The executive director of a University of North Carolina Wilmington program that serves as a resource for area nonprofits has left to take another position.

Edgar Villanueva, who led Quality Enhancement for Nonprofit Organizations (QENO) for the past year, departed in December to join the staff of the Marguerite Casey Foundation in Seattle. Villanueva said his work at the foundation began Jan. 1.

The Marguerite Casey Foundation focuses on empowering low-income families nationwide to work towards creating more equitable communities.

QENO offers programs and services to help the area’s not-for-profit organizations function more effectively and efficiently. Jeffrey L. Brudney, the Betty and Dan Cameron Family Distinguished Professor of Innovation in the Nonprofit Sector, said he has been named QENO’s academic director. Natasha Davis continues as its program coordinator, Brudney said.

“The university is very fortunate to have Jeff Brudney, who brings so much experience and knowledge about student engagement with nonprofits, to lead QENO,” Villanueva said by phone Friday.

In a year-end message to QENO stakeholders, Villanueva wrote, “I’ve learned so much over the past year and have been privileged to work along side so many great minds. I will carry this new knowledge with me. I’ve been inspired every day at the dedication and work ethic of the small QENO staff.”