Our Mission
The Northeast Florida chapter of APIC represents a dynamic community of professionals committed to advancing infection prevention and control best practices and promoting patient safety. With a diverse membership spanning Infection Preventionists, Epidemiologists, and related vendors, the chapter fosters a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and best practices. The collective efforts of these dedicated individuals play a crucial role in enhancing healthcare quality across the Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia regions.
2025 Board members
2025 President - Adam Lipford
Adam Lipford, MPH, CPH, is an Infection Preventionist for Mayo Clinic Florida. Born and raised in Florida, he received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Florida. After graduation, Mr. Lipford honed his skills in epidemiology, project management, and quality improvement as the lead Epidemiologist for six of Florida’s northern counties. After serving in this roll for 5 years, he accepted the position of Infection Preventionist at Mayo Clinic Florida in 2022. His current areas of focus include hospital HemOnc and solid organ transplant, ambulatory practice, informatics, water management, construction, and the hand hygiene program.
2025 President-Elect - Dana Luciani
Dana Luciani, MPH, CIC is the Director of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) at UF Health Jacksonville, with over eight years of experience in IPC and public health. Her career began at the health department, where she served as an HIV/STD specialist for north central Florida, covering fifteen counties. She later advanced to the role of HIV/STD Contract Manager for the region, overseeing HIV and STD partnerships and initiatives. Dana holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Florida and a Certification in Infection Control, demonstrating her foundation in epidemiology and infectious disease management. Her graduate work focused on developing a hand hygiene program for a hospital in a developing country, where she spent three months working closely with local communities to create a program that addressed their specific needs and challenges. Dana has a proven track record of leading initiatives, including the implementation of evidence-based practices that reduced healthcare-associated infections. Her current work focuses on infection prevention and control in the neonatal population, while fostering partnerships and collaborating with hospital leaders to improve patient safety.
Secretary - Walker King
Walker King, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC serves as the Lead Infection Preventionist at UF Health Jacksonville’s Downtown Campus. Walker is an experienced Infection Preventionist with a background in nursing. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at National University in San Diego, CA and her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, LA. Walker has been a registered nurse since 2016, working in both California and Louisiana, and spent the majority of her career in critical care. Walker is board certified in infection prevention and control by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology. She has a passion for multi-drug resistant organisms and emerging pathogens and has been published related to acute care high consequence disease management. Walker currently holds memberships in APIC, AACN, and ANA.
Education Chair - Cara Rotman
Cara Rotman is an Infection Preventionist at UF Health Jacksonville. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of North Florida (UNF) with an emphasis on Epidemiology and Global Health. She also obtained her Bachelor's degree from UNF. She has worked at UF Health since 2016. Prior to joining the Infection Prevention team, she worked in Radiology as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist and a CT Technologist at the Clinical Center and the North Campus and as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Emergency Medicine. Her current areas of focus includes cardiac care, women’s health, and the pediatric ICU. She strives for quality and performance improvement in a teamwork setting to enhance patient care and safety.
Legislative Affairs - Aleya Byrd
Aleya Byrd is a Nurse Epidemiologist for Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Ms. Byrd is a registered nurse and has a Bachelor Degree in Community Health. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist and is board certified in Infection Control and Epidemiology. Aleya has experience in infection prevention that spans to include long term care, a rehabilitation hospital, adult acute care and pediatrics. She was named one of the Great 100 Nurses for Advocacy of Northeast Florida in 2017. She is currently the treasurer of APIC Ch. 50 and she was elected to serve on the national APIC education committee. Aleya will be presenting at the Society for Pediatric Nursing national conference this spring on the topic of the Collaboration between Quality and Infection Control. She was instrumental in process improvements at her hospital that lead to the facility being given the 2018 John Curran Quality Improvement award.
Membership Chair - Rayna El Itani
Rayan El Itani has served as an Infection Preventionist at UF Health Jacksonville since October 2020. Before joining the Infection Prevention team, Rayan worked as a charge nurse on the medical-surgical floor at UF Health. She has been with UF Health since 2017 and has been a registered nurse since 2015. Rayan holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of North Florida (UNF) and a Master's of Science in Leadership from Jacksonville University. She is board certified in Infection Prevention and Control by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) and holds the Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) credential. Rayan is passionate about quality improvement and patient safety, striving to ensure the highest standards of care in all aspects of her work.
