The New Hanover Community Endowment recently welcomed new and returning leaders to its board of directors.

Bart Williams has been appointed by the Novant Health Coastal Region Board to fill the seat vacated by Jack Barto, who resigned earlier this year to relocate to Chicago. Justin Burgess begins his first term, appointed by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners to fill the seat previously occupied by Spence Broadhurst.

Shannon Winslow has been reappointed to a third term by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. Similarly, Edelmira Segovia has been reappointed by the endowment board of directors and will begin her third term at the end of the current term in December 2025.

Cedric Dickerson has been reappointed to a third term by the Novant Health Coastal Region Board, also effective after his current term concludes in December 2025.

The endowment was created by the sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health in 2021.

“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Spence Broadhurst for his leadership as our inaugural board chair and for his dedicated service as a valued director of the endowment for five years,” said Winslow, who is board chair, in a news release. “We also extend our gratitude to Jack Barto for his contributions and commitment to advancing the endowment’s mission. Both Spence's and Jack’s guidance and vision have helped shape the strong foundation our organization stands on today.”

The Endowment Board of Directors is composed of 13 volunteers with demonstrated leadership within the New Hanover County Community: five appointed by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, six by the Novant Health Coastal Region Board and two selected by The Endowment Board of Directors.

“I join our board chair, Shannon Winslow, in thanking Spence Broadhurst and Jack Barto for their service on our board, and I am honored to welcome Dr. Bart Williams and Justin Burgess,” said the endowment's interim president and CEO Sophie Dagenais in the release. “I look forward to working with them as they bring valuable experience and passion for our community to guide The Endowment’s work. I also congratulate Shannon, Edelmira, and Cedric on their reappointments.”

Burgess, a certified financial planner at Copley Investment Management, is a lifelong resident of New Hanover County and has served on local boards and committees, including the NHC Community Foundation and St. John's Episcopal Church Finance Committee, according to the release. He was also appointed by the governor to serve on the N.C. State Board of CPA Examiners.

Beyond his professional and civic work, he coaches youth sports, the release stated. “Justin’s entrepreneurial insight and passion for improving the lives of others make him a valuable addition to the board,” said Winslow in the release. “His experience and dedication will help lead The Endowment into the future.”

Williams, a family physician and co-founder of Wrightsville Family Practice, has lived and worked in New Hanover County for more than 27 years, according to the release. He has been active in the community through medical mission trips, church leadership and board service with the Cape Fear Museum and Coastal Physician Alliance, the release stated. He has three children and two grandchildren.

“Dr. Williams brings a wealth of experience and community commitment to the endowment’s board of directors,” said Winslow in the release. “We are excited for the valuable perspective and leadership he will bring as we work to strengthen the future of New Hanover County.”