the United States. She graduated her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Texas Health and Science Center, Houston, TX, major in Clinical Nurse Specialist Program and Nursing Administration, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Riverside College of Nursing, Bacolod City, Philippines. A proud graduate of Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Graduate Nurse Program, Bacolod City, Philippines. She graduated ranking number 2 among 84 graduates.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO NURSING
She is a member of AARP Foundation / Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Future of Nursing Campaign for Action on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Steering Committee 2022.
She participated at the AARP Foundation / Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Future of Nursing 2020-2030 Campaign for Action Virtual Summit, June 3-4, 2021, that developed action plans and measurable outcomes on Major Recommendation # 3 – Promoting Nurses’ Health and Well -Being and Recommendation # 8 Preparing Nurses to Respond to Disasters and Public Health Emergencies. On September 9, 2021, she participated at the Future of Nursing Campaign for Action Summit to discuss the priority recommendations and sub-recommendations aligned the most to own organization.
She is a member of the Alliance Advisory Board, from 2022-2024. In 2022, she participated in the revision of the Code for Health Care Professionals. She is the PNAA Foundation / PNAA Infection Prevention Control (IPC) Lead Champion, CDC Project Firstline, 2020-2022. The CDC Project Firstline was supported by 6NU38OT000295-02-06 from the Department of Health and Human Services / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The PNAAF/PNAA is a Partner of the Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) CDC Project Firstline. Together with two PNAAF /PNAA IPC Champions, they conducted and coordinated three Infection Prevention and Control Education and Training Series: January 23, 2021; February 20, 2021; & March 20, 2021. Total of 325 nurses attended the education/ training using the train the trainer teaching strategy to prevent & control the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The 325 educated and trained nurses / healthcare workers are now teaching and training co-workers, families, friends, and communities on CDC infection prevention and control principles. She collaborated with APIAHF Partners such as New York University Center for the Study of Asian American Health, Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, Papa Ola Lokahi, and Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance to bring the CDC Project Firstline education and training to the frontline healthcare workers and public health personnel. She presented at the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress Nov 2-4, 2021. The podium presentation title, “Promotion of COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control through Culturally Tailored Interventions and Collaborations with Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Communities.
She is a faculty of the PNAA Online Leadership Development Program (iLDP) for three years since 2019 -2021. The 8-week leadership program is free for President, President-Elect, and any officers or members of the 55 chapters. The intensive leadership program is to provide the chapter leaders the education, tools, and mentors in leading their organizations. To this date there are over 100 graduates of iLDP who are contributing to the mission, vision, and goals of PNAA and PNA Chapters.
PROFESSIONAL WORK and ACHIEVEMENTS
She was a Nursing Director at Houston Methodist Hospital (HMH) for 14 years in General Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Units. The recipient of Houston Methodist Hospital Nursing Leadership Award for her exemplary Nursing Leadership. She was honored for her stellar leadership endeavors in building the first shared governance nursing unit at Houston Methodist Hospital. She was one of the top 20 Outstanding Nurses by Texas Nurses Association District 9 for excellence in nursing leadership, education, and community outreach services. She was a recipient of Dr. Jose Rizal Excellence Award for Nursing Leadership and Service by Knights of Rizal, Houston, TX.
She was the Manager of Education, Research, Professional Excellence at Saint Francis Hospital Bartlett, Tennessee. Her impactful contributions were: organizing and strengthening of the shared governance councils, staff professional development, and creating the hospital RN Residency Program. She has been a speaker in local, state, national, and international levels. She has presented numerous topics on leadership, clinical practice, education, and research;
has written articles and publications. Her greatest passion in life as a leader is mentoring and making a difference in the lives of people particularly fellow nurses.
Contributions to Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) include:
- PNAA President-Elect 2020-2022
- PNAA South Central Region (SCR) Vice President (VP) 2018-2020
- PNA Corpus Christi, TX and PNA of Alabama were organized and became PNAA Chapters December 11, 2019, under her leadership and mentorship.
- Organized the Philippine Nurses Association of Nashville Tennessee and became a PNAA Chapter on October 17, 2018.
- Organized the Philippine Nurses Association of Tennessee on March 19, 2016, became a PNAA Chapter in June 2016
- PNAA Education Committee Co-Chair 2014-2016
- Conducted four Regional Conferences, two National Conventions, and an International Nursing Conference in Manila, Philippines.
