Sarah Daniels is leading the New Hanover Disaster Coalition, according to a news release.

Daniels was hired as director of the organization in late September. She has a background in coalition building and disaster coordination, officials said in the release.

“I am delighted to have this opportunity to use my skills in partnering with a variety of organizations and interests to streamline efforts toward a common purpose of disaster readiness and recovery," Daniels said in the release.

Daniels aims to expand the organization's ability to serve in disaster relief efforts in the Cape Fear region, officials said. The organization has grown with more than 80 partners since it was started following Hurricane Florence, which hit the area in September 2018.

Daniels previously served as the interim director for the Cape Fear Food Council. There, she coordinated communication and collaboration "among COVID-19 food assistance providers, among them nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, social enterprises and community members that shared a common interest in local food systems and food justice," stated the release.

The New Hanover Disaster Coalition offices are located at The Harrelson Center, a campus of nonprofit organizations in downtown Wilmington.

“We are delighted to welcome Sarah’s proven leadership and considerable expertise in our region’s disaster preparedness,” said Meade Van Pelt, executive director of The Harrelson Center, in the release. “Here at the Harrelson Center, NHDC and Ms. Daniels will enjoy a collaborative environment of organizations working together to address emergency response, social and economic justice, housing security and other critical issues that impact our region’s readiness in the face of disasters be they hurricanes, floods or pandemics.”