Tanya Drake, MSN, RN, has been a valued member of the Montefiore Nyack Hospital Board of Trustees since her appointment in 2017. Recently reappointed for a second term through 2031, she brings a powerful combination of clinical expertise, academic leadership and a deep commitment to community service.  A dedicated nurse and Professor Emerita at Rockland Community College (SUNY), Tanya also serves on the Board’s Quality Council and Employee Engagement & Patient Satisfaction Committee.

With a strong background in governance, Tanya is Vice President of the American Nurses Association–New York and an advocate for nurses having a voice in healthcare leadership. “Nurses think holistically—we understand the challenges patients face and the realities of care delivery,” she says. “Having nurses on boards who aren’t employees helps bring that honest, experience-based perspective to the table.”

Her journey to board service came through professional connections, and her impact is clear. Whether advocating for staff on the hospital floor or encouraging deeper discussions in the boardroom, Tanya’s contributions are deeply valued by both leadership and her fellow nurses.

Outside of healthcare, Tanya is an avid traveler with a passion for expedition travel. “I love meeting people across the world, seeing their national and local treasures, hearing their stories and learning about their lives and cultures … and of course their food,” she says. “Sharing meals with people we meet is one of the great joys of travel.”

Tanya’s blend of clinical insight, academic excellence and adventurous spirit makes her a powerful voice on the Board and a true advocate for the communities she serves.