Meet The Board
Officers
President
Deidra Hamilton
MSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG
Oncology navigation leader advancing equity and professional growth.
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Deidra Hamilton is a nationally recognized oncology navigation leader, educator, and mentor with a strong record of advancing equitable access to cancer care. Over her career, she has built and led comprehensive navigation programs across academic and community health systems, integrating evidence-based practice with compassionate, patient-centered care. Deidra is known for her expertise in team development, program design, and quality improvement. As President of NaviPrep Institute’s Board of Directors, she provides strategic leadership and ensures the Institute’s mission—advancing navigation, leadership, and equity—remains at the forefront of every initiative.
Treasurer
Kristi Denny
BSRT(R)(M)(BS), ARRT, BHCN, CGRA, FNCBC
Fiscal steward ensuring mission-aligned sustainability.
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Kristi Denny brings nearly three decades of clinical and leadership experience in breast health, imaging, and oncology navigation. A Fellow of the National Consortium of Breast Centers (FNCBC), she has been instrumental in elevating standards of care through program accreditation, patient education, and genetics navigation. Kristi also founded the Ribbon Warriors Cancer Support Group, serving as a mentor to countless patients and families. As Treasurer, she provides fiscal oversight and governance expertise, ensuring NaviPrep Institute maintains integrity and accountability in all financial operations.
Secretary
Sebastian Higdon
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Business strategist optimizing governance and communications.
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As a business development executive and President of Ironline, LLC, Sebastian Higdon brings a decade of experience in strategic operations, corporate growth, and governance systems. His leadership centers on aligning vision with execution—creating structure, efficiency, and scalability in mission-driven organizations. At NaviPrep Institute, Sebastian manages corporate documentation, board communications, and policy compliance, helping maintain transparency and organizational excellence.
Directors
Charles Centers
Disabled military veteran and retired Appalachian mining blaster-driller committed to service and rural equity.
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A disabled military veteran, past union leader, and retired blaster-driller from southeastern Kentucky, Charles Centers exemplifies the Institute’s commitment to equity, service, and community. His Appalachian roots and lifelong dedication to hard work, resilience, and humility inspire his advocacy for underserved and rural populations. Charles believes deeply in giving back—especially to communities like the one he grew up in—by supporting access to education and health equity for all. His leadership perspective ensures NaviPrep’s mission reaches those often overlooked by traditional systems.
James Higdon
Public construction and infrastructure leader from rural Georgia bringing pragmatic insight and rural community understanding.
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Born and raised in rural Georgia, James Higdon brings extensive experience from the fields of public construction and infrastructure development. Working within the private contracting sector, he has overseen large-scale projects focused on rural public works, community planning, and workforce development. James’ unique understanding of small-town dynamics, resource challenges, and community resilience adds a grounded, real-world perspective to the Institute’s work. His leadership helps ensure that NaviPrep’s initiatives truly meet the needs of rural and resource-limited communities.
Kimberly Samuels
​MBA, RT(R)(M), ARRT, ARDMS
National nonprofit executive advancing accreditation and collaboration.
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With over 25 years of experience in radiologic sciences and nonprofit leadership, Kimberly Samuels currently serves as Executive Director of the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC). She has led national initiatives in accreditation, quality improvement, and professional education, helping thousands of healthcare professionals elevate their practice. At NaviPrep Institute, Kimberly brings a deep understanding of healthcare accreditation, program development, and collaborative partnerships—helping extend the Institute’s reach and reinforce its reputation for excellence.
Emeritus Leadership (Non-Voting)
President Emeritus & Founder
Nicole Centers
MBA, BSN, RN, OCN, CBCN, BHCN, FNCBC
Founder and visionary leader shaping the Institute’s mission of equitable navigation education.
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​Nicole Centers is a nationally recognized oncology executive, educator, and navigation pioneer. With a career spanning more than three decades, she has led multiple cancer programs, co-authored national navigation standards, and served in key leadership roles across volunteer professional organizations. As the founder of NaviPrep Institute, Nicole envisioned an organization that would close education and equity gaps for navigators serving patients in every corner of the country. Her strategic vision continues to guide the Institute’s mission of advancing navigation, leadership, and health equity for all.
Director Emeritus
Melissa Higdon
MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, OCN
Advanced practice oncology educator fostering leadership and excellence in patient care.
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​Melissa Higdon is an accomplished oncology clinical nurse specialist and educator with extensive experience in advanced practice leadership and clinical training. She has spent her career empowering nurses and navigators to deliver evidence-based, compassionate care that transforms patient outcomes. As Director Emeritus, Melissa continues to provide mentorship and thought leadership to the Institute, supporting curriculum development and national education initiatives that strengthen the oncology workforce.