Executive Board 2023-2024

Rani Kappen, RN, DNP, MBA, CPHQ.

President
Email - nainausa@gmail.com

Rani Kappen is a doctor-prepared dedicated nurse leader with over 30 years of work experience in critical care units, psychiatry clinics, long-term care, home care, hospice, and primary care.
and healthcare quality. She is experienced in leading collaborative efforts in coordinating and managing performance improvement activities and accreditation surveys. Proficient in developing policies designed to improve clinic function, solve operational problems, and systematically evaluate patient care. She currently works as a Risk Manager at a VA hospital. She has been an INAI member since its inception and has held multiple positions within INAI.

Sunu Thomas, MSN, RN, TNCC.

Executive Vice President

Sunu, with over 25 years of healthcare experience, is the Clinical Nurse Manager at Holy Family Medical Center, leading a team and overseeing patient care in med-surg telemetry units. She specializes in nursing leadership, performance improvement, and clinical operations, ensuring high-quality, compassionate care and adherence to standards. Holding a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Nursing Informatics, Sunu is recognized for her leadership and staff development contributions. She is passionate about fostering a safe, supportive environment and driving innovation in healthcare delivery.

Chary Vandanoor, DNP, MBA, APRN, MSN, FNP-C

Vice President

Chary Vandannoor is a nurse practitioner with a doctorate and master’s in business administration. She currently works in a leadership position in one of the leading healthcare systems in Chicagoland. She completed her bachelor’s in nursing from St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences in Bangalore, India. She completed her master’s in nursing and specialized as a family nurse practitioner at North Park University in Chicago.She holds a doctorate and a second master’s in business administration degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Lissamma Roy, MSN, RN.

Secretary

Lissamma (Lissa) Roy is a registered nurse currently working as an Infection Preventionist at
VA Hospital. Lissa is a Certified Infection Control (CIC) professional, demonstrating her
commitment to maintaining the highest standards in infection prevention and control. She is a
member in the Indian Nurses Association of Illinois and as well as holding an Executive Board
position as a secretary since 2022. She has Master’s degree in Clinical Nurse Leader and spent
her career advancing patient care and fostering excellence in clinical setting. Her passion for
nursing and leadership continues to inspire and contribute to the ongoing development of best
practices in the field.

Chrisrose Vadakara, DNP, APRN, RN, FNP-C

Treasurer