Michele Woods is the current Nurse Manager of Labor and Delivery and the NICU at UNC Health Blue Ridge. She is serving her second term as Section Chair for NC AWHONN and has actively contributed to several national AWHONN committees.

As NC AWHONN Section Chair, Michele has spearheaded impactful programs, such as the NC AWHONN Nurse Champion and Student Champion Ambassadors, fostering growth and mentorship within the nursing community. Locally, she leads the Caldwell Leadership Program and Caldwell Women’s Forum through the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce.

Michele earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western Carolina University and holds board certifications in Inpatient Obstetrics, Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Obstetrics and Neonatal Quality and Safety, and Nurse Executive Leadership. With over 20 years of experience in Women’s and Children’s Health and 17 years in leadership, she is a highly skilled professional committed to advancing patient safety and quality care. Michele has implemented numerous education programs in the hospital setting to enhance patient health literacy and ensure a safe and supportive environment post-discharge.

Her dedication to excellence is evident with her work with AWHONN, the NC Organization of Nurse Leaders, and the Perinatal Quality Collaborative of NC, all reflecting her passion for improving maternal and neonatal care.

Michele resides in Lenoir, NC, where she enjoys life as a wife and mother.