The Power Players: The businesspeople and officials having the greatest impact on the region’s business and economic landscape.
Jeff Bourk
Airport Director, Wilmington International Airport
Under Jeff Bourk’s leadership, ILM has expanded its reach and pace of growth in 2025.
WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: The airport now advertises a record 31 nonstop destinations as of press time and two new carriers this year, pushing ILM to the No. 1 spot among major U.S. airports for three-year seat-capacity growth (up 66% from July 2022 to June 2025).
Bourk’s team also landed ILM’s first international commercial route: Avelo Airlines’ nonstop service to Punta Cana, beginning Dec. 24.
On the cargo side, an international life-sciences air corridor is being established between Shannon, Ireland, and Wilmington – anchored by Frontier Scientific Solutions’ facilities at ILM – positioning the region for temperature-controlled pharma logistics.
At home, ILM continues a multi-year construction project: roadway and curb-front realignments, a new cell-phone lot and design work for Terminal Phase 6, along with customs terminal upgrades to support the Punta Cana service. Airport projections also call for 2025 enplanements, or passenger boardings, of about 880,000 – a year-over-year increase of 20%.
These gains add to ILM’s wider community impact: The airport generated an estimated $3.3 billion in economic output in 2023 and supports thousands of jobs, according to the NCDOT’s 2025 State of Aviation report.
OUTSIDE WORK: Bourk recharges with tennis, pickleball and time on the water.
Ernie Bovio
President, Novant Health Coastal Region
Ernie Bovio heads up the Winston-Salem-based health system’s coastal market, which includes facilities in the Cape Fear region.
WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: Under Bovio’s leadership, Novant Health has expanded its footprint across Southeastern North Carolina.
This year, the health system marked the opening of Wilmington’s second Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic, located off Princess Place Drive. Novant Health also opened a new 36,000-square-foot medical office building in Autumn Hall along Eastwood Road, designed to accommodate growing demand for primary care services and provide additional surgical clinic space. Construction continues on a new 66-bed hospital in the Scotts Hill area of New Hanover County.
Novant Health broke ground on a new outpatient surgery center in Leland and added its first class of physicians in its new rural residency track that includes practicing in Pender County.
In October, Novant officials announced that they are pursuing plans for a new $251 million hospital in Leland that, if approved by state regulators, could accept patients beginning in early 2030. The hospital would serve as a new campus of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, according to a certificate-of-need application filed with the state. Novant wants to move 20 licensed acute care beds from Brunswick Medical Center to the new hospital location. Novant also plans to develop five procedure rooms, four of which will be constructed to operating room standards.
Also in Brunswick County, Novant submitted a certificate-of-need application to develop a new freestanding emergency department near U.S. 17 in Carolina Shores to potentially open in 2028.
LONG-TERM PLANNING: Bovio said the coastal region team is focused on its Vision 2030 strategic plan.
Brian Clark
Executive Director, N.C. Ports
At the helm of N.C. Ports, Brian Clark oversees operations at deep-water ports in Wilmington and Morehead City and an inland port in Charlotte.
WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: In fiscal year 2025, the port system saw year-over-year growth in intermodal and general cargo volumes. The ports “delivered a $51.2 million positive net change in position from the prior year,” according to a recent report from the state auditor’s office, which also stated that the authority posted an operating loss of $6.3 million during the year.
The ports generate an estimated $16 billion in economic output statewide and support over 88,000 jobs.
The Port of Wilmington saw progress on an intermodal rail yard, which is expected to add 5,000 feet of working track and expand intermodal capacity to more than 50,000 container movements by rail annually. The port is in the early stages of relocating its North Gate, which will move the general cargo entrance closer to the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and highway network.
The ports in both Wilmington and Morehead City are set to get new gantry cranes early next year, which aim to make general operations more efficient.
DEEPER PORT: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a report supporting the deepening of Wilmington’s harbor from its current depth of 42 feet to 47 feet. Port officials say the project will boost the port’s efficiency and competitiveness in the region.
