About

With over 30 years of experience in healthcare, Carla’s nursing career spans a variety of specialties, including Intensive Care, Coronary Care, Medical-Surgical, Neurology, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Home Health, Industrial Nursing, Nursing Education, Nursing Management, and Hospice Nursing. Her commitment to healthcare and public service is rooted in her early education:

• Licensed Practical Nurse Diploma, Central Piedmont Community College (1981)
• Associate of Applied Science Degree, Gaston College (1996)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Winston-Salem State University (2009), graduating with honors

Carla is an active member of the American Nurses Association and the North Carolina Nurses Association, and she is a life member of Black Nurses Rock. In recognition of her service, she was appointed to the North Carolina Institute of Medicine (NCIOM) as a board member, further emphasizing her influence in shaping healthcare policy and advancing the nursing profession.

Awards and Recognition

Rep. Cunningham’s unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare policy has earned her numerous awards, including:

• • 2024 North Carolina Nurses Association Legislator of the Year Award – Recognizing her significant contributions to nursing and healthcare policy in North Carolina.
  • 2023 BAYADA Hearts for Home Care Legislator of the Year Award – Honoring her leadership in championing home healthcare services, ensuring medically fragile children, disabled adults, and seniors have access to care with comfort, independence, and dignity.
  • 2023 Legislator of the Year Award from National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) For her exceptional work in advancing the quality of life for individuals with mental illness and their families.
  • 2023 Legislator of the Year Award from NC Child – Recognizing her leadership and commitment to expanding Medicaid healthcare access in North Carolina.
  • 2021 Legislator of the Year Award from NC Bayada Home Health Care – Celebrating her advocacy for home health care.
  • Lifetime Mental Health Champion Award from Living Waters, Inc. (2021)
  • Rep. Paul Luebke Legislative Champion of Mental Health Award at the 43rd Mental Health Legislative Breakfast (2021)

• 2020 Legislator of the Year Award from the North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists

• Special Recognition Award for Promoting Exemplary Service in Healthcare and Mental Health from Novant Health (2020)
• 2020 Legislator of the Year from Novant Health for her leadership in advancing mental health and healthcare policy.
• October 6, 2023 – Legislator of the Year Award – For her ongoing dedication to improving mental health services in North Carolina.

Leadership Roles

Rep. Cunningham has held several significant leadership positions in the legislature, including:

• Chair, Democratic House Women’s Caucus

• Co-Chair, Democratic House Caucus Women’s Issues Work Group

• House Democratic Caucus Whip (elected for the 2018-2020 session)

She was appointed by Speaker Tim Moore to serve on the following Standing and Select Committees in the 2023-2024 legislative session:

• Appropriations

• Appropriations Health and Human Services

• Commerce

• Energy and Public Utilities

• Health (Vice Chairman)

• House Select Committee on Helene Recovery

• House Select Committee on Homeowners’ Associations

• House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform

• House Select Committee on Substance Abuse

• Oversight and Reform

• Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

• Wildlife Resources

Non-Standing Committees

• Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations

• North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force

• Co-Chair, Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services

• Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid

Advisory and Oversight Councils

In addition to her committee work, Rep. Cunningham is appointed to several advisory and oversight councils that guide healthcare initiatives and policy reforms across the state:

• NC Minority Health Advisory Council

• NC Department of Health and Human Services – Olmstead Plan Stakeholder Advisory

• NC Institute of Medicine – Carolinas Pandemic Task Force

• NC Institute of Medicine – Task Force on the Future of the Nursing Workforce

• Council of State Governments South: Human Services and Public Safety (HSPS) Committee

• Council of State Governments South: Energy and Environment (EEC) Committee

In 2020, she was appointed by Speaker Tim Moore to lead the COVID-19 Health Care Work Group, coordinating the state’s healthcare response during the pandemic.

State Appointments

In 2023, Governor Roy Cooper appointed Rep. Cunningham to the North Carolina State Health Coordinating Council, further advancing her role in shaping healthcare policy and facilitating collaboration between state agencies and organizations.

Personal Life

Carla is the widow of the Honorable William “Pete” Cunningham, a former legislator, and the proud mother of Kamesha and Kyle. She is also a grandmother to Janiya, Sade, Roman, and a great-grandmother to Carson and Soul.

Throughout her career, Rep. Cunningham has remained committed to improving the lives of North Carolinians, with a particular focus on health equity, access to quality healthcare, and supporting vulnerable populations. Her tireless advocacy continues to inspire change and progress across the state.