Future-Ready: The New APIC IP Competency Model Unveiled

Session Description: Join members of APIC’s Professional Development Committee for an inside look at the newly updated Infection Preventionist (IP) Competency Model. This forward-looking model reflects the evolving IP practice landscape and drives the core knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for IPs to thrive in current and future practice settings. Panelists will highlight key updates, share the “why” behind the changes, and discuss how the model supports IP career development, workforce planning, and education.

Holly Taylor

VP, Quality and Patient Safety, Ascension Texas

Holly Taylor, MPH, CIC is the Infection Prevention Director at Ascension Texas where she has served since 2019. She has been an Infection Preventionist for more than 15 years practicing in Texas and Virginia. Her favorite thing about being an Infection Preventionist is the oppotunity to partner with a wide variety of disciplines across healthcare organizations solving complex problems. Holly currently serves on the APIC Professional Development committee and in her free time enjoys curling up with a good book. Holly received her Masters of Public Health from the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston, Texas.

Eileen Sherman

Manager, Infection Prevention, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Eileen Sherman, MS, CIC, FAPIC is currently a Infection Prevention Manager at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She is an experienced IP supporting a large infection prevention team in identifying improvement opportunities in healthcare acquired infection (HAI) surveillance. Building an efficient and effective HAI surveillance program to optimize the use of the electronic surveillance systems; gaining valuable time back in the IPs day for interaction with clinical teams and patient safety related interventions. Eileen recently served as a System Director, Infection Prevention and Control, guiding an infection prevention program with responsibilities for four acute care hospitals, one acute care rehabilitation facility, a behavioral health facility and over 90 physician practices and ambulatory care locations. Previous experiences include serving large pediatric and adult acute care programs. She is experienced in information management and research coordination and leading infection prevention programs in development and implementation of data management and electronic surveillance systems.

Christina Zirges

System Director Infection Prevention, SSM Health

Christine is currently the System Director of Infection Prevention for SSM Health. Professional endeavors include past board member of the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC), current Chair of the APIC Professional Development Committee, board member on the Board of Directors for the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC), and the HAI Advisory Council through the University of Missouri (Sinclair School of Nursing). She is certified in infection prevention (CIC), board-certified as an advanced practice nurse (ACNS-BC), and a Fellow of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (FAPIC). Her doctoral focus was on reducing the number of indwelling urinary catheter days. Experience includes practicing infection prevention in many settings, which made integrating a corporate-wide program a natural next step. Interests include standardization of work and sustainment of clinical interventions. The structure and processes of a high-functioning infection prevention and control program are a key driver of success.

Jeffrey Chudzinski

Senior Infection Preventionist, University of Michigan Health, Michigan Medicine

Upon completing his MPH from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Jeff began his career at University of Michigan Health (UMH) as an Infection Prevention data analyst. His journey shifted to Beaumont Health where he worked as an Infection Preventionist to develop a response plan to a regional flood prepared for Ebola, and led the infection control program as a "one-er" for one of the system’s community hospitals. Jeff found himself back at UMH in 2017 where he has focused attention on the needs of the system’s cardiovascular hospital and environmental services. As a Senior Infection Preventionist, Jeff co-lead’s the institutional CAUTI Prevention Committee, driving efforts to CAUTI reduction and system improvement, as well as the VAE Workgroup. Jeff is a regular guest lecturer at UM School of Public Health, the 2023 President for APIC Great Lakes, and is currently a member on APIC's Professional Development Committee (PDC).

Teresa Daniels

Central Kentucky Market Director of Infection Prevention, Lifepoint Health

Teresa Daniels is the Central Kentucky Market Director of Infection Prevention for Centerpoint Health. Teresa has been a registered nurse since 1992. Teresa earned a Master’s Degree Nursing (MSN) with a specialty in Infection Prevention from American Sentinel University in May 2016. Teresa holds multiple national certifications. Teresa has had articles published in Infection Control Today Magazine and the American Journal of Infection Control. She was awarded Patient Safety Hero in November 2017 by the Kentucky Hospital Association. In 2019 she received an APIC national award for Hero of Infection Prevention for Performance Improvement. Teresa has been an active member of LifePoint Health Infection Prevention Advisory Council since 2014. Teresa is an active member of the Bluegrass APIC Chapter where she has served as Chapter President in 2014 , 2018, 2023, and 2026. Teresa was the 2025 Chair of the National APIC Annual Conference Committee (ACC).