- PNAA South Central Region Vice President – 2010-2012
- Philippine Nurses Association of Metropolitan Houston Foundation Treasurer 2009-2014
- PNAA Board Member and Chair of PNAA Education Committee – 2008-2010
- Conducted four regional conferences, two National Conventions, and International Nursing Conference in Cebu, PH.
- PNAA Board Member and SCR Region Liaison Officer -2006- 2008
- PNA Metropolitan Houston President 2004-2006
- PNA Metropolitan Houston Board Member 2002 -2004
Sinead Carbery
Nurse Staffing Solutions – International, AMN Healthcare
Sinead Carbery, Brand President
Sinead Carbery
Brand President, Nurse Staffing Solutions – International (Formerly O’Grady Peyton International)
AMN Healthcare
Sinead Carbery brings almost 30 years of experience to her role as President of AMN Healthcare’s international nursing division. She completed her nursing education in Ireland, immigrated to the U.S. through the OGP Program in 1994, and completed nursing assignments in California and Georgia before joining the O’Grady Peyton corporate team. She has held roles in Clinical Management, Clinical Support, Account Management, Sales and Account Management Leadership, and Leadership of the international business since 2015. Sinead has served on the Board of The Alliance since 2019.
Mercy Ekpoudom, BSN, RN, BC
National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America
Mercy Ekpoudom, BSN, RN, BC
Mercy Ekpoudom, BSN, RN, BC
National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America
I am a dedicated Registered Nurse committed to healthcare excellence with over 30 years of experience in Emergency Care and Intensive Care Unit. I take pride in being a dedicated spouse and parent of six children and four grandchildren, balancing my professional commitment with a fulfilling family life. I am a graduate of Georgia Perimeter College of Nursing and South University College of Nursing. I find deep fulfillment in rendering my services at esteemed organizations such as Grady Memorial Hospital along with Emory and Davita Dialysis centers to name a few. As the founder of Benchmark Home Care, LLC, I am passionate about delivering top-notch personalized healthcare services in the comfort of client’s homes. Additionally, I’m a proud founding member and a board member of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America (NANNNA), and the visionary co-founder of the Nigerian Nurses Association of Georgia (NNAG), contributing significantly to the nursing community.
Kathy Harris, MS, RN, CENP, FACHE(R)
American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)
Kathy Harris, MS, RN, CENP, FACHE(R)
Kathy Harris, MS, RN, CENP, FACHE(R)
American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)
Kathy Harris, MS, RN, CENP, FAONL, FACHE(R), has been a nurse for 50 years including more than 40 years in a variety of leadership positions, including as a front-line leader, a service line director, a Chief Nurse Executive, and as a corporate nurse executive. She currently works as a consultant and provides expertise in legal cases. Kathy has also acted in the role of Chief Executive Officer in a number of different settings. Kathy has presented on nursing leadership to a broad spectrum of audiences, nationally and internationally. She is a Wharton Fellow and a past member of the AONL board of directors, the Colorado Organization of Nurse Leaders and the Center for Nursing Excellence, the last of which she served as a board member and Chair. Kathy currently represents AONL on the Alliance Advisory Board. In addition, she has worked closely with the Colorado Health and Hospitals Association and several affiliate members. She earned her Master of Science from the University of Colorado in 1984, her Bachelor of Science from Metropolitan State College in 1981, and her Diploma in Nursing from the Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing in 1972. In addition to her professional certifications, she is as Just Culture Master certified.
Patty Jeffrey, MBA, RN
MedPro International
Patty Jeffrey, MBA, RN
Patty Jeffrey, MBA, RN
Executive Vice President, International Operations, MedPro International
Patty Jeffrey, MBA, RN, has 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry and is recognized as an industry leader in international healthcare recruitment. Jeffrey is a founding member, current President, and active regulatory committee member of the American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment (AAIHR).
Experienced in licensing, credentialing, training, and immigration, Jeffrey used her skills to turn MedPro International into the industry leader in the international recruitment, training, and staffing of foreign-educated healthcare professionals. She celebrated her 10th anniversary with the company in 2023.
Jeffrey started her career as a staff nurse and earned her MBA at Nova Southeastern University. Still, her affinity for problem-solving led her to assist facilities with The Joint Commission requirements and quality control and eventually to international recruitment work. Before joining MedPro, she worked for one of the largest health systems in the US, opening recruitment offices in the Philippines and India.
Today, much of Jeffrey’s work is done on Capitol Hill, working on legislation to expedite the immigration of foreign-educated healthcare professionals into the United States.