Sophie Dagenais
Interim President & CEO, New Hanover Community Endowment
In 2025, Sophie Dagenais assumed a dual leadership role at the New Hanover Community Endowment, serving as both interim president and CEO as well as vice president of programs and grants. Hired in the vice president role in January, Dagenais became the interim CEO in July when Dan Winslow stepped down.
WHY SHE’S A POWER PLAYER: In these roles this year, Dagenais has overseen the deployment of a $53 million grant budget, directing investments toward education, social & health equity, community safety and community development projects in New Hanover County.
“At the moment, I’m all in on the Endowment. With two roles on my plate, this is where my focus and energy are concentrated, making sure we’re moving our mission forward,” Dagenais said in October.
The more than $1.6 billion endowment, which was formed by the sale of county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health in 2021, announced nearly 170 grants this year, totaling more than $58 million, as of press time. The new grants were slated for initial disbursement in 2025 or 2026.
Recent funding announcements have included $2.7 million to New Hanover County Schools “to pilot a targeted staffing initiative to close achievement gaps, support positive behavior, increase student engagement, improve graduation rates and create positive learning environments;” $5.7 million to the Wilmington Housing Authority to help pay for redevelopment of Hillcrest; and $5 million to MedNorth Health Center, which is undergoing an expansion.
BIO BACKGROUND: Before joining the endowment this year, Dagenais previously served as director at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, chief of staff to then-Baltimore mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, partner at Ballard Spahr law firm and assistant dean at Syracuse University College of Law.
Sean Desmond
CEO & President, nCino
Sean Desmond became nCino’s CEO in February, taking the helm at a time he described as a pivotal moment for both the company and the banking technology industry. Desmond was previously chief product officer for the Wilmington-based cloud banking software company that employs about 650 people.
WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: Under Desmond’s direction, nCino has implemented a three-pillar AI strategy that begins with product innovation. “We’re building nCino into an AI-native company, rethinking how we build and deliver products from the ground up,” he said.
This includes embedding artificial intelligence more deeply into the company’s cloud-based banking platform through new offerings such as Banking Advisor enhancements, Operations Analytics Pro and Mortgage AI. The company has also relaunched its Sandbox Banking product as Integration Gateway. The platform was formerly known as Glyue by Sandbox Banking, but earlier this year, nCino announced its $52.5 million of Sandbox Banking.
The company this year also rebranded FullCircl, expanding the platform’s integration capabilities and reach.
NAME ABOUT TOWN: Recent examples of nCino’s community involvement include the nCino Sports Park and the nCino Hunger Solutions Center, facilities that the company has donated significantly to in recent years.
Bryce Dill
Wilmington Optical Fiber Plant Manager, Corning Inc.
At the beginning of 2025, Bryce Dill took over as the manager of Corning’s optical fiber plant in Wilmington, replacing Russ Lopatka. Dill had worked at Corning for 17 years in various roles before becoming the plant’s manager.
WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: With about 1,000 employees, Corning is one of the largest employers in the Wilmington area. Dill oversees day-to-day operations of the plant’s manufacturing of optical fiber, the ultra-thin, durable and flexible glass thread that transmits information at high speeds.
For example, Corning’s low-loss optical fiber, which is made in Wilmington, is thinner than human hair but stronger than steel. It carries large amounts of data in the form of light signals and is a critical building block of generative artificial intelligence. Optical fiber also plays a key role in broadband deployment.
The Wilmington plant serves as a technology center for Corning’s fiber division, where the company develops and implements new products and procedures.
GIVING BACK: Dill serves on the board of the United Way Cape Fear Area. The Wilmington plant also supports various nonprofits, including NourishNC and Communities in Schools, through donations and volunteering.
Brian Eckel
Partner, Cape Fear Commercial
As a co-founder of Cape Fear Holdings, Brian Eckel helps guide Cape Fear Commercial, Cape Fear Development and Cape Fear Construction Group, the company’s three specialized divisions. Eckel founded Cape Fear Commercial with business partner Vin Wells in 2001.
WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: Eckel’s companies are leading the development of some of Wilmington’s most high-profile projects.
