The Novant Health board of trustees has named Poonam Kahlon and Tracey Newkirk to serve on the Novant Health Coastal Board of Managers, according to a news release.

Kahlon is talent acquisition leader and senior human resources business partner at Somos. She has more than 15 years of experience working as a human resources leader in various industries.

Kahlon received an MBA from Clemson University and also has a master’s degree in computer applications along with multiple human resources certifications.

"A strategic, visionary leader with strong business acumen, Poonam utilizes a holistic business insight to position short and long-term organizational growth and success," the release stated.

She serves on the board of directors for the YWCA Lower Cape Fear and as an executive member with the Cape Fear Cultural Association of India, and previously served as an advisory board member for WILMA's Women to Watch program.

"Poonam is passionate about empowering youth, women and underrepresented populations," the release stated.

Newkirk (pictured at right) is the co-founder and president of Genesis Block and has more than 20 years of experience as a human resource professional and corporate leader. She was previously a recruiter for the city of Wilmington and ended her corporate career as a leader with Verizon Wireless.

Newkirk started UNEXO, a boutique consulting firm, where she builds high-performance teams and is a certified personal resilience practitioner. With her husband, Girard, she started Genesis Block, a business development service center with a goal to build the entrepreneur class. Genesis Block supports minority- and women-owned business development in the southeast region.

Newkirk has been named one of the top 100 leaders in Wilmington by the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, and Genesis Block received a Coastal Entrepreneur Award from the Business Journal in 2021. She serves as a board member for Downtown Business Alliance, WARM (Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry) and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. She is the founder and past chairwoman of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce African American Business Council.