Cheryl Peterson, MSN, RN
American Nurses Association
Cheryl Peterson, MSN, RN
Cheryl Peterson, MSN, RN
American Nurses Association
Cheryl Peterson, MSN, RN is the Vice President of Nursing Programs at the American Nurses Association. In this role, she is provides senior leadership to the Directors of the departments of Health Policy, the Center for Ethics and Human Rights, and the Minority Fellowship Program. These departments are responsible for guiding policy development, as well as advising the ANA CEO, President, and Membership, on the full range of policy and practice issues facing the nursing profession. As part of her policy portfolio, Ms. Peterson is responsible for managing ANA’s participation within the International Council of Nurses, as well as supporting the development and implementation of quality indicators affecting patients, nurses, and the entire health care team. Since coming to ANA in 1990, Ms. Peterson has developed expertise in several areas including political education and campaign involvement; lobbying issues related to labor, employment, trade and immigration; and policy development on the supply of and demand for nursing services. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati and a Master’s of Science in Nursing from Georgetown University.
Jeremy Sadlier
American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration
Jeremy Sadlier
Jeremy Sadlier
Executive Director, American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration
Jeremy Sadlier serves as a Vice President for MCI-USA and the Executive Director of the American Society for Healthcare Human Resource Administration (ASHHRA). Prior to taking on the role of Executive Director for ASHHRA, Jeremy was the Director of Human Resource Initiatives and healthcare human resource subject matter expert for ASHHRA and the American Hospital Association (AHA). He is a seasoned health care executive having spent much of his career with one of the Midwest’s largest health care systems Advocate Aurora Health (AAH). In his role, Jeremy has contributed content and expertise to both the AHA and SHHRA that was operationalized by health care systems and hospitals across the nation.
During his more than two decades with AAH Jeremy participated as a member of the Human Resources Team, Site and Market Executive Teams, and managed strategic and operational assignments. 12 years of Jeremy’s years with AAH as part of the HR leadership team, filling the role of South Chicago Market-Human Resource Director with oversight for Advocate Christ Medical Center-a quaternary tertiary medical center, 2 community hospitals, Regional Laboratory Division (ACL), and the systems 14 pediatric hospital locations. Jeremy’s experience in both human resources and hospital operations were sought by the American Hospital Association (AHA) when they recruited him in to join their team in 2019.
Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Lewis University. He also holds a CHHR Certification in health care human resources. Since childhood Jeremy has always been an avid cyclists and has taken mountain biking trips to Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Tennessee, until COVID-19 forced him to reevaluate his space, he had an entire room in his garage dedicated bicycles, bike equipment and tools.
Amber Sprengard
Health Carousel
Amber Sprengard
Amber Sprengard
Health Carousel
As Vice President of Government Affairs, Amber is focused on the continued regulatory challenges and opportunities that Health Carousel faces, especially in dealing with federal legislation and administration oversight that effects the business each day. She manages the relationships with international governments and regulators of international healthcare staffing agencies and communicates Health Carousel’s ethical, honest, and socially responsible work in all our business relationships. Additionally, she represents Health Carousel’s interests with several industry associations including the ASA, AAIHR, NATHO and NALTO.
Prior to joining Health Carousel, she spent 11 years as Vice President of Municipal Investment Banking for RBC Capital Markets. Earlier in her career, she served as Chief of Staff to the Co-Chair of the Republican National Committee and as a government affairs consultant, managing client relationships within Ohio.
Sprengard is a graduate of the James Madison College at Michigan State University. She was named to Cincinnati Business Courier’s “Forty Under 40” Class of 2012.
Suja Thomas AGPCNP-BC, MSN. Ed., RN, CWCN, CCCN, COCN
Samuel Stratton VA Medical Center
Suja Thomas AGPCNP-BC, MSN. Ed., RN, CWCN, CCCN, COCN
Suja Thomas AGPCNP-BC, MSN. Ed., RN, CWCN, CCCN, COCN
Suja Thomas currently serves as the Clinical Lead and Nursing Administrator at the Samuel Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, New York. She is a Board-Certified Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP-BC) and a Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (CWOCN). In addition, Suja is an international faculty member at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) University in India, where she inspires and mentors the next generation of nurses.
