About the Board

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, 2025
Eligible for Reappointment: Yes
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

Elliot Fennell Williams, MD

City: High Point
Initial Appointment: November 1, 2019
Term ends: Term ends October 31, 2025
Eligible for Reappointment: No
Professional Background:
Diplomate American Board of Anesthesiology
Carolina Anesthesiology, P.A.

Appointed by NCMB

Melinda Couper, BS, CCP, LP

City: Charlotte
Initial Appointment: November 1, 2023
Term ends: October 31, 2026
Eligible for Reappointment: Yes
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

Appointed by NCHA

Jill Engel, DNP, ACNP, FNP

City: Durham
Initial Appointment: November 1, 2021
Term ends: October 31, 2024
Eligible for Reappointment: Yes
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, 2025
Eligible for Reappointment: Yes
Professional Background:
Executive Director, Heart & Vascular and Critical Care Nursing Services – WakeMed Health & Hospitals

Appointed by Governor

Sharon Y. Brown, PH.D.

City: Raleigh
Initial Appointment: November 1, 2018
Term ends: Second term ends on October 31, 2024
Eligible for Reappointment: No
Professional Background:
Adjunct Professor of Biology
University of Maryland University College
School of Undergraduate Studies