Please see below for the 2027 Board of Directors & Nominating Committee Candidates. Voting is open to all Fellow and Associate members in good standing. Members will receive an individualized link to the election in their email.
Voting opens September 1, 2026.
Hi! My name is Beth Ehlers. I have been involved with NCAPA since serving as the Student Representative for my class during PA School. I am currently the chair of the Legislative Subcommittee of the Government Affairs Committee and serve on the Student Affairs Committee. I have previously served on the Board of Directors as a Student Director-at-Large and I am currently serving as the Secretary.
I got my Bachelor’s Degree at Western Carolina where I majored in Political Science. I went to PA School at Campbell, and got my doctoral degree at Butler. I stay connected with Campbell and their PA Program. I am currently serving as the Chair of the Scholarship Committee for Campbell University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. I have also lectured on PA Advocacy, focusing on ways to get more students involved. Clinically I work inpatient psych at a small behavioral health hospital in Erwin. Along with my clinical work; I precept PA students and mentor Pre-PA students.
Outside of my PA role, I enjoy spending time with my dogs. I have a 13 year old German Shepherd named Charli and a 2 year old Chiuhuha mix named Milo. I recently learned to play pickleball. I also enjoy trying out new sourdough and sourdough discard recipes, and occasionally do some embroidering for fun. . I am also a big Carolina Hurricanes fan and was ecstatic to watch them win the Stanley Cup this year! GO CANES!
My favorite thing about being a part of NCAPA is the chance to meet students from all the PA schools across the state. Being able to work with these students during their time in PA school is rewarding and it also serves as a great opportunity to instill the mission of NCAPA into the individuals who will be serving as the future of the PA profession. If I were elected into this role I would hope to continue this engagement with both PA students as well as practicing PAs. I believe NCAPA is only successful with the support from its members and hope to help continue to grow this organization.
Serving on the NCAPA Board of Directors since the beginning of 2025 has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career. Over the past two years, I have immersed myself in the work of our Academy, learning from dedicated leaders, serving on the Sustainability Committee, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the vital role the NCAPA plays in supporting Physician Associates across North Carolina. I am honored to be a candidate for Vice President because I believe our organization is well-positioned to build on its strong foundation while preparing for the future.
A key priority of mine is strengthening member engagement across all career stages. We must continue serving our long-standing members, whose experience and dedication have shaped our profession, while also creating meaningful opportunities for students, new graduates, and early-career PAs to become active members and future leaders. The future of the NCAPA depends on attracting and retaining the next generation without losing sight of the members who have helped build our success.
I believe technology and data can help us work smarter and serve our members more effectively. My background in business and data analytics has shown me how thoughtful modernization can improve communication, streamline operations, and support better decision-making. I want to leverage these skills to help the NCAPA embrace innovative solutions that enhance the member experience while ensuring our organization remains efficient, adaptable, and financially sustainable.
The NCAPA summer conference is our signature event and represents an incredible opportunity to strengthen member engagement. I would like to explore ways to modernize the conference experience through enhanced educational offerings, expanded networking opportunities, and new ways for attendees to connect before, during, and after the conference. By continually evaluating and improving our flagship event, we can ensure it remains relevant and valuable for both longtime attendees and first-time participants.
Sustainability is more than financial stability; it is about building an organization that can thrive for decades to come. We must invest in leadership development, embrace innovation responsibly, and make strategic decisions that position our academy for long-term success. By using data to guide our decisions and listening carefully to our members, we can identify opportunities to improve while remaining true to our mission and values.
Throughout my time on the Board, I have focused on listening, collaborating, and contributing wherever I could make a meaningful impact. If elected Vice President, I will continue to lead with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to serving every member of our Academy. I would be honored to earn your support and your vote for Vice President of the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates..
I’m Julia Niemi, and I am running for the position of Secretary for NCAPA. I currently serve as the chair of the Membership and Marketing committee, a position I have held for the past two years, and was a member of the committee before that. I am also a member of the Policy Subcommittee of the Government Affairs Committee and a member of the 50th Anniversary task force. Previously, I participated in the policy review task force and the pre-PA student planning task force, as well as moderated webinars focusing on doctoral degrees for PAs and updates from the DEA. I completed my undergraduate degree at Elon University and completed my PA training at Campbell University. Since graduating in 2017, I have been working at an FQHC in Fayetteville. I completed my DHSc at Campbell in 2023.
As a dedicated NCAPA member since my student years and throughout my professional career, I have experienced firsthand the value NCAPA brings through advocacy, leadership development, continuing education, and professional connection, which has strengthened my appreciation for the important work NCAPA does on behalf of PAs across our state. I am honored to be considered for the position of Secretary and would welcome the opportunity to continue serving our members in this capacity.