Through a public-private partnership with New Hanover County, Cape Fear Development led Project Grace, the $77 million redevelopment of the county’s downtown library branch and Cape Fear Museum. The library portion of the project opened in October, with the museum set to open next summer.
Eckel has also overseen the growth of Cape Fear Development’s Proximity brand. Construction is largely complete at Proximity Carolina Beach, a mixed-use project with 250 apartments and 35,000 square feet of commercial space. Construction is underway at Proximity Watermark, a 248-unit luxury apartment complex along the Cape Fear River, while site work has started on Proximity Government Center, a 256-unit apartment project off College Road.
The company also has plans to develop Proximity-branded projects along Blue Clay Road and in Surf City.
HEALTH BOARD: Eckel sits on the Novant Health Board of Trustees. The board oversees Novant Health, which owns hospitals in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.
Natalie English
President & CEO, Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
Leading the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Natalie English uses three decades of advocacy experience in her efforts to steer the area’s business, workforce and infrastructure agenda.
WHY SHE’S A POWER PLAYER: Part of the chamber’s mission statement is that the organization “brings together community leaders, policymakers and businesses to foster collaboration and drive collective action. We focus on building relationships, supporting growth and maintaining a business-friendly environment through networking, advocacy and strategic partnerships.”
In recent years, English has lobbied to make replacing the aging Cape Fear Memorial Bridge a priority at the local and state levels. She also launched the 2023 Regional Skills Analysis, aligning workforce training with employer needs across the region, and continues to champion public-private partnerships to help strengthen economic resilience.
Under her leadership, the chamber is participating in the local initiative of the NC Health Talent Alliance, an effort to address gaps in the health care workforce. English also serves as the 2025 president of the Carolina Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
English has a bachelor’s degree from N.C. State University and earned her Certified Chamber Executive credential.
GROWING LEADERS: Also during English’s tenure, the chamber launched the Career and Leadership Development Academy, which allows seventh graders in New Hanover County to explore career opportunities.
Chip Mahan
Chairman & CEO, Live Oak Bancshares
James S. “Chip” Mahan III is the founder, CEO and chairman of the board of Live Oak Bancshares Inc., parent of Live Oak Bank, a Wilmington-based financial institution focused on serving small businesses nationwide.
WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: Under his leadership, Live Oak has become the top lender in the SBA’s 7(a) program by dollar amount, deploying more than $2.8 billion in financing during the SBA’s fiscal 2025.
In the third quarter of 2025, the company reported a net income of $25.6 million, produced $1.65 billion in loans, grew deposits by nearly $696 million, raised $96.3 million via a preferred‑stock offering and realized a $24 million pre‑tax gain from the sale of another Wilmington-based fintech, Apiture Inc. Assets reached $14.67 billion, up 16 % year‑over‑year.
Beyond financial metrics, Mahan is recognized for his entrepreneurial leadership and fintech innovation.
Of the company’s more than 1,000 employees, about 770 are located in Wilmington.
A LITTLE BACKGROUND: Mahan holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Washington & Lee University and began his career at Wachovia Bank & Trust Company in 1973.
Tim Milam & Denise Kinney
CEO/President, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
Under the leadership of Tim Milam and Denise Kinney, Wilmington-based residential real estate firm Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage continues to set new benchmarks in the real estate industry.
WHY THEY’RE POWER PLAYERS: In 2025, the firm was named the No. 1 Coldwell Banker affiliate company in the nation for the fourth consecutive year, a distinction earned for both closed sales volume and closed units.
The company also ranked No. 27 in the nation for closed sales in RISMedia’s 2025 Power Broker Report, achieving over $2.9 billion in 2024 sales volume across more than 7,700 transactions. The firm has 850 agents and 70 staff members.
Milam and Kinney said they continue to drive growth through technology investments in AI and innovative platforms, while expanding builder and vendor partnerships that benefit clients and small businesses. Milam’s community engagement includes serving as chairman of Wilmington Business Development’s board next year and as a previous BASE board chair.