Suja completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Fr. Muller’s College of Nursing in Mangalore, where she laid the groundwork for her nursing career. She continued her education with a master’s in nursing education from Russell Sage College in Troy, New York, followed by a Post-Master’s Certification in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner from the same institution. Currently, Suja is pursuing a Ph.D. in Nursing at the University at Buffalo, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to advancing nursing knowledge and shaping the future of healthcare.
Suja has demonstrated exceptional leadership, seamlessly integrating her clinical expertise with strategic management acumen. As a Hospital Executive at St. Peter’s Health Partners (SPHP) and Sunnyview Hospital in Schenectady, NY, she successfully led multiple clinical departments. Additionally, she served as Operations Manager for the Medical-Surgical, Cardiopulmonary, and Labor and Delivery units at SPHP, showcasing her ability to optimize diverse healthcare operations.
Suja’s visionary leadership and transformative strategies have earned her numerous accolades, including the Transformational Leadership Award (2015), the Robert Scholar Award for Clinical Excellence (2016), and the Quantum Leadership Award (2021). Recognized for championing diversity, she was honored with the Diversity Award (2024) by Albany Stratton VA Medical Center. Her outstanding community impact earned her a Citation and Proclamation from NYS Assemblywoman Michelle Solages and NYS Senator Kevin Thomas. In 2023 and 2024, Suja’s exceptional contributions were further celebrated with the Exemplary Leadership Award by Asianet TV and the World Malayalee Council.
During her presidency of the National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA) in 2023-24, Suja spearheaded the organization’s growth on an international level. She currently serves as the Advisory Board Chair of NAINA. Suja’s leadership extends beyond national borders, with her roles at CGFNS International, where she has been elected to the Board of Trustees (2025–2028) and serves as Vice Chair of the CGFNS Alliance Advisory Board (2025–2027). In 2016, she became the founding president of the Indian American Nurses Association of Albany, further demonstrating her commitment to supporting and empowering Indian American nurses in the region. Suja’s unwavering commitment to community service and her ability to inspire others exemplify her transformational impact on the nursing profession.
Uma Venugopal, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CCRN
National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA)
Uma Venugopal, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CCRN
Uma Venugopal, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CCRN
Mrs. Umamaheswari (Uma) Venugopal, is a versatile leader, mentor, and inspiring role model with over 20 years of experience across various specialties. Her career has included roles such as clinical nurse, preceptor, nurse manager, risk management, administrative supervisor, and drug diversion lead for nursing, among others. Currently, she serves as the President of the National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA) for 2025-2026 and also served as the NAINA Secretary for the 2023-2024 term. She also previously served as the President of the American Association of Indian Nurses of New Jersey Chapter 2 (AAIN-NJ2) from 2021-2022. With a continued passion for leadership and teaching, she exemplifies nursing excellence through transformational and authentic leadership, inspiring and empowering fellow nurses to drive change and improve the health of our nation.
“I attribute my success to this – I never gave or took any excuse.”
-Florence Nightingale
Alliance Staff
Janae Pringle
Sr. Program Coordinator
Janae Pringle
Janae Pringle
Sr. Program Coordinator, Alliance for Ethical International Recruitment Practices
Janae Pringle is the Sr. Program Coordinator for the Alliance for Ethical International Recruitment Practices. She is excited to leverage her skills to support the work of the Alliance, and the recruitment firms committed to the ethical practices that serve as its foundation.
Janae joined CGFNS in 2023. As the previous Global Affairs Associate, she provided support across several Global and Government Affairs initiatives and regularly interfaced with the regulatory boards that rely on CGFNS’ varied services to evaluate nurses and other health professionals seeking to work in the U.S.
Janae holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Foreign Language and Literature: Concentration in Three Languages (Spanish, French, and Italian) from the University of Delaware.
Lisa Cover
Interim Program Manager
Lisa Cover
Lisa Cover
Interim Program Manager, Alliance for Ethical International Recruitment Practices
Lisa L. Cover joined CGFNS as a consultant in 2023 to provide strategic and operational support for the enterprise. Lisa is thrilled to serve as Interim Program Manager of the Alliance for Ethical International Recruitment Practices.
Prior to joining CGFNS, Lisa served as Senior Vice President for Business Development and Operations at The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Before joining ECFMG|FAIMER in 2015, she held several leadership roles over more than a decade at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), including Senior Director of International Medicine and Assistant Vice President of Planning and New Business Development.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts with emphases in public health and management from Central Michigan University School of Public Health and a Master of Health Administration from Washington University School of Medicine.