Cherry B. Akins-Smith
RN BSN, DNS-CT, IP, WCS, MA, D.MIN
Lexington,KY
Summary
Dynamic Registered Nurse with over 18 years of progressive leadership experience in clinical services and long-term care. Proven expertise in participant-centered care, chronic disease management, and interdisciplinary team leadership within complex healthcare environments. Skilled in ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving quality improvement initiatives. Adept at policy development, staff training, and optimizing clinical operations to enhance participant outcomes and satisfaction. Accomplished at promoting interdisciplinary approaches and collaborating with both corporate and facility level leadership to improve outcomes.
Overview
1
1
Certification
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Director of Clinical Services
VenzaCare
, Kentucky/TN Region
03.2026 - Current
- Multi-site oversight: Monitor clinical practices, resident outcomes, and quality metrics across assigned facilities. Including traveling to cover facilities in other regions
- Regulatory compliance: Ensure compliance with CMS, state licensing, and health authority regulations
- Survey Readiness: Lead and support facilities through state and federal inspections, mock surveys, and corrective action plans
- Leadership & Mentorship: Coach and mentor Directors of Nursing, facility administrators, and clinical staff
- Quality Assurance (QAPI): Drive performance improvement initiatives, infection control tracking, risk management, and clinical reviews
- Collaboration: Partner with corporate operations, human resources, finance and medical directors to align clinical delivery with organizational goals
- Field Travel: Regularly visit regional sites to evaluate operations, address clinical challenges, and conduct training.
Corporate Director of Clinical Services
Greencroft Communities
Goshen, IN
12.2018 - 03.2026
- Provide clinical and regulatory oversight for multi-site CCRCs across Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois.
- Lead policy development and implementation to ensure compliance with CMS and state regulations.
- Develop and monitor budgets, KPIs, and quality improvement programs to enhance participant outcomes.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deliver participant-centered care and education.
- Oversee staff recruitment, orientation, and ongoing training for clinical leadership roles.
- Implement EMR systems and optimize workflows for improved care coordination.
Quality Assurance Consultant
HCR ManorCare
Indianapolis, IN
08.2016 - 11.2018
- Assessed clinical programs and ensured compliance with regulatory standards.
- Provided guidance and education to Directors of Nursing and interdisciplinary teams.
- Reported clinical performance metrics to divisional leadership and implemented corrective actions.
Nursing Consultant
Life Care Centers of America
Indianapolis, IN
12.2014 - 07.2016
- Delivered clinical oversight and staff education across multiple facilities.
- Conducted pre-survey audits and implemented quality improvement strategies.
Director of Nursing
American Senior Communities
Indianapolis, IN
12.2012 - 12.2014
- Managed nursing operations, ensuring high-quality care and regulatory compliance.
- Improved quality measures and achieved enhanced CMS star ratings through targeted initiatives.
Education
Doctor of Ministry - undefined
Ecumenical Theological Seminary
01.2016
Master of Arts - Pastoral Leadership
Indiana Wesleyan University
01.2011
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Indiana University
01.2007
Associate of Science - Nursing
Metropolitan Community College
01.2000
Skills
- Participant-Centered Care, Quality Improvement Leadership, Budget & KPI Oversight, Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration, Regulatory Compliance, Staff Recruitment & Training, EMR Implementation & Optimization, Nursing Operations and Education
Personal Information
- Katherine, Hatton, (765) 274-8289
- Pamela, Grabbe, (260) 413-2438
- Trisha, Meyers, (419) 203-0263
- Angela, Johnson, (574) 903-6899
Certification
- Registered Nurse Compact License
- DNS-CT (Director of Nursing Services Certified)
- Infection Preventionist (IP)
- Wound Care Specialist (WCS)
Timeline
Regional Director of Clinical Services
VenzaCare
03.2026 - Current
Corporate Director of Clinical Services
Greencroft Communities
12.2018 - 03.2026
Quality Assurance Consultant
HCR ManorCare
08.2016 - 11.2018
Nursing Consultant
Life Care Centers of America
12.2014 - 07.2016
Director of Nursing
American Senior Communities
12.2012 - 12.2014
Associate of Science - Nursing
Metropolitan Community College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Indiana University
Master of Arts - Pastoral Leadership
Indiana Wesleyan University
Doctor of Ministry - undefined
Ecumenical Theological Seminary