The New Hanover Community Endowment has named Sophie Dagenais president and CEO.

Dagenais previously served as interim president and CEO and will now permanently fill the role, according to a press release. 

“The endowment’s vision, values and commitment to impact are not changing,” said Dagenais in the release. “I’m grateful for the board’s confidence and support and for the talented team that makes this work possible. Together, we will continue to strengthen our partnerships, apply rigorous analysis to our decisions and invest in solutions that benefit all of New Hanover County. We are still early in our history, and I am honored to help shape our next chapter carefully, and thoughtfully, in service to the community we have been called to serve.”

Dagenais stepped into the role of interim president and CEO after former CEO Dan Winslow resigned in July, after less than a year in the role. Dagenais previously served as the endowment's vice president of programs and grants.

“Sophie stepped forward at a pivotal moment and led with focus, discipline, and purpose," said Board Chair Shannon Winslow in the release. "Under her leadership, we’ve strengthened our investment strategy, fostered a collaborative team culture and sharpened our ability to deliver meaningful results for the community.

The $1.7 billion New Hanover Community Endowment was created from the sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health, which closed in 2021. Since its inception, the endowment has committed $176 million in grants, with $53 million committed in 2025 alone, officials have said.