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NHCE Expands Leadership with Amazon Visionary and Finance Veteran

Fresh Perspectives and Proven Expertise to Shape Endowment’s Future

The Board of Directors is composed of 13 members, all residents of NH County. Six directors are appointed by the NHCR Board of Managers (BOM), five by the County Commissioners, and two by the NHCE Board, with the NHCE board making self-appointments in accordance with the Attorney General’s guidelines. Directors serve 3-year terms and may not serve more than three consecutive terms, except in cases where they are filling an unexpired term, after which their first 3-year term officially begins. After completing the maximum term, a one-year break is required before they can serve again. For appointments made by the NHCR BOM (not those nominated by NHCE), the NHCR Nominating & Governance Committee recommends candidates to the NHCR board for approval. Directors, except those appointed by the county, follow a calendar year term cycle.

New Hanover Community Endowment Commits $1M to Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

Marshall downtown hurricane Helene

Photo by Josh Morgan, USA TODAY

Marshall NC Hurricane Helene Flood

Photo by Old Marshall Jail Hotel

Megacorp donations

MegaCorp in Wilmington, NC Donations for Hurricane Helene

New Hanover Community Endowment Welcomes William Blair

Statement from NHCE Board Chair Bill Cameron

September 17, 2024 – On behalf of the New Hanover Community Endowment (NHCE) Board of Directors, I want to acknowledge the appointment Monday by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners of William “Bill” Blair to the New Hanover Community Endowment board of directors to fill the seat vacated by Stedman Stevens.

The former mayor of Wrightsville Beach, Blair has a decade of experience in local government. He’s also chaired and served on the New Hanover County ABC board. A local businessman, he lives in Wrightsville Beach.

“Bill has been a leader in this community for a long time. We know Bill will be a valuable addition to our board,” said Chair Bill Cameron. “We look forward to working with him to advance the mission of the Endowment.”

Blair replaces Stedman Stevens, who served on the board since 2021. An inaugural director, he was the co-chair of the grants committee, served on the investment and governance committees and was part of the board that has invested almost $75 million dollars in the community addressing difficult issues from literacy and job creation to housing and public safety.

Stevens’ term ends October 1.

The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners appoints five board seats. Those interested fill out an application on the county website and are nominated and selected by the five elected county commissioners.

Dan Winslow Appointed President and CEO of the New Hanover Community Endowment

Dan WinslowWilmington, N.C., August 19, 2024 – After a nationwide search, the New Hanover Community Endowment (NHCE) board has selected seasoned nonprofit executive Dan Winslow to lead the organization as president and CEO.

The CEO search was led by moss+ross, a consulting firm that focuses on strengthening North Carolina nonprofits. The firm has provided consulting to more than 265 North Carolina nonprofit and educational organizations over the last 15 years.

“The enthusiasm nationwide to lead our team was evident in the number of strong applications we received for this position,” said Board Vice Chair Shannon Winslow, who led the NHCE’s CEO search committee. “Dan is the best person to take the reins and lead this organization toward transformational change in our community, now and into the future.”

Despite sharing a last name, Shannon Winslow and Dan Winslow are not related.

Dan Winslow’s distinguished career spans various roles across the business, legal, legislative, and nonprofit industries. As a former Massachusetts judge, legislator, and chief legal counsel to former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, he has served in senior roles across all three branches of state government.

Since October 2021, Winslow has led the New England Legal Foundation (NELF) in Boston, which champions free enterprise, property rights, limited government based on rule of law, and inclusive economic growth. He conceived NELF’s Equalizer Institute, which will serve as a free legal clinic for underrepresented entrepreneurs to start and grow their new businesses.

Set to launch in 2025, Winslow is most honored that Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center For Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center), is the honorary chair of the Institute’s advisory committee.

“The Equalizer Institute will fill a critical gap in the legal ecosystem and give all people a fair shot at the American dream,” Dan Winslow said. “I’m excited to watch the team continue to roll out this proof of concept for a national model of hope and opportunity.”

Winslow brings extensive private sector experience to NHCE. He built and managed a global legal team of nearly 70 lawyers and legal professionals for Rimini Street, Inc. during the company’s transition from private to public company status. Additionally, he served as a partner or counsel to two international law firms.

“I’ve enjoyed getting to know Dan and I am confident he is the person who can lead our endowment,” said Board Chair Bill Cameron. “His diverse experience will be invaluable in our efforts to invest in the community and serve our neighbors.”

