June 10, 2024- The former CEO and president of the county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center is joining the charitable endowment formed from its 2021 sale to nonprofit hospital network Novant Health. The $1.25 billion endowment is focused on distributing grants to address systemic issues, including health, education, and equity. Jack Barto, the former president and CEO of New Hanover Regional Medical Center, will fill a vacancy from Michelle Holbrook’s resignation last week on the endowment’s board of directors.
The Novant Health Coastal Region board selects six of the endowment’s 13 appointees; five are appointed by county commissioners and two are picked by the endowment. Novant’s other five appointees include Cameron, Chris Boney, David Sprunt, Cedric Dickerson, and Pat Maguire.