Wilmington Endowment Names New CEO as Leadership Stabilizes

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The New Hanover Community Endowment, a $1.7 billion philanthropic organization, has named Sophie Dagenais as its new CEO and president. Dagenais, who recently moved to Wilmington, will provide stable leadership for the influential grant-making institution after a period of speculation about the role. Her appointment ends rumors that county manager Chris Coudriet might take the position.

Why it matters

The Endowment plays a crucial role in guiding the distribution of massive local grant funding, so Dagenais' leadership will have a significant impact on the Wilmington community in the coming years. Her appointment brings much-needed stability to the organization after a period of uncertainty.

The details

Dagenais, who recently relocated to Wilmington, was named the permanent CEO and president of the New Hanover Community Endowment. Her appointment ends speculation about another outside search for the role and quiets rumors that county manager Chris Coudriet might take the position. As the head of the $1.7 billion philanthropic organization, Dagenais will be responsible for overseeing the distribution of grant funding that has a major influence on the Wilmington community.

• Dagenais was recently named the permanent CEO and president of the New Hanover Community Endowment.