New Hanover Community Endowment introduces new CEO

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — After a nationwide search, the New Hanover Community Endowment introduced its new president and CEO, Dan Winslow, on Monday.

A Massachusetts native, Winslow served as a judge, state legislator, and chief legal counsel for then-Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, as well as the executive of a non-profit in Boston.

It’s a long career in public service, which Winslow said has prepared him for this new position.

“This CEO role is the culmination of all of my life’s work to solve problems and to improve people’s lives,” Winslow said. “As stewards of the public trust that created the endowment, I am confident that the NHCE can be a catalyst to improve the lives and quality of life of people in this county.”

However, the nonprofit Heal Our People’s Endowment has long called for accountability and transparency in managing the New Hanover Community Endowment.

Heal Our People’s chairman, Harper Peterson, said Winslow’s resume lacks something Peterson feels is needed for the endowment to operate correctly.

“The requirements for the job of CEO for a charitable, transformative endowment, he lacks almost complete experience,” Peterson said. “Again, he might have a high energy level, but we need somebody with a deep understanding, experience in the world of charitable giving.”

Winslow’s first day is October 1st and he said he’s ready to hit the ground running, getting to know the people of New Hanover County.

“When I start, I will commit as much time as necessary to meet with as many people and organizations as possible. I will meet people, neighbors in living rooms. I will go anywhere and meet anybody to learn as much as I possibly can about what people see as the problems and their ideas for solutions.”

The search for a new CEO began in March and more than 150 candidates were considered for the position.