Expanding Community Voices to Strengthen Impact Across New Hanover County
WILMINGTON, N.C. The Endowment has appointed seven new members to its Community Advisory Council (CAC), continuing its commitment to aligning strategy with community insight across New Hanover County.
The CAC informs The Endowment’s work across its four pillars: education, social and health equity, community development, and community safety. Comprised of 18 New Hanover County residents who serve staggered three-year terms, the CAC ensures broad and inclusive representation of community voices. These volunteers act as trusted advisors and community ambassadors, ensuring that local priorities and perspectives remain central to The Endowment’s decision-making.
“The Community Advisory Council plays a vital role in our work internally and externally,” said Tyler Newman, Vice President of External Affairs. “These new members bring valuable expertise and join a seasoned CAC that continues to help us identify opportunities, understand community needs and sharpen the impact of our work.”
Members of the CAC include professionals and grassroots advocates with a range of expertise in mental health, education, affordable housing, healthcare, economic development, and victim support. Together, they help shape strategic priorities, offer real-time feedback, and identify both urgent and emerging needs across New Hanover County.
“As an educator, I witness the power of learning every day,” said September Krueger, Director of Lifelong Learning at Cameron Art Museum and CAC member. “Collaborating with the Council allows us to elevate voices that don’t always make it to the decision-making table and guide programs that truly serve our community.”
Dr. M. Kent Locklear, Chief Medical Officer at Cape Fear Clinic and fellow CAC member, echoed that sentiment: “Transforming community health and wellness requires bold strategy rooted in humanity. This work offers a venue through which the experience and the voice of residents and frontline providers illuminate the path to lasting positive change.”
The Endowment also expressed deep appreciation for the seven outgoing CAC members, recognizing their service and lasting contributions to the Council’s foundation and influence.
“We’re grateful to those who helped shape the early direction of this Council,” said Dan Winslow, President and CEO of The Endowment. “And we’re equally excited to welcome new voices who will help us grow a stronger, more inclusive New Hanover County.”
The Endowment Board of Directors makes annual appointments to fill the staggered terms on the CAC. A public call for applications will open in early 2026 for those New Hanover residents interested in joining the CAC.
About The Endowment
The Endowment’s mission is to address the root challenges in community safety, community development, health and social equity, and education and to develop impactful solutions for every person in New Hanover County. The Endowment was established from the sale of the county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health in 2020. The initial fund has grown from nearly $1.3 billion to allow millions of dollars to be awarded as grants each year in perpetuity.
To stay informed about upcoming grant opportunities, news, and community events, follow The Endowment on social media or subscribe to the newsletter at www.theendowment.org
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NEW COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
SOCIAL & HEALTH EQUITY
Mireya Lupercio, MSW, LCSW – Psychotherapist, Community Counseling Center
Sana Y. Rockwell, MPH, M.S. – Strategic Consultant, Pul Alliance for Digital Health & Equity
Abdul Hafeedh bin Abdullah – CHASM, Co-Founder/Director of Programs and Community Coordination and Quality Life Blueprint, Co-Founder/Executive Director
EDUCATION
Nick Rhodes Jr. – Retired Officer, U.S. Air Force officer and Lecturer/Mentor, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Timothy Ryan Jarman – Schreiber Foundation in Wilmington, Executive Director
COMMUNITY SAFETY
Evelyn D. Adger – New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office, Victim Witness Legal Assistant
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Andrew (Andy) Hewitt – A|C Hewitt Development, President
OUTGOING COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
SOCIAL & HEALTH EQUITY
Adavita Zamora-Duprey – Behavioral Health Clinical Care Manager, MedNorth Health Center
Jamie Stokley – Executive Director, Helping Hands Of Cape Fear
Sara Hobgood – Nurse, Novant Health
EDUCATION
Jamie Stokley – Executive Director, Helping Hands Of Cape Fear
Marrio Jeter – Director Of Operations, Communities In Schools Of Cape Fear
COMMUNITY SAFETY
Andrew Richards – Filmmaker, Rich North Digital
Tabith Cox – Clinical and Forensic Interviewing Supervisor, Carousel Child Advocacy Center
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Quanesha Mullins – Executive Director, Port City Period Youth Empowerment
Click here to view full bios and the complete list of Community Advisory Council members.