New Hanover CEO Steps Down for Personal Focus

The head of the New Hanover Community Endowment, both president and CEO, has stepped down, as reported in a press statement.

Dan Winslow is stepping down from his position at The Endowment to focus on personal priorities, the release states.

I have greatly enjoyed leading the Endowment and learning about the individuals in New Hanover County," Winslow stated. "I have decided to leave in order to concentrate more on different responsibilities. Although this was not a simple decision, I am pleased with what we accomplished together with the board, employees, CAC, and the extensive group of collaborators in New Hanover County, including launching the grant spectrum and clarifying The Endowment’s long-term plan. I believe this progress will keep moving forward and significantly impact the county.

Winslow has been leading The Endowment since August 2024.

"Thanks to Dan's leadership, we've made significant progress and built momentum towards transforming New Hanover County," said Board Chair Shannon Winslow. "Dan has played a critical role in operationalizing The Endowment's vision and building a talented team to carry the work forward. We're grateful for his contributions and wish him the best in his next chapter."

After receiving his resignation, The Endowment's Board of Directors named Sophie Dagenais as the temporary CEO. Dagenais has been working as The Endowment’s Vice President of Programs and Grants for the last five months. Before this role, she was the Assistant Dean at Syracuse University and managed the Baltimore Civic Site at the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Additionally, she worked as chief of staff to the Mayor of Baltimore. Dagenais focused on areas such as corporate law, finance, real estate, and economic development during her time at an AmLaw 100 law firm.

The Endowment came into existence after the New Hanover Regional Medical Center was sold to Novant Health in 2020. The original fund, designed to provide ongoing grants, amounted to $1.3 billion.

The Foundation provided funding to various nonprofit organizations following $1.6 million from non-county agencies. funding was cut from the 2025-2026 financial plan of New Hanover

Daniel Sheehan reports on Wilmington and New Hanover County for the StarNews. Contact him at dsheehan@gannett.com .

This piece first was published in the Wilmington StarNews: Top executive of New Hanover Community Endowment steps down to concentrate on "individual goals"