Thriving as a Sole Infection Preventionist in a Complex Healthcare Landscape

Session Description: Being the sole infection preventionist (IP) at a facility can be both rewarding and challenging. While the role offers autonomy and full ownership of the infection prevention program, it can also bring feelings of isolation, limited resources, and an increased risk of burnout.

This panel discussion will candidly explore the unique realities faced by sole IPs working within larger healthcare systems. Panelists will share experiences and insights on balancing the demands of the role while staying grounded, connected, and effective. Attendees will learn how building a network of peers across their system or region can foster resilience, encourage shared problem-solving, and create a much-needed sense of community.

The panel discussion will also highlight how divisional and system-level leadership can better support sole IPs through mentorship, meaningful engagement, consistent communication, and resource-sharing.

Designed for sole IPs, early-career professionals, and system leaders supporting facility-level IPs, this session offers practical strategies for building sustainable success—even when you’re the only one in your role. An audience Question and Answer (Q&A) period will follow the panel, giving participants the opportunity to engage with speakers and leave equipped with actionable tools, fresh perspectives, and renewed confidence.

Leah Carrier

Director of Infection Prevention, UCF Lake Nona Hospital - HCA Healthcare

Leah Beth Carrier, MPH, CIC, is the current Director of Infection Prevention at UCF Lake Nona Hospital in Orlando, Florida. She has been working in the fields of epidemiology and infection prevention since 2020, and has been with HCA since 2023. Leah Beth holds a master's degree in public health from Rollins College in Orlando, Florida. Leah Beth is passionate about helping to build resilient, connected, and diverse infection prevention communities within large healthcare systems.

Jaclyn Fosnacht

Division Director Infection Prevention, HCA West Florida Division

Jaclyn has a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Florida. She has been an IP for over 10 years and has worked for three health systems. She currently serves as the Division Director of Infection Prevention for HCA's West Florida Division.

Tiffany Richens

Division Director Infection Prevention, HCA Healthcare North Florida Division

Tiffany Richens, MPH, MS, CIC, is the Division Director of Infection Prevention for the HCA Florida North Florida Division. She was recently promoted into this role after serving 4.5 years as the Director of Infection Prevention at Oviedo Medical Center in the Orlando area. Tiffany has worked in infection prevention for 16 years, with extensive experience in epidemiology, infection prevention across the continuum of care, and quality improvement initiatives. She holds a Master of Science in Microbiology and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and Environmental Health. Tiffany has served on her local APIC chapter board and held multiple leadership positions with Florida Professionals in Infection Control (FPIC), most recently serving as President/Past President. Tiffany is passionate about developing and mentoring infection preventionists and leading strategies that advance quality, patient safety, and improved clinical outcomes across the healthcare continuum.

Chaz Rhone

Division Assistant Vice President Infection Prevention, HCA Florida Healthcare

Chaz earned a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Florida and began his career as an Infection Preventionist in 2007. He is currently the Assistant Vice President of Infection Prevention at HCA Healthcare North Florida Division, where he oversees infection prevention operations and strategy for 16 acute care facilities and all associated sites of care. Chaz is certified in infection prevention, recognized as an APIC Hero, APIC Fellow, and APIC Champion. He currently serves on the APIC Board of Directors and in the past as co-chair of the APIC Academic Pathway Task Force and a member of the APIC Professional Development Committee. His professional passions include advancing the field of IP through leadership development of IPs and advocating for MPH-ers as equally qualified candidates for IP positions. On a personal note, Chaz is married to an IP, a girl dad x2, and loves sneakers.

Kimberly Daniels

Infection Control Practitioner, Kindred Hospital Louisville

Kimberly Daniels is a board-certified Infection Preventionist at Kindred Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. With over 20 years of healthcare experience, Kimberly has fulfilled a variety of nursing and administrative roles within the long-term acute care setting. Kimberly served as an Infection Prevention Collaborative Nurse with the Kentucky Department for Public Health, where she had the pleasure of providing guidance in the control and prevention of healthcare-associated infection transmission throughout the state. Kimberly has taken part at a leadership level on several multidrug-resistant organism outbreak investigations both at the state and local facility levels. Kimberly is a member of the National Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and served as the President of the local Kentuckiana APIC chapter in 2020 and 2021. Kimberly strives to use her various nursing experiences and her knowledge of Infection Prevention to promote patient safety and to enhance patient-related outcomes.