In Memory of Steven K. Bryant, NBRC’s Former CEO

It is with much sorrow that the NBRC announces the passing of Steven K. Bryant, PhD, RRT (Hon), NBRC’s former CEO and Executive Director, on October 19, 2023.

Dr. Bryant graduated with honors from the University of Arkansas with a BS in Business Administration in July of 1971. In 1982, he completed the MBA program at Rockhurst University and earned a Doctorate in Business Administration from LaSalle University in 2002. Upon completion of his undergraduate education, Steve entered the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served as an Administrative Management Officer in the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing, an F-111 unit stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada and Tahkli, Thailand.

After leaving the Air Force in 1974, Steve moved to Kansas City and was hired as the very first full-time NBRC employee. In June of 1975, he was promoted from Business Manager to Executive Director. He continued as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer until the end of 2001, when he retired from full-time involvement with the NBRC.

During his 28 years at the helm of the credentialing system, Steve assembled a staff and facility to create the NBRC’s first professional business office. He and the Board of Trustees established all the policies and procedures essential to the operation of the examination programs.

In 1982, Steve proposed the incorporation of NBRC Management Services, Inc. as a wholly owned for-profit subsidiary of the NBRC. He became the subsidiary’s President and served in this capacity from 1982-2001. Over time, NBRC Management Services evolved into Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP), Inc. AMP became a nationally recognized testing and management services company for over 30 years. In 2015, AMP was acquired by PSI Services, LLC.

Through the years, Steve’s contributions to the NBRC, respiratory care profession and the certification industry earned him many honors and recognitions. He became an Honorary Member of the Lambda Beta Honor Society in 1991 and received Honorary Membership in the AARC in 1996. He was instrumental in getting the NBRC’s credentialing programs accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The NBRC’s examinations have been accredited by the NCCA since 1977, longer than any other credentialing agency. Upon Steve’s retirement, the Board of Trustees recognized him as an Honorary RRT in 2001. In 2010, Steve received the NBRC’s highest honor, the Sister Mary Yvonne Jenn, CRNA, RRT Lifetime Achievement Award. Steve was fiercely passionate about credentialing and the respiratory care profession and will long be remembered for his commitment, not only to the NBRC, but to all those whom he mentored and “raised” in the credentialing business.