NEW HANOVER COUNTY — The New Hanover Community Endowment today announced the appointment of seven new members to its Community Advisory Council.
The newly appointed Community Advisory Council members are:
- Roberto Ramirez (Social and Health Equity): Registered nurse in the emergency department at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Coastal Horizons, New Hanover County Health and Human Services Board
- Lindy Ford (Social and Health Equity): Registered dietitian/clinical nutritionist, New Hanover Women’s Commission
- Dr. Rob Morgan (Education): Assistant superintendent of operations at New Hanover County Schools
- Rebekah Garcia (Community Safety): Regional managing attorney at Legal Aid of North Carolina in Wilmington
- Carson Porter (Community Safety): President and executive director of Wilmington Hammerheads Youth Soccer
- Megan Mullins (Community Development): Chief marketing and engagement officer at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, with board service for the Historic Wilmington Foundation and Cape Fear Volunteer Center
- Frances “Perry” Chappell (Community Development): Business management and development consultant at The Blair Group and member of the UNCW Board of Trustees
The 18-member Community Advisory Council serves as a link between The Endowment and the New Hanover community. Members are appointed by The Endowment Board and serve three-year terms. The new members’ term began June 1, 2026, and will expire June 1, 2029.
The CAC is made up of volunteers who bring experience from across education, health, public safety, social equity, and community development. Members provide insights on local needs, emerging challenges, and opportunities to help guide The Endowment’s work.
“The Community Advisory Council is an invaluable sounding board for us. The Endowment’s Board of Directors has selected seven New Hanover County residents to fill the current openings from a highly qualified pool of applicants,” Endowment board Chair Shannon Winslow Chair said in a press release. “The CAC keeps our work grounded, authentic, and relatable, ensuring that our 18-member body represents a cross-section of New Hanover County to provide the connections and insight we need.”
The new members will replace seven outgoing members completing their terms this month: Kent Locklear, Joe Finley, Gustavo Rodea, Susie Sewell, Frankie Roberts, Abdul Hafeedh Ibn Abdullah, and Angie Hill.
“We were fortunate to receive an exceptionally strong and diverse pool of candidates for consideration, bringing deep experience within and across our core pillars,” Sophie Dagenais, president and CEO of The Endowment, said in a press release. “We have actively engaged and activated the Community Advisory Council in our strategic work and look forward to incorporating new member perspectives as we translate our strategy into tangible action.”
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
We appreciate your ongoing support.