Treasurer - Danneley Duval
Bylaws Chair - Bill Helper
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, graduated from Ursuline College with a BSN degree. After moving to Florida, I obtained my Masters of Science in Health from UNF. I’ve been an RN for 40 years and Infection Preventionist for 26 years. Certified in Infection Control for 20 years.
My roles in Infection Prevention:
- Infection Control Coordinator – Home Health
- Infection Prevention Coordinator - Not-for-profit hospital
- Director, Infection Prevention - Not-for-profit hospital
- Infection Preventionist/Assistant Director of Nursing – State Veterans Nursing Home
- Infection Preventionist Consultant – Navy (current)
I’ve been involved with NE FL APIC since 2003. During this time, I’ve been President (2010), Education and Board Member for multiple years (2011-2018). I’ve also served on the Board of FPIC as Membership Chair (2014-2018).
During my career I’ve presented at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and APIC National and was showcased in Infection Control Today, “Who’s Who in Infection Prevention 2009”.
I feel our NE Florida Chapter is a vibrant and dynamic group, offering opportunities for new and experienced IP’s to further their knowledge base of our constantly evolving discipline.
Social Media/Web Chair - Emily Lear
Emily Lear, MPH serves as an Infection Preventionist at UF Health Jacksonville’s Downtown Campus. Emily earned her Master’s degree in Epidemiology from the University of North Florida. She has been a UF Health employee since 2018, working as a medical scribe as well as an Infection Prevention undergraduate and graduate intern. Her graduate work at UF focused on CHG bathing compliance data in correlation with inpatient and outpatient surgeries. Prior to her current role, Emily was an HAI epidemiologist for the Florida Department of Health in Duval County providing infection prevention and control education to local SNF’s and ALF’s as well as HAI surveillance and data metrics. In her current role, Emily manages infection prevention efforts across critical areas, including the medical ICU, progressive care units, the emergency department, and inpatient psychiatry. She is committed to identifying and implementing the latest infection prevention strategies to optimize patient care and outcomes. Emily is actively pursuing certification in Infection Control (CIC) and is a current member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
Past Presidents
2024 President - Dr. Melody Wu-Ballis
2024 President - Dr. Melody Wu-Ballis
2024 President - Dr. Melody Wu-Ballis
Dr. Melody Wu-Ballis has been the Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Mayo Clinic in Florida for the past 5 years. Her extensive background includes a fellowship at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where she contributed to the Infectious Diseases Division, focusing on HIV, HCV, and Clinical Public Health Pathogens. Dr.
Dr. Melody Wu-Ballis has been the Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Mayo Clinic in Florida for the past 5 years. Her extensive background includes a fellowship at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where she contributed to the Infectious Diseases Division, focusing on HIV, HCV, and Clinical Public Health Pathogens. Dr. Wu-Ballis's commitment to public health is further evidenced by her time at the CDC's Office of Minority Health and Health Equity. With an MPH from Emory University and Veterinary medicine degree from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, her educational background is very diverse. Her board certification, fellow of APIC status and leadership roles, including her presidency of the Northeast Florida region APIC Chapter (2019, 2024), underscore her dedication to advancing the field and mentoring the next generation of public health professionals.
2023 President - Karla Walsh
2024 President - Dr. Melody Wu-Ballis
2024 President - Dr. Melody Wu-Ballis
Karla started her nursing career in New Jersey, graduating from Mercer Medical Center, with a Diploma in nursing in 1980. From there she went on to earn her BSN from the University of Delaware, and her MSN from Walden University. Her area of nursing focus has always been in post open heart surgery in the CVICU. She has served in mult
Karla started her nursing career in New Jersey, graduating from Mercer Medical Center, with a Diploma in nursing in 1980. From there she went on to earn her BSN from the University of Delaware, and her MSN from Walden University. Her area of nursing focus has always been in post open heart surgery in the CVICU. She has served in multiple positions throughout her career, and in 2007, she went into the role of Infection Preventionist. She was named one of the Great 100 Nurses of Northeast Florida in 2011. Karla is Board Certified in Infection Prevention and currently works as an Infection Preventionist at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville.
