Vice President of Programs and Grants, Communications Director among new staff positions
WILMINGTON, N.C. – The New Hanover Community Endowment (The Endowment) is kicking off 2025 with significant growth, welcoming new team members and celebrating internal promotions as it continues its mission to create transformational change in New Hanover County.
Leading the new hires is Sophie Dagenais, a resident of the Wilmington area and The Endowment’s incoming Vice President of Programs and Grants. Dagenais brings a wealth of experience in philanthropy, business, government, and higher education, and a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives, nurturing collaboration, and leading large-scale transformation projects that generate long-term, sustainable impact.
Notably, she served as a director at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a $3.4 billion charitable organization devoted to improving the lives of children and families across the United States. In her new role, Dagenais will lead a team of program officers, drive innovation in grant making, and support cross-sector collaborations to advance The Endowment’s mission and vision and to address pressing community challenges with a focus on equity, inclusion, and sustainable growth.
“I am deeply honored to join the New Hanover Community Endowment at this pivotal moment,” said Dagenais. “The Endowment’s mandate, mission and vision are urgent, exciting and inspiring, and I look forward to partnering with our dedicated team, board, and community partners and collaborators to expand our impact, drive social change and create lasting, innovative solutions to strengthen our New Hanover County community.”
Adding to the team’s momentum is Amber Rogerson, the Endowment’s new Communications Director. A Wilmington resident, Rogerson will collaborate with the Chief Marketing Officer to amplify the Endowment’s programs and engage with the community to drive positive change. With a background in marketing, creative strategy, and graphic design, Rogerson also brings entrepreneurial experience as the owner of Mettle + Moxie Boutique.
Another Wilmington resident, Moussa Toure joined the Endowment in December as a Network Associate, focusing on diligence and financial review of grant applicants and performance. Toure received his undergraduate degree in Finance from UNCW and is completing his studies for a graduate degree in Finance from UNCW.
The new year also brings well-earned promotions within the Endowment:
Eileen O’Malley transitions to Chief Technology Officer from her previous role as Grants Manager.
Crystal Cooper, who began as a part-time contractor, now serves as Controller in a full-time
capacity.
“Welcoming three outstanding new team members and celebrating these well-deserved
promotions is a great way to start 2025,” said Dan Winslow, President and CEO of the
Endowment. “This milestone is about more than just growing our team; it’s about harnessing
exceptional talent to deepen our impact and increase our capacity to make a difference in the
lives of New Hanover County residents.”
As the Endowment continues to scale, new opportunities to join the team are on the horizon.
Visit the Endowment’s website regularly for job postings and updates on how to be part of this
team https://www.nhcendowment.org/careers/.
2025-New-Hire-Announcement-Press-Release
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 more
than $1.6 billion to allow millions of dollars to be awarded as grants each year in
perpetuity. www.theendowment.org