If elected, I will bring organization, reliability, and a collaborative leadership style to this position while continuing to work with the board and advocate for the needs of North Carolina PAs, students, and future members. It would be a privilege to continue serving NCAPA, which has played such an important role throughout my career. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote for secretary.
It is an honor to be nominated to serve as Director-at-Large for the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA). As a PA practicing in the state where I was born and raised, I consider it one of the greatest privileges of my career to serve the patients and communities of North Carolina. Each day, I have the opportunity to care for patients, mentor future healthcare professionals, and collaborate with colleagues who share a passion for improving the health of North Carolinians. These experiences have shaped my commitment to strengthening our profession through advocacy, leadership, education, and collaboration.
Throughout my career at UNC Health, I have worked to build and lead high-performing APP teams, improving patient access, and developing innovative practice models that empower PAs to practice at the top of their license. As an Inpatient APP Supervisor, I currently lead 17 APPs while partnering with physicians, administrators, and healthcare leaders to optimize care delivery, enhance operational excellence, and improve patient outcomes. I have also had the privilege of mentoring and educating PA students, pre-PA students, and practicing clinicians, helping guide the next generation of healthcare leaders. I believe impactful leadership begins with listening, building relationships, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
My passion for advocacy extends well beyond my health system. Through my service on the NCAPA Government Affairs Committee and participation in the NCAPA PA Leader Roundtable, I have collaborated with legislators and other PA leaders to advance two of the most important initiatives for our profession: the PA Team-Based Care Model and the PA Licensure Compact. These efforts are helping modernize PA practice, improve workforce mobility, and expanding access to high-quality healthcare for patients throughout North Carolina. These efforts have reinforced my belief that our profession is strongest when we unite our voices and work collectively toward meaningful change.
Education and professional development have also been foundational throughout my career. As Adjunct Faculty at Campbell University, a member of the Board of Advisors for the Campbell University PA Program and the Advanced Practice Provider Oncology Summit, and a frequent lecturer at statewide and national conferences, I have had the privilege of connecting with PA leaders, educators, and clinicians across North Carolina and beyond. These experiences have expanded my understanding of the diverse challenges facing PAs across practice settings and regions while allowing me to share best practices, learn from colleagues, and collaborate on innovative solutions. The continued growth and success of our profession depends on our ability to support one another, develop future leaders, and advocate together.
If elected, I will focus on three key priorities:
Advocating for our profession. I will continue championing legislative and regulatory initiatives that strengthen PA practice, protect patient access to care, and support the advancement of the PA Team-Based Care Model and PA Licensure Compact. I will work to ensure the voice of North Carolina PAs remains strong, informed, and represented.
Investing in future leaders. The future of our profession depends on developing confident, engaged leaders at every stage of their careers. I will advocate for expanded mentorship, leadership development, and educational opportunities that support PA students, early-career PAs, and experienced clinicians as they continue to shape healthcare.
Strengthening member engagement. NCAPA is strongest when every member feels valued, heard, and represented. I will work to engage PAs across all specialties, practice settings, and regions of our state by listening to member needs, fostering collaboration, and ensuring NCAPA continues to evolve alongside the profession it represents.
The PA profession continues to grow and transform, creating tremendous opportunities to improve healthcare across North Carolina. I believe my experience as a clinician, healthcare leader, educator, mentor, and advocate has prepared me to serve NCAPA and its members with dedication and purpose. I am committed to leading with integrity, transparency, and collaboration, and I would be honored to earn your support as your next NCAPA Director-at-Large.
Together, we can continue advancing our profession, strengthening our collective voice, and ensuring that North Carolina PAs remain leaders in delivering exceptional care to the patients and communities we serve.
It would be an honor to continue serving NCAPA as a Director at Large. Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that has had such a meaningful impact on my professional journey. I look forward to continuing our shared work to advance the PA profession and improve the health of the communities we serve.
I am deeply honored to be considered for the position of Director at Large for the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA). It has been a privilege to serve this organization over the past several years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to its mission.
For the past three years, I have served as both Co-Chair and Chair of the Student Affairs Committee, where I have led initiatives to support physician associate students as they transition from the classroom to clinical practice and ultimately into the workforce. This
experience has reinforced my belief that investing in the next generation of PAs strengthens our profession for years to come. In addition, I have had the honor of serving on the Membership and Marketing Committee and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, working to expand engagement within our profession and to encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers as physician associates.
As Director at Large, my goals would be to build upon NCAPA’s strong foundation by fostering a more connected, engaged, and empowered PA community. I believe our organization is uniquely positioned to champion professional excellence while preparing our members to navigate the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
If elected as a director at large, my vision and goals would include:
- Strengthening member engagement by creating meaningful opportunities for networking, mentorship, and leadership development across all career stages.