2022 President - Ronnie Owen
2024 President - Dr. Melody Wu-Ballis
2022 President - Ronnie Owen
Ronnie Owen is an Infection Preventionist at Mayo Clinic Florida. He has been an Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner since 2015. His nursing experience started in Mississippi as a nursing assistant while attending nursing school, graduating with an RN degree in 2008 from Hinds Community College. Ronnie received his Bachelor De
Ronnie Owen is an Infection Preventionist at Mayo Clinic Florida. He has been an Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner since 2015. His nursing experience started in Mississippi as a nursing assistant while attending nursing school, graduating with an RN degree in 2008 from Hinds Community College. Ronnie received his Bachelor Degree in Nursing from the University of North Florida in 2013. His nursing experience prior to Infection Prevention and Control is ER, ICU, Med/Surg nursing and Nurse Supervisor. Ronnie’s current role at Mayo is focused primarily in the outpatient setting.
2021 President - Marko Predic
Marko Predic is Director of Infection Prevention at Orange Park Medical Center. He holds a Master's in epidemiology as well as a Bachelor's in microbiology and cell sciences from the University of Florida. In addition to his microbiology degree he has spent time working as researcher within a genetics lab. He comes in with experience in
Marko Predic is Director of Infection Prevention at Orange Park Medical Center. He holds a Master's in epidemiology as well as a Bachelor's in microbiology and cell sciences from the University of Florida. In addition to his microbiology degree he has spent time working as researcher within a genetics lab. He comes in with experience in infection control from UF Health in Gainesville and Jacksonville, having both worked and conducted research while at the Infection Prevention and Control department. He currently oversees a mix of hospital units, including intensive care units and tuberculosis units. Marko is actively working on research and publication along with his daily tasks within the department. His interests include surveillance epidemiology of both infectious diseases and multi-drug resistant organisms.
2020 President - Aleya Byrd
Aleya Byrd is a Nurse Epidemiologist for Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Ms. Byrd is a registered nurse and has a Bachelor Degree in Community Health. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist and is board certified in Infection Control and Epidemiology. Aleya has experience in infection prevention that spans to include long term care,
Aleya Byrd is a Nurse Epidemiologist for Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Ms. Byrd is a registered nurse and has a Bachelor Degree in Community Health. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist and is board certified in Infection Control and Epidemiology. Aleya has experience in infection prevention that spans to include long term care, a rehabilitation hospital, adult acute care and pediatrics. She was named one of the Great 100 Nurses for Advocacy of Northeast Florida in 2017. She is currently the treasurer of APIC Ch. 50 and she was elected to serve on the national APIC education committee. Aleya will be presenting at the Society for Pediatric Nursing national conference this spring on the topic of the Collaboration between Quality and Infection Control. She was instrumental in process improvements at her hospital that lead to the facility being given the 2018 John Curran Quality Improvement award.
2019 President - Melody Wu-Ballis
2018 President - Stefanie Buchanan
2018 President - Stefanie Buchanan
Dr. Melody Wu - Ballis is a former fellow at the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Public Health in Washington D.C. During her experience at the VA, she worked on the Infectious Diseases Division, HIV and HCV and Clinical Public Health Pathogens and she is also a former fellow at The Office of Minority Health and Health E
Dr. Melody Wu - Ballis is a former fellow at the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Public Health in Washington D.C. During her experience at the VA, she worked on the Infectious Diseases Division, HIV and HCV and Clinical Public Health Pathogens and she is also a former fellow at The Office of Minority Health and Health Equity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Wu - Ballis holds an MPH degree from Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia with a concentration in Epidemiology. She received her Undergraduate and Professional Doctorate degrees from the School of Veterinary Medicine at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH) in Lima, Peru where she is originally from. Dr. Wu- Ballis is board certified in Infection Prevention and Control, served as the president for the Northeast Florida region APIC Chapter in 2019, and currently serves as the president for the chapter.
2018 President - Stefanie Buchanan
2018 President - Stefanie Buchanan
2018 President - Stefanie Buchanan
Stefanie Buchanan is an Infection Preventionist at the UF Health Downtown campus. Stefanie's educational background includes an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from Florida Community College at Jacksonville and a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Florida. Mrs. Buchanan is board certified in Infection Co
Stefanie Buchanan is an Infection Preventionist at the UF Health Downtown campus. Stefanie's educational background includes an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from Florida Community College at Jacksonville and a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Florida. Mrs. Buchanan is board certified in Infection Control and began her Infection Prevention training in the ambulatory setting and transitioned from there into acute care and has over eight years of experience in the field. Her nursing background includes work in various healthcare settings including community, academic and research hospitals. Beyond her infection control practice, her professional experience includes service as a perioperative nurse in ambulatory surgery, operating room circulator in Urology/Gynecology/Robotics, and Sepsis Coordinator for one of the first hospitals certified by the Joint Commission for sepsis management.