GROWING FOOTPRINT: The firm recently celebrated the completion and grand reopening of its new Topsail Island office, strengthening its coastal presence.
Mark Moon
Site Leader, GE Aerospace Wilmington
Mark Moon began leading GE Aerospace’s Wilmington site in January, overseeing one of the company’s most significant regional investments to date.
WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: GE Aerospace’s site, located on Castle Hayne Road, was set to receive $52 million as part of GE Aerospace’s broader $101 million investment in its North Carolina facilities this year.
The Wilmington facility produces components for engines used in both commercial and military aircraft, including narrowbody and widebody planes as well as fighter jets and ships. The $52 million allocation was announced to fund new machines to shape metal parts to precise specifications, part of a large-scale equipment refresh aimed at maintaining quality and reducing production cycle times. The investment will also go toward new crane systems to increase capacity, additional tooling and upgrades to the building itself.
These improvements are part of GE Aerospace’s national strategy to expand production and modernize facilities. In 2025, the company announced nearly $1 billion in investments across its U.S. plants and supply chain – double the amount from the previous year – and plans to hire approximately 5,000 new employees in manufacturing and engineering roles.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENTS: The GE Aerospace Foundation donated $100,000 to Cape Fear Community College to fund 10 scholarships for the school’s computer-integrated machining program and to help launch a 40-hour machining boot camp for high school students.
Jim Morton
President, Cape Fear Community College
CFCC President Jim Morton was hired in 2018. Morton’s previous employment included a 15-year stint at Wilmington International Airport, where he served as finance director.
WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: CFCC has achieved record-breaking enrollment growth and continued major campus expansions across the region. For the summer semester this year, curriculum enrollment increased by 22%, with a projected 14% increase for the fall semester – the largest enrollment class in the college’s history.
CFCC has also undertaken several large-scale capital projects. The college’s library is undergoing a renovation scheduled for completion this winter. Design work is also underway to transform the school’s former dental clinic into a permanent home for CFCC’s free-for-students, drop-in child care center, set to open next fall.
The college opened a state-of-the-art dental clinic in the Saklad Health and Human Services Center, doubling enrollment for dental assisting and dental hygiene programs and expanding community access to low-cost dental care.
Construction is ongoing to expand CFCC’s Surf City location by 10,500 square feet to meet growing demand in Pender County.
New academic offerings include 18 programs such as property surveying, artificial intelligence technology and elementary education preparation. CFCC partnered with StepUp Wilmington to broaden access to Jobs Week, a four-day career preparation course, and the college was also selected as one of 15 statewide institutions to pilot BOOST, a program aimed at accelerating students’ progress into the workforce.
STAND-UP SPECIAL: Comedian Leanne Morgan’s Netflix special
Unspeakable Things hit No. 1 on Netflix last month. The special was filmed this summer during Morgan’s shows at CFCC’s Wilson Center and was the first streaming service show filmed at the school’s theater.
Craig Ranson
Installed Base CEO, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy
Amid growing energy demand, Craig Ranson is helping lead the GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy campus in Castle Hayne. Ranson transitioned from his role as the company’s CEO in June to head up its installed base business.
WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: Ranson helped lead the ongoing construction of GE Vernova Hitachi’s first small modular reactor (SMR) in Ontario. The company, one of the largest private employers in the Wilmington area, is also working to deploy the technology in the U.S. and in Poland and Sweden, among other locations.
Starting next year, Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF), a GE Vernova-led alliance with Hitachi Ltd., plans to fabricate a new nuclear fuel product at its Wilmington facility. The new product aims to provide boiling water reactor operators with more cost-effective use of uranium. GNF has also received approvals to manufacture and ship fuel with higher uranium enrichment levels.
GE Vernova’s Wilmington campus is set to see $50 million in investment in its manufacturing operations aimed at enhancing safety, quality and productivity.
SCIENCE ENTHUSIAST: In his free time, Ranson enjoys reading about the latest in scientific research, especially physics journals and articles.
