God’s Plan, One Nurse at a Time: Dr. Philip Dickison’s Journey to CEO
Dr. Philip Dickison
CEO of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
Website: www.ncsbn.org
A Conversation Anchored in Hope
In this special episode of the Anchoring Hope podcast, host David Mansilla welcomes a remarkable guest whose life exemplifies Christ-centered leadership in action: Dr. Philip Dickison, a servant leader, decorated veteran, and newly appointed CEO of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Dr. Dickison assumed his role as CEO in October 2023, after years of executive leadership within NCSBN. With a career spanning nearly four decades in healthcare regulation, psychometrics, and public protection, he has traveled the world advancing innovation in nurse licensure and education. Previously the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Officer of Examinations, Dr. Dickison is also the visionary behind the groundbreaking Next Generation NCLEX—an international standard in nursing competency evaluation.
Yet beyond his titles and achievements, what truly defines Dr. Dickison is his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. From serving as a combat medic in the U.S. Air Force during Operation Desert Storm to navigating personal and professional valleys, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to follow God’s lead.
Join us as David and Philip explore what it means to lead with love, rise after brokenness, and live anchored in eternal hope.
A Life Anchored in Purpose – From Medic to CEO
Dr. Dickison’s story begins in the farmlands of rural America. With few options available, he chose to serve his country and entered the military as a combat medic. This early exposure to trauma and critical decision-making shaped the leader he would become. “You have 10 minutes to save a life,” he recalled. “It’s a young man’s game, but it taught me urgency, compassion, and faith.”
After 11 years in the military and years as a paramedic, Phil entered the world of licensure and testing. This sparked a passion that led him to earn a PhD in Quantitative Research and later, a nursing degree and business degree. Each milestone was a divine setup—unbeknownst to him at the time—for the CEO role he now holds at NCSBN.
“God didn’t waste any season,” he said. “He used them all.”
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
Leading in the Shadows – Ministry Beyond the Steeple
Phil’s calling once included preaching from the pulpit as an ordained pastor. But after a painful divorce, denominational rules forced him to step down from public ministry. Broken and disoriented, he prayed, “God, if I can’t serve You in a church, give me a new place to minister.”
God answered.
In the executive offices of NCSBN, Phil found his new pulpit—not with a mic, but with mentorship. He began quietly discipling staff, using biblical leadership models like Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days. “Nehemiah didn’t just lead; he worked with a shovel in one hand and a sword in the other,” Phil shared. “He led by example—and so must we.”
Through this modern-day ministry, he has shaped leaders, inspired faith, and created a legacy that transcends boardrooms.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
The Heart of a Leader – Humility Over Hype
In a world that glorifies power and prestige, Phil’s leadership stands in contrast. His secret? Humility.
“I have nothing apart from God,” he said. “Any success I’ve had is purely by His hand.” He cautions leaders never to believe their own hype. Just like the kings of old, pride precedes a fall.
Phil points to biblical examples like King David, King Nebuchadnezzar, and King Herod—each of whom experienced God’s discipline, but only some experienced His restoration. “If you stay humble, God will use you. But the moment you think it’s you, you’re already falling.”
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Forgiveness as Freedom – Healing What’s Hidden
Forgiveness isn’t just a Christian virtue—it’s a leadership requirement. For Phil, this truth was tested in the fire. After his divorce, he preached forgiveness but didn’t yet fully understand it. “It wasn’t until I had to forgive my ex-wife that I learned what God meant by it.”
He defines true forgiveness as this: “When you have every right to be angry, every right to get revenge, but you choose mercy instead.”
This lesson became a cornerstone of his leadership and personal life. “Forgiveness breaks chains. Not just yours—but generational ones.” His powerful testimony serves as a reminder that healing isn’t found in hiding pain, but in surrendering it to Christ.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Anchored in Hope – Living for Eternity
Phil’s career has been steeped in life-and-death moments—from the battlefield to the ICU. Yet through every experience, he has held onto one thing: hope.
“I don’t know how people live without the hope of Christ,” he said. “If this life is all there is, why bother? But I know this isn’t the end. This is the mist. Eternity is the masterpiece.”
It was this eternal perspective that gave him peace when he lost his father. “I didn’t want him to come back,” he said. “He closed his eyes here and opened them in heaven.”
Phil’s message to leaders is simple: live, love, and lead with heaven in view. It’s not about achieving greatness—it’s about glorifying God.
“Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13
Lead Like Christ, Love Like Christ
Dr. Philip Dickison’s life is a testimony that leadership is not reserved for boardrooms or pulpits—it’s lived in every conversation, every act of kindness, every moment of obedience.
His story challenges us to be leaders who forgive, mentors who serve, and warriors who build. Whether we carry a stethoscope or a spreadsheet, the call remains the same: lead with love, stay humble, and never forget the One who called you.
Because when Christ is your anchor, every storm becomes an opportunity to shine His light.
Written by Jovilyn Dela Cruz
“When you have every right to be angry, every right to get revenge—but you choose mercy—that’s forgiveness. That’s what God did for me, and that’s how I lead.”
