Honors an individual whose job performance is considered exemplary by people within their organizations, peers and community members.
MELODY DAWKINS
TITLE: COO
ORGANIZATION: Coastal Cardiovascular Associates
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “Melody Dawkins is an incredible leader, health care visionary and a force to be reckoned with in the Wilmington health care space. Anyone that has worked for her or with her knows that she has the reputation of getting things done. This comes from years of leadership experience, incredible networking skills and the mission to ensure patients and staff are well taken care of. Over the years, I have experienced numerous instances of staff, friends, family and acquaintances calling on Melody to help them make sure their loved ones are well taken care of during their experiences in the health care system. People call because she always gets results and does what needs to be done.
“Over the past 30 years, Melody has worked tirelessly to build, create and shape the world of cardiac diagnostics and interventional services. She has led teams through mergers, accreditations, process improvements and continued growth. Her guidance and knowledge of these processes have had profound impact and made the cardiology services in Wilmington what they are today.”
– Dylan Page, Coastal Cardiovascular Associates
TERRY MCDOWELL
TITLE: Senior Director, Primary Care
ORGANIZATION: Novant Health Coastal Region
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “Terry McDowell is a born leader. Raised in rural Georgia on a farm, Terry was the son of a decorated U.S. Army pilot and was taught work ethic and discipline early on in his life. He worked on the farm and played sports in high school before attending the University of Georgia. After college, he earned his master’s in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle in Florida. After college Terry served in the U.S. Army, where he would serve in multiple leadership positions including company commander, platoon commander (and more)...
“When he moved to Wilmington over 15 years ago, Terry became the administrator of NHRMC EMS, where he continued to excel and grew the NHRMC EMS program to what it is today. Terry’s former EMS employees still love him to this day. In 2017, our primary care group hired Terry as our administrator. …All of our doctors – and patients, for that matter – love Terry and would follow him into any situation ... not just because we trust him 100%, but also because we are confident in his judgment. Terry is retiring in March of 2026. He is not replaceable.”
– J Todd Kornegay, MD, Novant Health Primary Care
BRAD NELSON
TITLE: Director of Ancillary Services
ORGANIZATION: Wilmington Health
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “Brad has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership as he oversees Radiology, Lab, DME and Pathology for our organization. His vision extends beyond simply maintaining operations – he actively seeks opportunities to innovate, elevate patient care and improve efficiency for both staff and the community we serve.
“One of his most impactful initiatives was the implementation of a new radiologist group. After years of working with a trusted group, Brad recognized that our patients and providers could benefit from the advanced technology and artificial intelligence tools that this new group would bring. These resources enable earlier detection, improved accuracy and more efficient workflows, directly enhancing outcomes and patient experience across the region. Brad guided this transition with foresight and dedication, ensuring the change not only preserved but expanded the quality of care we deliver….
“Beyond these achievements, Brad is always focused on how we can do things better for our patients.”
– Alexis Hunter, executive, strategic relationships and foundation, Wilmington Health
Read more about all of the 2025 Health Care Heroes finalists here.
