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Our story is simple: New Hanover Memorial Hospital was established in 1961 by a vote of the people of New Hanover County. It is, therefore, immortalized that the proceeds from the sale of the People’s Hospital will always remain the property of the people and used solely for charitable purposes that support our community.
During the contentious sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) to Novant Health in 2020, our community was promised a $1.3 billion public endowment designed to bring "transformational change" across health, education, community safety, and economic development, benefiting every citizen. Despite our concerns about deteriorating care quality, rising prices, and employee dissatisfaction under new leadership—all now a reality— we were assured that this endowment would compensate for these risks by making a profound and positive impact in the county and region.
Unfortunately, the New Hanover Community Endowment’s (Endowment) promises to remain unfulfilled under the leadership of Board Chair Bill Cameron. Though Mr. Cameron is a highly respected community leader, he is removed from the field of philanthropy. It’s time for Mr. Cameron to either step up and make necessary changes or step down from his position.
His tenure has resulted in three critical failures:
1. Politicization of the Endowment Board
The Endowment Board (Board) was intended to operate without political bias. However, under Mr. Cameron’s leadership, the Board has become increasingly politicized. The premature removal of Dr. Virginia Adams, a nationally recognized nursing educator and Black Board member, replaced by a polarizing former county commissioner involved in the sale of NHRMC, the abrupt departure of CEO William Buster, a highly qualified Black leader in the philanthropy, and the direct interference by New Hanover County Commissioners in grant-making decisions have seriously undermined the community’s confidence in the board’s impartiality and
independence.
2. Lack of Transparency and Public Engagement
For four years, there has been a troubling lack of transparency (closed meetings and private records) in decision-making related to investments, grant distribution, and Board appointments. The promised collaborative process with citizens who have subject matter expertise, specifically with the Attorney General’s required Community Advisory Council, has been ignored. The fact that Novant Health (6) and the NHC Commission (5) continue to appoint a majority of Board members makes it clear that the Board’s actions are neither embrasive nor transparent. The majority of board members should be by community appointment. Since only the Board and/or the Attorney General’s office can amend the Endowment’s Articles of Inc. and By-Laws, then one must take immediate action to remedy this lack of community engagement.
3. Leadership and New CEO Appointment
The recent appointment of a new CEO, with no substantial philanthropic or charitable experience and a history of working with libertarian think tanks and corporate interests, highlights a stark disconnect from the endowment’s foundational goals. Though impressive, his background is marked by political and corporate affiliations rather than a career deeply engaged in social safety net issues. This further exposes the Board’s disregard for the Endowment’s mission. This decision underscores the troubling shift in priorities away from community-centered goals.
Call for Independent Oversight.
Given these serious concerns, independent oversight is no longer optional. We urge the NC Attorney General Josh Stein to appoint an” Independent Monitor” to investigate the Endowment to ensure the Board’s priorities and actions align with the public interest rather than political or corporate agendas.
Demand for Leadership Change
For our community's benefit and our Endowment's integrity, Mr. Cameron must take the moral high road and STEP UP by addressing these issues promptly or STEP DOWN from his position. The New Hanover Community Endowment needs leadership that is transparent, accountable, and demonstrably familiar with philanthropic giving and investment that will serve ALL residents of New Hanover County and the region. Anything less is a betrayal of the community’s public assets and trust.
Sonya Bennetone-Patrick
National Black Leadership Caucus SE Region
Derrick Anderson
Community Activist
Harper Peterson
Former NC Senator District 7
Contact:
910-616-1000
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