Wallace Nelson

Term: May 1, 2020 to April 30, 2025

Wallace is a native of Hertford, NC. After attending College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, he transferred to UNC Eshelman SOP, and graduated in December 1976. His professional career began in retail pharmacy before joining Chowan Hospital in Edenton and Bertie Hospital in Windsor. He served both hospitals at all levels for over forty years, thirty-six as Director of Pharmacy, and continues to practice at both facilities today. In addition, he was involved with the Vidant Health organization pharmacy management team, leading the system pharmacy directors. This role included collaboration with the medical staff, ancillary services, and corporate leadership.

He was first elected to the BOP in 2000, serving until April 30, 2010, and was again elected in 2020. His professional background and election brought to the Board an expertise in health system pharmacy; an area of practice often underrepresented on the Board. His experience in retail pharmacy and involvement in the NC Association of Pharmacists has kept him connected with all areas of pharmacy practice.

As the Board works to protect the health and safety of North Carolina citizens, Wallace believes we must maintain an open-minded attitude about regulatory matters and must always strive to ensure pharmacy regulation does not place artificial barriers to practice innovation. He thinks enforcement of BOP requirements should be executed in a compassionate manner, non-punitive in nature, and with education and assistance as the focus.

Wallace is proud of the Board’s focus around mental health and well-being resources for pharmacists and technicians. He recognizes the increasing level of stress and frustration in our practice environments.

We also have a responsibility to work with impaired pharmacy professionals, offering financial support to qualifying individuals in need of substance use assessment, treatment, and monitoring services. Establishment of the L. Stan Haywood Recovery Fund has become an invaluable resource for NC pharmacy professionals.

Wallace’s service in his community and state have offered many opportunities to serve to others. That service includes being a member of the Perquimans County Board of Education and the county’s Board of County Commissioners, where he currently serves as Chairman. He is actively involved in the NC Association of County Commissioners and will be installed as President Elect in August, 2024 leading to becoming President in 2025. Past appointments by Governors Martin, Hunt, McCrory, and Cooper, include the College of the Albemarle Board of Trustees, NC Marine Industrial Authority, several Governor’s Councils, Institutes and Legislative Study Commissions; some studying means of reducing alcohol and other substance abuse. During his tenure as a county commissioner, he has served on the Board of Health, Social Services Board, Planning Board, and several others. Wallace also ministers in his church, the Gideons, and with prison ministry.

Other recognitions; during his Board of Education service, in 2011 the NC School Boards Association awarded Wallace the Raleigh Dingman Award, the highest award bestowed on a School Board member which included an opportunity to represent NC’s School Boards on the NC State Board of Education. In 2010 Governor Perdue conferred the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in recognition of service and commitment to North Carolinians.

Wallace married Freda Godwin (a retired educator) and are the parents of Ethan (a practicing dentist), Lauren (a human resources manager) and have two grandchildren, Reagan, and Harrison.