The National Certification Corp. has named Robin L. Bissinger, APRN, PhD, NNP-BC, FAAN, as the new executive director of the national certification organization for health professionals certified in the obstetric, gynecologic and neonatal specialties, according to a news release.

Bissinger will be responsible for all programs and activities related to NCC’s mission beginning Aug. 1.

Bissinger’s most recent position was with the Medical University of South Carolina’s College of Nursing in Charleston, where she held the positions of the associate dean of academics and professor. Bissinger also served as NCC president from 2010-13.

“This is an exciting opportunity and provides a national platform to continue the work on perinatal competencies and certification,” Bissinger said in a news release. “My goal is to continue to assist the healthcare team to improve quality outcomes and safety through lifelong learning, a commitment to specialty certification and a collaborative model of interprofessional practice that insures our patients and their families that we provide evidence-based care at the highest level.”

She replaces Betty Burns, CAE, who has been executive director since 1981 and will take on the new role of chief executive adviser. Burns said Bissinger “brings an enthusiasm, creativity and proven leadership to the executive director role and will continue the growth of the organization with new exciting certification endeavors and initiatives that will benefit the NCC constituency and all the women, families and neonates they serve,” according to the release.