August 12, 2025 – Kristopher Flippo, chief nursing officer at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Panama City, has been appointed to the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) 2025-2026 Board of Directors for a second year. ARN, a nationally recognized organization, exists to promote and advance rehabilitation nursing through professional development, advocacy, collaboration and research.
“This organization works to empower rehabilitation nurses who are helping patients and families affected by disability and chronic illness experience the best possible quality of life,” Flippo said. “It is an honor to serve on the ARN Board of Directors.”
Flippo, who is passionate about patient-centered care, says that he will contribute by bringing frontline rehabilitation leadership experience, championing evidence-based practice and actively serving where the ARN Board needs him most.
“I’ll participate on task forces, help lead committees as a Board liaison and advance education, practice resources and policy priorities that strengthen rehabilitation nursing nationwide,” Flippo said.
Being a member of ARN is important to Flippo. His involvement with the organization keeps him closely connected to what is working across the country. Through peer collaboration, education and resources such as the Rehabilitation Nursing Knowledge Base, Flippo can track emerging best practices.
“Whether tracking best practices or new technologies, I can bring these lessons home to our teams at Encompass Health Panama City so we can improve patient outcomes, staff development and operational reliability.”
Flippo says the next year will involve serving and listening. His goals include elevating the voice of bedside rehabilitation nurses, mentoring emerging leaders and helping translate research into everyday practice.
Flippo has served as Encompass Health Panama City’s chief nursing officer since July 2022. He values serving in a variety of ways, including at his church, to keep him grounded in servant leadership and committed to compassion and integrity, which enables him to positively influence patients and families.
To read the full ARN article announcing the 2025-2026 Board of Directors, click here.