- Supporting physician associate students and early-career PAs through mentorship
programs, career development resources, and leadership opportunities within NCAPA. - Advocating for the PA profession by working collaboratively with legislators, healthcare organizations, and stakeholders to protect and expand the role of PAs in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
- Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion by encouraging pathways into the profession for individuals from diverse backgrounds and fostering an environment where every member feels represented, valued, and supported.
- Advancing professional excellence through continuing education, innovation, and
collaboration that equips PAs to meet the changing needs of patients and healthcare systems.
The Physician Associate profession has continually evolved to meet the needs of our patients and communities, and I believe NCAPA plays a critical role in shaping that future. As a Director at Large, I will bring a collaborative leadership style, a commitment to service, and a genuine passion for supporting our members and future members at every stage of their careers. I value listening to diverse perspectives, building meaningful partnerships, and working alongside fellow leaders to ensure our organization remains responsive to our members’ needs.
It would be an honor to continue serving NCAPA as a Director at Large. Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that has had such a meaningful impact on my professional journey. I look forward to continuing our shared work to advance the PA profession and improve the health of the communities we serve.
When I think about the opportunities I’ve had as a physician assistant, one thing keeps coming to mind: every meaningful step in my career has been possible because someone before me invested in our profession. Through advocacy, leadership, education, and mentorship, they created opportunities that I now have the privilege to enjoy. Serving as a Director-at-Large would be my opportunity to continue to give back.
North Carolina has always been home. I earned my undergraduate degree at East Carolina University before completing PA school at Duke University. I have spent my clinical career practicing in cardiothoracic critical care then cardiology while growing into healthcare leadership, where I now serve as Assistant Vice President for Advanced Practice at Duke Health. Although my day-to-day responsibilities have evolved, my identity has never changed. I am, first and foremost, a physician assistant.
One of the things I value most about NCAPA is that it brings together PAs from every practice setting and every stage of their career. Over the past several years, I have been fortunate to become increasingly involved with the Academy, not because I was looking for a title, but because I wanted to better understand how we strengthen our profession.
Today, I have the privilege of serving as Chair of the NCAPA Regulatory Subcommittee, a member of the Government Affairs Committee, and NCAPA’s liaison to the North Carolina Medical Board Review Panel. Those experiences have given me a greater appreciation for the thoughtful work that happens behind the scenes to protect and advance PA practice in North Carolina. I have also enjoyed participating in PA Day at the Legislature, the NCAPA Leadership Roundtable, and representing North Carolina through AAPA’s Leadership and Advocacy Summit and Executive Leadership Conference. Every experience has reinforced that progress happens when people are willing to listen, build relationships, and work together.
Professionally, I have had the opportunity to lead large-scale initiatives at Duke Health that require collaboration across the system with physicians, PAs, NPs, nursing, finance, operations, and executive leadership. Those experiences have taught me that meaningful change is rarely accomplished by one individual. It comes from bringing people together around a shared purpose, listening carefully, and earning trust. Those are the same qualities I would bring to the NCAPA Board.
If elected, my commitment is simple. I will listen to our members, advocate for policies that allow PAs to thrive, and work collaboratively with fellow board members to ensure NCAPA continues to be a strong voice for our profession. I believe our Academy has an important opportunity to support practicing PAs, develop future leaders, and continue strengthening relationships with legislators, regulators, educators, and healthcare organizations across our state.
It would be an honor to serve as a Director-at-Large. Thank you for your consideration and thank you for everything you do each day for your patients, your communities, and our profession.
It is a privilege to be nominated for Director-at-Large of the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates. I have been a proud NCAPA Fellow member since 1997, the year I was first licensed in North Carolina, and for nearly 30 years. This profession has been my calling: first as a medical assistant, then as a practicing PA, and now as an educator preparing the next generation to serve our state.
My clinical journey has spanned family medicine, urgent care, and cardiometabolic risk assessments in surgical ophthalmology across the Triad. Practicing in collaborative, team-based settings and in communities where care is hard to reach taught me what NC PAs already know: we are often the front door to care, and we do our best when we practice as accountable partners on strong healthcare teams.
For the past five years, I have served as Director of Student Success and Associate Professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at High Point University. In this role, I help learners who are struggling to find their footing by building evidence-based study strategies, clinical reasoning, and the resilience that graduate medical education demands. My scholarship reflects the same commitment, with recent work on learning success and workforce readiness, hypertension control in a free clinic, and perinatal mental health in NC maternity care deserts. I also contribute nationally as a peer reviewer and presenter through the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).
What I have learned, in the clinic and in the classroom, is that a stronger profession depends on two things: stronger pathways in and stronger support once PAs arrive.
We need new graduates who are ready to lead, collaborate, and be accountable on a healthcare team, and we need to keep supporting them well beyond their first job.
