NEW HANOVER COUNTY — The New Hanover Community Endowment has officially named Sophie Dagenais as its permanent president and CEO, signaling a move toward stability after a year of leadership transitions.
Dagenais, who has served as the organization’s interim leader since July 2025, was appointed to the permanent role by the board of directors on Wednesday. Her promotion comes as the $1.6 billion fund enters its fourth year of operations, focusing on long-term strategy and data-driven grantmaking in New Hanover County.
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Dagenais originally joined the Endowment in early 2025 as the vice president of programs and grants. She took over as interim CEO following the resignation of Dan Winslow, whose 10-month tenure was marked by community skepticism over his lack of philanthropic experience.
Before that, the Endowment’s leadership was overseen by William Buster, who abruptly resigned in February 2024 after being on the job for two years.
“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 said in a release.
Before moving to Wilmington, Dagenais served as a director at the Annie E. Casey Foundation and as an assistant dean at Syracuse University.
In Wednesday’s announcement, Chair Shannon Winslow commended her leadership during the transition since Winslow’s exit.
“Sophie stepped forward at a pivotal moment and led with focus, discipline, and purpose,” she said. “We’ve strengthened our investment strategy, fostered a collaborative team culture, and sharpened our ability to deliver meaningful results for the community.”
As interim leader, Dagenais has been credited with streamlining The Endowment’s community grant process and fostering partnerships with local governments, including a recent $7.75 million provisional grant for the City of Wilmington to purchase 25 acres for a park.
“The Endowment’s vision, values, and commitment to impact are not changing,” Dagenais said in the release. “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. County.”
Dagenais will oversee The Endowment as it enters its first major grant cycle of 2026. The organization is currently reviewing applications for its Spring Community Grants Program, which closed on Feb. 6 and is expected to distribute up to $500,000 in awards to local nonprofits this spring.
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