David Stegall

The New Hanover Community Endowment has named David Stegall as its new vice president of programs and grants. 

According to a news release, Stegall, who previously served as the endowment’s director of education and community development, will assume the role effective immediately. 

“Throughout our search, I had the opportunity to consider the qualities and experience needed to lead our programs and grantmaking into the future,” said Sophie Dagenais, president and CEO of the endowment in the release. “It became clear that the strongest candidate was already on our team. David has shown exceptional leadership, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to our mission.”

Before being named president and CEO, Dagenais previously served as vice president of programs and grants. She held both roles concurrently following her appointment as president in February. The endowment launched a national search for the vice president role in April, according to a spokesperson. 

Stegall joined the endowment last year after serving as chief of system innovation for the Department of Defense, Education Activity. He also served as deputy state superintendent of innovation at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. 

As the vice president of programs and grants, Stegall will work closely with Dagenais, the endowment’s board of directors, the Community Advisory Council, staff and partners “to advance long-term community-rooted solutions to New Hanover County’s most pressing challenges,” according to the release. 

“I am honored to serve in this new role and grateful to continue working alongside our team and community partners,” said Stegall in the release. “The endowment has a unique opportunity to help create lasting change in New Hanover County, and I look forward to building on our strong foundation as we work together to expand opportunity and improve outcomes for our community.” 

Stegall will continue to lead the education and community development initiatives while serving as vice president of programs and grants, with support from Dagenais. 

According to a spokesperson, Stegall and Dagenais will “evaluate the most effective leadership and staffing structure for the future, including the path forward for the Director of Education and Community Development role.” 

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 $310 million in grants, officials have said.