LeShonda Wallace has built a career as a health care provider, leader, and advocate. With so many people in our county needing physical and mental health care, this is a key area in which the New Hanover County Commission is lacking. Dr. Wallace will bring the experience and advocacy that is missing. An Advanced Practice Nurse, Dr. Wallace served as Chair of New Hanover County’s Health and Human Services Board. She capitalized on her decades of experience in healthcare and public service to champion the community’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic through education, free vaccine drives, and distribution of vital supplies and food. Due to her leadership in innovative clinical practice, community-based collaboration, and capacity building for the healthcare workforce in southeastern NC, LeShonda Wallace will fill a void in the County Commission's areas of expertise. Dr. Wallace is the Founder and Executive Director of SEEDS of Healing. She has led transformative initiatives to support individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and expand access to quality care throughout New Hanover County. Her leadership was recognized in 2018 when she was honored as WILMA’s Woman to Watch in Health. Due to her leadership in innovative clinical practice and community-based collaboration, Dr. Wallace was inducted into the prestigious American Academy of Nursing. Her advocacy across silos to eliminate health disparities has an indisputable positive impact on the region’s population health. Dr. Wallace has earned trust and a reputation for bridging gaps between public health, social services, and local government. Her collaborative approach continues to bring diverse partners together to tackle urgent issues, from healthcare disparities to housing insecurity, with compassion, strategy, and action. Her roles as a mentor and teacher demonstrate her deep commitment to education and workforce development. She empowers emerging healthcare professionals with the skills and cultural awareness needed to serve our county’s diverse communities with excellence and empathy. Dr. Wallace values policies that promote public health, economic opportunities, and inclusive growth. Her vision is to ensure that every resident has a voice in shaping our county’s future. As a member of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, she will lead with integrity, experience, and heart.