New Hanover County’s the Endowment names new leader for programs, grants and community impact
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Endowment has promoted Dr. David Stegall to Vice President of Programs and Grants, expanding his leadership role as the organization continues its work to improve health, education, safety, and economic opportunity throughout New Hanover County.
Stegall, who joined The Endowment in 2025 as Director of Education and Community Development, will now oversee the organization’s overall program and grantmaking strategy while continuing to lead its education initiatives.
The appointment was announced Thursday by President and CEO Sophie Dagenais, who said Stegall’s leadership and commitment to the organization’s mission made him the clear choice for the position.
“Throughout our search, I had the opportunity to consider the qualities and experience needed to lead our programs and grantmaking into the future,” Dagenais said. “It became clear that the strongest candidate was already on our team.”
She praised Stegall for his leadership, collaborative approach, and strong relationships with community partners, adding that he has helped build a solid foundation for The Endowment’s education work.
In his new role, Stegall will direct program and grant strategies across The Endowment’s four strategic focus areas while overseeing the organization’s impact, research, evaluation, and learning efforts. He will work closely with the Board of Directors, Community Advisory Council, staff, and local partners to guide investments aimed at creating long-term improvements across New Hanover County.
“I am honored to serve in this new role and grateful to continue working alongside our team and community partners,” Stegall said. “The Endowment has a unique opportunity to help create lasting change in New Hanover County, and I look forward to building on our strong foundation as we work together to expand opportunity and improve outcomes for our community.”
Stegall brings nearly 30 years of experience in education leadership at the local, state, national, and international levels.
Before joining The Endowment, he served as Chief of System Innovation for the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity, where he helped develop educational programs serving military-connected students around the world.
He also previously served as Deputy State Superintendent of Innovation for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, leading statewide initiatives focused on educational innovation and supporting local school districts.
Earlier in his career, Stegall was superintendent of Newton-Conover City Schools, where the district exceeded academic growth targets, graduation rates climbed above 95%, and the school system became one of North Carolina’s top-performing districts during his tenure.
Most recently, he was selected for Cohort 6 of ElevateNC: Higher Education, a leadership program hosted by The Hunt Institute that brings together leaders in education, workforce development, and community organizations to address challenges related to college access, affordability, and student success.
Stegall succeeds Dagenais in the role after she was named President and CEO earlier this year. Dagenais had continued serving in the dual role of President and CEO and Vice President of Programs and Grants until Stegall’s appointment.
The Endowment’s mission is to improve the health, education, safety, and economic opportunity of every person in New Hanover County through strategic investments and community partnerships.
