President and CEO of New Hanover Community Endowment resigns

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The president and CEO of the New Hanover Community Endowment has stepped down.

Dan Winslow resigned from his role to focus on personal priorities, according to a news release from The Endowment. The Board of Directors has appointed Sophie Dagenais as interim CEO to oversee day-to-day operations and maintain the organization’s strategic direction.

“Thanks to Dan’s leadership, we’ve made significant progress and built momentum towards transforming New Hanover County,” said Shannon Winslow, chair of the Endowment’s board. “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.”

In a statement, Winslow called the decision to leave “difficult,” but said he is proud of the work accomplished during his tenure, including launching the “grants rainbow” initiative and helping to define the Endowment’s strategic vision.

Winslow was hired following a nationwide search. His first day on the job was October 1, 2024.

Dagenais has served as the Endowment’s vice president of programs and grants for the past five months. Before joining The Endowment, she previously worked as an assistant dean at Syracuse University, led the Baltimore Civic Site at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and served as chief of staff to the mayor of Baltimore. She also spent part of her career as a corporate lawyer at an AmLaw 100 firm, focusing on finance, real estate, and economic development.

The board says it remains committed to continuing the Endowment’s mission during the leadership transition.