Perfusionist Advisory Committee Members
Chair
The Perfusionist Advisory Committee Chair is appointed by the NC Medical Board
Julie E. Walker, CCP, LP
City: Durham
Initial Appointment: November 1, 2022
Term ends: October 31, 2028
Eligible for Reappointment: No
Professional Background:
Lead Staff Perfusionist – VA Medical Center
Perfusionist – Duke University Medical Center
Vice Chair
The Perfusionist Advisory Committee Vice Chair is appointed by the NC Medical Board - Currently vacant
Appointed by NCMB
Melinda Couper, BS, CCP, LP
City: Charlotte
Initial Appointment: November 1, 2023
Term ends: October 31, 2029
Eligible for Reappointment: No
Professional Background:
Chief Perfusionist for Atrium Health System
Michele M. Heath, LP, BS, CCP
City: Raleigh
Initial Appointment: November 1, 2024
Term ends: October 31, 2027
Eligible for Reappointment: Yes
Professional Background:
Durham VA Medical Center
Sharon L. McCartney, MD
City: Durham
Initial Appointment: November 1, 2026
Term ends: October 31, 2029
Eligible for Reappointment: Yes
Specialty: Anesthesiology
Certification: American Board of Anesthesiology
Professional Background:
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Dept. of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center.
Appointed by NCHA
Jill Engel, DNP, ACNP, FNP
City: Durham
Initial Appointment: November 1, 2021
Term ends: October 31, 2027
Eligible for Reappointment: No
Professional Background:
Service Line Vice President – Heart & Vascular
Duke University Health System
Amanda B. Thompson, MHA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC
City: Albemarle
Initial Appointment: November 1, 2022
Term ends: October 31, 2028
Eligible for Reappointment: No
Professional Background:
Executive Director, Heart & Vascular and Critical Care Nursing Services – WakeMed Health & Hospitals
Appointed by Governor
Peg O’Connell
City: Raleigh
Initial Appointment: 11/01/2024
Term ends: October 31, 2027
Eligible for Reappointment: Yes
Professional Background:
Ms. O’Connell, an attorney, is a health care consultant and the immediate past-chair of Care4Carolina, a coalition of nearly 200 organizations committed to finding a North Carolina solution for closing the health insurance coverage gap through Medicaid Expansion. She has more than 25 years of experience in legislative, public, regulatory, and governmental affairs, health care, media, and grassroots advocacy at the state and federal levels.