If elected, I will bring perspective to the NCAPA Board with a focus on:
- Workforce and Pipeline Development – Strengthening the path from student to practice-ready clinician, with particular attention to rural and underserved North Carolina.
- Advancing Team-Based Practice – Supporting strong implementation of NC’s PA Team-Based Practice Act (HB 67) and continued modernization of our practice laws, including the PA Compact, so NC is still the best state to practice as a PA.
- Mentorship and Mentor Support – Connecting students, new graduates, early-career PAs, and educators with the resources and community they need to thrive.
- Bridging Education and Practice – Ensuring the voices of students, preceptors, and faculty help shape the profession.
NCAPA’s mission, to strengthen the PA profession in NC through advocacy, education, and support, so that we can improve healthcare for all patients, is the mission I have lived throughout my career. Beyond the clinic, which has meant sports physicals for underserved student athletes, American Heart Association Go Red for Women heart health education, Hurricane Helene relief, and ongoing service in my community. I believe leadership is service made visible.
I would be honored to serve you as NCAPA Director-at-Large and to collaborate with colleagues committed to a stronger, more connected, and more resilient PA community across North Carolina.
I appreciate your consideration and the care you provide every day.
I am seeking the opportunity to serve as Director-at-Large for the North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates.
As a PA with more than 10 years of experience in hematology and oncology and currently serving as Chief APP for Cone Health, I’ve had the opportunity to see our profession from multiple perspectives—as a clinician, a leader, a mentor, and an advocate for advanced practice providers.
Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about helping APPs succeed and creating environments where they can thrive. I’ve seen the difference PAs make every day for patients, healthcare teams, and communities across North Carolina. I’ve also seen the challenges we face as healthcare systems work to meet growing workforce demands.
If elected as Director-at-Large, I want to help NCAPA continue moving our profession forward by focusing on a few areas that matter deeply to me.
First, I believe PAs are a key part of the solution to healthcare workforce shortages. We need stronger partnerships with healthcare systems across the state to ensure APPs are thoughtfully integrated into care models in ways that improve access, support physician partners, and meet the needs of our patients.
Second, I will continue advocating for PAs to practice at the top of their education, training, and experience. Our profession has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, and we should continue working to remove unnecessary barriers that prevent PAs from contributing fully to their teams and communities.
Finally, I believe we need to create clearer pathways for PAs to develop expertise within their specialties. Whether through mentorship, leadership development, specialty training, or professional growth opportunities, we should be investing in the next generation of PA leaders while supporting experienced PAs who want to continue advancing their careers.
I am proud to be a PA and grateful for the opportunities this profession has given me. As Director-at-Large, I would bring a practical leadership perspective, a commitment to listening, and a genuine desire to serve our members and strengthen our profession.
I would be honored to earn your support.
I am honored and excited to present myself as a candidate for the position of NCAPA Nominating Committee Member-at-Large. It would be my pleasure to serve both my profession and my state as a member of this committee. I have been a practicing PA in Eastern North Carolina for over 22 years. My career initially began in a rural primary care community health center, where I cared for patients from largely diverse backgrounds. I then moved to an outpatient pediatric practice, where I continue to work for over 17 years. These positions have given me a broad perspective on the health care needs, opportunities, and disparities among the communities we serve. I feel passionate about enabling PAs to work to their full capacity and, in turn, help close existing healthcare gaps in our state, particularly in rural areas. I have witnessed the impact PAs can have on these communities and believe we need strong, hard-working leaders in place who will advocate for our profession.
One way I believe we can promote and advance the PA profession is by investing in education. My commitment to education is evident by my current position as a faculty member in the East Carolina University PA Program. In my 10 years as a faculty member at ECU, I have primarily worked in the didactic curriculum and am currently the Director of Didactic Education. Additionally, I have been involved in all aspects of the curriculum, both didactically and clinically. Prior to joining the ECU faculty, I commonly precepted PA and NP students. I have also served on multiple university committees including my role as Chair of the College of Allied Health Sciences Graduate Affairs and Curriculum Committee. These commitments have enhanced my leadership and collaboration skills both within our PA profession and with our colleagues in other healthcare fields.
Throughout my time at ECU and in clinical practice, I have made numerous connections with physician assistants across the state of NC. I have had the privilege of professionally working with, educating, and collaborating with many PAs. These connections, along with my desire to continually strengthen our profession and the well-being of the patients we serve, enhance my ability to identify and recruit qualified, motivated, and enthusiastic PAs to serve in leadership roles within NCAPA and continue to advance our profession.
I am extremely proud to be a PA in NC and would truly welcome this opportunity to deepen my commitment to this profession and ultimately the patients we serve through this new opportunity within NCAPA. Thank you NCAPA members for kindly considering my candidacy for the role of Nominating Committee Member-at-Large, and I would sincerely appreciate your vote. Thank you!.
