WILMINGTON, N.C. The Endowment welcomes new and returning leaders to its 2025 Board of Directors. These dedicated individuals bring expertise, passion, and a shared vision for advancing health, education, safety, and economic opportunity of every person in our community.
Dr. Bart Williams has been appointed by the Novant Health Coastal Region Board to fill the seat vacated by Jack Barto, who resigned earlier this year to relocate to Chicago. Justin Burgess begins his first term, appointed by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners to succeed Spence Broadhurst.
Shannon Winslow has been reappointed to a third term by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. Similarly, Dr. Edelmira Segovia has been reappointed by The Endowment Board of Directors and will begin her third term at the end of the current term in December, 2025. Cedric Dickerson has been reappointed to a third term by the Novant Health Coastal Region Board, effective after his current term concludes in December 2025.
“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Spence Broadhurst for his leadership as our inaugural board chair and for his dedicated service as a valued director of The Endowment for five years,” said Board Chair Shannon Winslow. “We also extend our gratitude to Jack Barto for his contributions and commitment to advancing The Endowment’s mission. Both Spence and Jack’s guidance and vision have helped shape the strong foundation our organization stands on today.”
The Endowment Board of Directors is composed of 13 volunteers with demonstrated leadership within the New Hanover County Community: five appointed by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, six by the Novant Health Coastal Region Board, and two selected by The Endowment Board of Directors.
“I join our board chair, Shannon Winslow, in thanking Spence Broadhurst and Jack Barto for their service on our board, and I am honored to welcome Dr. Bart Williams and Justin Burgess,” said Interim President and CEO Sophie Dagenais. “I look forward to working with them as they bring valuable experience and passion for our community to guide The Endowment’s work. I also congratulate Shannon, Edelmira, and Cedric on their reappointments.”
Justin Burgess, a certified financial planner at Copley Investment Management, is a lifelong resident of New Hanover County and has served on local boards and committees, including the NHC Community Foundation and St. John’s Episcopal Church Finance Committee. He was also appointed by the governor to serve on the N.C. State Board of CPA Examiners. Beyond his professional and civic work, he coaches youth sports and is committed to raising his family in a community he loves.
“Justin’s entrepreneurial insight and passion for improving the lives of others make him a valuable addition to the board,” said Winslow. “His experience and dedication will help lead The Endowment into the future.”
Dr. Bart Williams, a family physician and co-founder of Wrightsville Family Practice, has lived and worked in New Hanover County for more than 27 years. He has been active in the community through medical mission trips, church leadership, and board service with the Cape Fear Museum and Coastal Physician Alliance. He has three children and two grandchildren, who motivate his continued commitment to building a healthy and vibrant community for generations to come.
“Dr. Williams brings a wealth of experience and community commitment to The Endowment’s Board of Directors,” said Winslow. “We are excited for the valuable perspective and leadership he will bring as we work to strengthen the future of New Hanover County.”
Together, these appointments reaffirm The Endowment’s commitment to advancing health, education, safety, and economic opportunity and will guide The Endowment as it works to create lasting impact for every resident of New Hanover County.
About The Endowment
The Endowment’s mission is to improve the health, education, safety, and economic opportunity of every person in our community. 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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