Winslow’s appointment brings a fresh perspective and innovative strategies to drive NHCE’s mission forward. His vision and leadership will enhance the NHCE’s ability to address community needs and expand impact.

“NHCE can be a catalyst for change to address the root causes of issues that impact the quality of life in New Hanover County,” Winslow said. “While I am new to the area, I have family in Wilmington and know what a special place it is. I am eager to learn more about the nonprofit and community organizations we can lift up through our work, to meet people in the community, and to serve the citizens of New Hanover County.”

Winslow will begin his role as CEO on Oct. 1, 2024. In the interim, Lakesha McDay, executive vice president of programs and operations, will continue to oversee daily operations.

NHCE Invests More Than $6.5 Million in Grants Addressing Student Aid, Disaster Preparedness

Wilmington, N.C., August 1, 2024 – The New Hanover Community Endowment (NHCE) will invest more than $6.5 million in nine grants to improve workforce pathways, increase disaster preparedness, and support arts, healthcare, and education programs.

The largest grant supports the Forward Fund (TFF) and addresses gaps in our workforce pathways through short-term loans for students engaged in high-yield training programs in the skilled trades, technology, and healthcare. The majority of the TFF grant – $2.5 million out of $3 million – will go directly to students to pay for enrollment, tuition, and program fees, along with life expenses. The remaining $500,000 will provide operating support.

“We’re excited to be part of the Forward Fund’s innovative approach to supporting our students,” said Lakesha McDay, executive vice president of programs and operations at NHCE. “Finances are a major challenge for many seeking continued education. This program will reduce financial barriers and give all students the opportunity to pursue fulfilling, high-wage careers.”

NHCE is also investing in the Red Cross to establish the first North Carolina-based American Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP). As extreme weather worsens, Red Cross CAP teams are working with local partners in areas with higher disaster risk and chronic social issues to expand access to nutritious food, healthcare, and affordable housing. Already established in 18 other communities around the country, the program aims to holistically build community resilience before disasters.

“Better preparing New Hanover County for hurricanes and other disasters is just one way we can help every citizen in the county,” McDay said. “We’re proud to support the Red Cross in launching North Carolina’s first CAP and to help create a safer community.”

The remaining grants provide emergency radios for New Hanover County residents, fund grassroots nonprofit arts organizations, and support education programs ranging from preserving Wilmington’s history to helping pregnant and parenting teens.

This slate of grants is part of NHCE’s ongoing funding process to invest in transformational change in New Hanover County. NHCE encourages organizations to share ideas and programming updates with its network officers to identify partnership opportunities. For more information, visit www.nhcendowment.org/grants.

“New Hanover Community Endowment strives to be a partner to organizations, not just a funder,” McDay said. “We’re eager to collaborate on solutions as we look to invest in building a better community.”

Wilmington NC Downtown

NHCE Appoints New Community Advisory Council Members

Wilmington, N.C., July 16, 2024 — The New Hanover Community Endowment (NHCE) is proud to announce seven new Community Advisory Council (CAC) members and their pillars of focus. The CAC are liasions between NHCE and multiple facets of the New Hanover County community, advising the Board of Directors and staff on local challenges and opportunities. The new members include:

  • Community Development
    • Carolyn Beatty, StepUp Wilmington
    • Jeremy Hardy, Vigilant Hope
  • Community Safety
    • Tabitha Cox, Carousel Center
    • Jamar Jenkins, Young Life NextGen Leaders
    • Andrew Richard, Rich North Digital
  • Education
    • September Krueger, Cameron Arts Museum
    • Dr. Michael D. Priddy, retired North Carolina school superintendent

The seven new members will replace departing members LeShonda Wallace, Yasmin Tomkinson, Brandon Cagle, Natalie English, Peter Nemmers, Dawn Ferrer, and Chaz Springer.

“I can’t thank the departing members enough for helping launch the CAC,” said board chair Bill Cameron. “Their experience and insight were invaluable to our efforts to invest in the community and serve our neighbors.”

CAC members and Endowment staff reviewed nearly 50 applications and recommended 18 finalists to the board of directors, who voted on the seven finalists. A complete list of the CAC is available on our website.

“There is no doubt our new members’ skills, passions, and experiences will inform our work in new and exciting ways,” said Emily Page, director of learning and capacity building. “CAC members are invaluable in helping us connect with the greatest opportunities and concerns throughout our diverse community.”

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