Fresh Perspectives and Proven Expertise to Shape Endowment’s Future
Wilmington, N.C. – The New Hanover Community Endowment (NHCE) announces the appointment of Holly S. Sullivan to its Board of Directors and the reappointment of founding board member David Sprunt.
Holly S. Sullivan, a Wilmington resident and Amazon’s vice president of worldwide economic development, steps onto the NHCE Board with a proven track record in driving transformative growth on a global scale. Her strategic insight and forward-thinking
leadership will inject fresh energy and perspective into NHCE, positioning the Endowment for even greater community impact and innovation.
“Holly’s global experience at Amazon, particularly in development and economic growth, will be invaluable to the Endowment’s work,” said NHCE CEO and President Dan Winslow. “We’re thrilled to have her on board and look forward to her contributions.”
Sullivan will officially assume her role on January 1, 2025, succeeding Patrick Maguire, who has served on the board since 2022.
Maguire, a founding board member, has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of NHCE. As a member of the Board’s Investment Committee, Maguire helped guide the Endowment’s fund from $1.3 billion to $1.6 billion, enabling significant increasing
investments in the greater Wilmington community. Under his leadership, NHCE committed more than $101 million to local projects during his tenure.
“Patrick’s dedication has been instrumental to the Endowment’s early achievements,” said Board Chair Bill Cameron. “We deeply appreciate his impactful work and are excited to welcome Holly to build upon this foundation.”
Maguire’s term ends on December 31, 2024, and he did not seek reappointment.
David Sprunt, another founding board member, has also been reappointed for a third term. Sprunt’s contributions have been equally significant. Serving as Chair and member of the Board’s Audit-Finance Committee, he played a key role in shaping the Endowment’s financial and operational best practices. Before any formal staff were hired, Sprunt stepped in as de facto CFO, laying the groundwork for NHCE’s current financial oversight.
“David has been an essential leader in establishing our financial integrity,” said Winslow. “His continued service ensures stability and growth as we move forward.”
Both Sullivan and Sprunt’s appointments reinforce NHCE’s commitment to strong, visionary leadership that will continue to drive meaningful community investments. All NHCE Board members serve as volunteers.
About NHCE
The New Hanover Community Endowment’s mission is to invest and partner with the nonprofit community to address the root challenges in public safety, economic development, social and health 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. From its sale, the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners invested nearly $1.3 billion to benefit the community in perpetuity.
Board Bio’s & Terms
Patrick Maguire
Term 01/01/2022-12/31/2024
Vice Chair on Investment Committee
Patrick Maguire significantly contributed to the Investment Committee by hiring BlackRock and drafting the investment policy statement.
Bio: Dr. Patrick D. Maguire is a physician, medical director, and managing partner of Coastal Carolina Radiation Oncology in Wilmington, NC, where he has practiced since 2000. He received his undergraduate degree in English literature from Haverford College and MD from Penn State College of Medicine. Dr. Maguire completed his radiation oncology residency and clinical
research fellowship at Duke University Medical Center and thereafter has been caring for patients diagnosed with cancer in coastal NC. He has authored many peer-reviewed scientific publications and a book for patients and families about cancer entitled “When Cancer Hits Home.”
Dr. Maguire was the principal investigator of two major Cancer Disparities Research Partnership grants from the National Cancer Institute to improve cancer outcomes for underserved populations in southeastern NC. He is nearing completion of a Master of Finance and Investment Management at University of North Carolina Wilmington. His passions include investing, endurance sports, adventure travel, and spending time on the water with his wife and two adult children.
David Sprunt
Term: 01/01/2022-12/31/2024
Chair of Audit/Finance Committee for 2 years
Currently Vice Chair of Audit/Finance Committee
Bio: David Sprunt was born and raised in Wilmington. He became a CPA and was the Finance Manager for Bryan Properties, a North Carolina real estate development company based in the Triangle. In 2003, he returned to Wilmington to manage his family’s timberland and commercial real estate, which includes long leaf pine straw harvesting and sales, Venus flytrap plant cultivation and seed sales, leasing and property management, as well as managing the timberland for wildlife, recreational, and conservation purposes.
Mr. Sprunt is the past Treasurer of St James Church. He currently serves on the YMCA Board and Finance Committee. He is the past Chair of the Cape Fear Academy Board of Trustees and New Hanover Community Endowment currently serves as the Chair of the Trustees and Governance Committee and the Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee. He has served on the UNCW Foundation Board and has been the Treasurer of the Good Shepherd Center Board. He is married with three daughters ages 14 to 19.
Holly S. Sullivan is a leader in economic development and public policy, with extensive experience across both the private and public sectors. She has earned a reputation as a visionary strategist, known for her ability to drive large-scale development projects, craft impactful policy initiatives, and manage complex negotiations.
Throughout her career, Holly has led large teams and complex portfolios, overseeing multibillion-dollar investment projects that span global markets. She has successfully led the development and execution of strategies for real estate site selection, geopolitical risk mitigation, and talent optimization. Her work supports diverse sectors, including corporate offices, tech hubs, fulfillment centers, and cutting-edge industries like satellite technology and robotics.
She has been a key figure for transformative projects, negotiating with governments at all levels to ensure alignment with economic growth objectives. Her ability to blend business acumen with policy insight has made her a sought-after voice in discussions on regional development, economic impact, and corporate expansion.
In her role as a global spokesperson for economic development, Holly has played a crucial role in positioning Amazon’s second headquarters (HQ2) and other major projects on the world stage. Her efforts have not only contributed to the expansion of Amazon’s global footprint but also driven job creation and long-term growth in key markets. She has been instrumental in leading initiatives that have brought significant investment to areas such as Northern Virginia and Tennessee, where her influence on policy and local economies has left a lasting impact.
Before joining Amazon, Holly led economic development organizations, where she fostered partnerships with industry giants, community leaders, and government officials. Her leadership in these roles led to the creation of thousands of jobs and the establishment of sustainable growth strategies for regions across the U.S.
Holly’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades. She serves on multiple boards and advisory councils, lending her expertise to guide policy decisions, promote business-friendly environments, and ensure economic vitality. Her passion for transforming communities through smart development and strategic investments continues to drive her forward as a leader in the field.