Additions follow a yearlong planning process as The Endowment prepares for its next chapter
The Endowment looks forward to welcoming four new colleagues to its Programs and Grants team over the course of this fall, joining a staff committed to advancing its mission of improving the health, education, safety, and economic opportunity of every person in New Hanover County. The additions follow a year of assessing staffing needs and refining The Endowment’s strategy. They strengthen and build on the work of a lean, dedicated team managing an expanding portfolio of grants and community partnerships.
With approximately $1.8 billion in assets, The Endowment currently manages 215 active grant commitments and awards, totaling $308.6 million and growing. Since its inception, it has made 491 grants totaling more than $349 million, and it continues to learn from that work. At the same time, the team is cultivating new grants for 2027 and 2028. The Endowment’s 2027 budget for new grants is expected to be nearly $63 million, and its annual grantmaking will increase as it prepares to transition to private foundation status in 2028.
Veronica Creech will join as Director, a position that opened when Dr. David Stegall was named Vice President of Programs and Grants. Elizabeth Naegle will serve as Senior Network Officer, and Jamar Jenkins and Lauren Iammatteo as Network Associates. Their experience spans nonprofit leadership, education, economic development, financial services, and community engagement, adding to the knowledge and relationships that guide The Endowment’s work. With the Programs and Grants team, they will help build and maintain relationships with community partners, identify funding opportunities, monitor active grants, and assess, research and report on the impact of The Endowment’s investments to guide future strategy.
“Our Programs and Grants team has done remarkable work as a small team, managing a significant and growing body of commitments while staying closely engaged with the community and meeting the standards of accountability that come with this work,” said Sophie Dagenais, President and CEO. “Over the past year, we’ve taken a careful look at what it takes to sustain that work well and prepare for what comes next. Veronica, Elizabeth, Jamar, and Lauren each bring experience and perspectives that build on the foundation our team has created. We’re glad to welcome them as colleagues as we continue listening, learning, and working alongside our community partners.”
Creech who will join as Director will bring extensive experience in building partnerships and expanding access to healthcare, housing, education, and employment, along with expertise in healthcare policy and government relations. She most recently served as Chief Economic Development and External Engagement Officer at St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh. Before that, she was Director of Economic Development and Innovation for the City of Raleigh.
Naegle will return to The Endowment as Senior Network Officer. Earlier this year, she interned at The Endowment as part of her doctoral studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), giving her firsthand experience with The Endowment’s work. She brings deep experience in public education, partnership development and programs that support children and communities. Most recently, she served as Director of Program at Teaching Lab, overseeing strategic program design, implementation, and impact for professional learning initiatives that improve K‑12 teacher practice and student outcomes. Previously, she was a director at TNTP, where she helped lead a large-scale initiative to expand access to high-quality STEM opportunities across rural Tennessee, coordinating school districts, regional partners, and local industry.
Jenkins has served on The Endowment’s Community Advisory Council since 2024, helping bring community perspectives into its work. He joins as a Network Associate with experience in financial services, youth development, and project management. In roles at Live Oak Bank and Civic Federal Credit Union, he supported small businesses and individuals. Most recently, he worked as a project manager, coordinating residential and commercial projects with clients and vendors.
Iammatteo will join as a Network Associate. As Outreach and Communications Specialist for the New Hanover County ABC Board, she managed grant and scholarship programs, supported applicants, coordinated reviews, and tracked grant outcomes. She also worked with government officials, nonprofit leaders, community groups, and residents through the board’s public engagement efforts.
“We are committed to improving the health, education, safety and economic opportunity of every person in New Hanover County,” said Dr. David Stegall, Vice President of Programs and Grants. “Veronica, Elizabeth, Jamar, and Lauren bring a wealth of experience that strengthens our capacity to serve the community. Together, we look forward to building on the momentum of our team and working alongside residents and community partners to put that commitment into action.”
About The Endowment
The Endowment’s mission is to improve the health, education, safety, and economic opportunity of every person in New Hanover County. For more about The Endowment and to stay informed about upcoming grant opportunities, visit www.theendowment.org.
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