Patricia A. McGaffigan, RN, MS, CPPS is vice president, patient safety programs at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and president of the Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety. She previously served as COO and senior VP of programs and interim president at the National Patient Safety Foundation. Patricia's diverse experience includes clinical practice, academia, and a range of leadership, education, and marketing roles for start-up and established technology companies focused on patient safety. She is a certified professional in patient safety, a graduate of the AHA-NPSF Patient Safety Leadership Fellowship Program, and a member of the American Society for Professionals in Patient Safety. She serves on a wide range of national committees related to safety, including the Joint Commission National Patient Safety Committee, an advisor to the Coalition to Improve Diagnosis, and is a member of the Board of Directors for Medically Induced Trauma Support Services. Patricia was awarded the distinguished Lifetime Member Award from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau. She received her B.S. with a major in nursing from Boston College, and her M.S. with a major in nursing from Boston University.