Holly Sullivan
Vice President of Worldwide Economic Development, Amazon
In 2025, Holly Sullivan has continued to lead Amazon’s global economic development efforts through major projects and partnerships that shape the company’s worldwide footprint, all while living in Wilmington.
WHY SHE’S A POWER PLAYER: A central focus of her work has been overseeing the continued development of Amazon’s second headquarters (HQ2) in Arlington, Virginia – a project she has guided since its inception in 2017.
Sullivan’s responsibilities extend beyond HQ2 to managing Amazon’s technology hubs and corporate office expansions across the globe. Her portfolio includes support for Project Kuiper, the company’s low Earth orbit satellite initiative aimed at providing broadband internet connectivity worldwide. Her team focuses on developing the ground infrastructure needed to connect users to Kuiper satellites, an effort that will expand broadband access to underserved and rural communities.
She also supports Amazon Prime Air, the company’s drone delivery program, which has launched in Arizona and plans to expand to multiple U.S. and European locations in the coming years. Another initiative under Sullivan’s leadership is the redevelopment of Bray Studios in the United Kingdom, following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM, transforming the site into a modern production facility for Amazon’s growing entertainment division.
In the Wilmington area, Sullivan has been involved in Amazon’s plans to open a robotics fulfillment center and a nearby delivery station, expected to begin operations in Pender County next year. Together, these facilities are projected to create 1,500 jobs and expand the company’s delivery capacity throughout the region.
STATE INVESTMENT: Amazon has invested more than $17.2 billion in North Carolina since 2010.
Neil Underwood
Co-Founder & General Partner, Canapi Ventures
Neil Underwood has been instrumental in starting high-profile tech companies in Wilmington and continues to bring investment dollars and innovation to the city.
WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: In 2025, Neil Underwood helped guide Canapi Ventures through a standout year, placing $125 million in venture capital and leading a strategic round for Wilmington-based Ohanafy. As general partner of Canapi’s $1.4 billion venture fund, he oversees investments that support fintech and technology companies nationwide.
Underwood is co-founder of Live Oak Bank, where he previously served as president, and nCino. He also co-founded Live Oak Ventures, a subsidiary of Live Oak Bank, where he helped incubate companies focused on digital banking, including Finxact, Payrailz, DefenseStorm and Greenlight.
In 2017, the Miami native cofounded Apiture, which provides digital banking solutions to community and regional banks and credit unions.
DEAL EVALUATOR: “We are fortunate to see three to five deals every day ... We don’t always invest, but we are surrounded by great ideas and founders,” Underwood said recently.
Aswani Volety
Chancellor, UNCW
In 2025, University of North Carolina Wilmington chancellor Aswani Volety oversaw several major milestones at the university.
WHY HE’S A POWER PLAYER: In February, Volety announced the largest philanthropic commitment in UNCW’s history: a $25 million gift from Yousry Sayed, a UNCW trustee, and his wife, Linda Sayed, a two-time alumna. The Sayeds’ donation will support health care initiatives and teacher recruitment, marking a record-setting moment for the university’s advancement and its long-term focus on workforce development.
In fall 2025, UNCW set another record with its largest-ever student body, enrolling nearly 20,000 students – a 5.6% increase from the previous year, according to preliminary data from the Office of Institutional Research and Planning.
Earlier in the year, UNCW began construction and renovation plans guided by its campus strategic and master plans that will include an expansion of Cameron Hall, renovation of Kenan Auditorium and construction of a new welcome center, hotel and conference center and additional student housing.
IMPACT STUDY: A recent study found that the university contributes $3.2 billion annually to North Carolina’s economy, including $1.6 billion directly in Southeastern North Carolina.
Jim Wallace & Trey Wallace
President/Founder & CEO, Intracoastal Realty Corp.
Jim Wallace founded Intracoastal Realty Corp. after moving to Wilmington in 1976. Today, his son, Trey, serves as president and manages the company’s day-to-day operations.
WHY THEY’RE POWER PLAYERS: The Wallaces head up the region’s largest independent residential real estate company. Two years ago, the firm grew into South Carolina markets such as Little River, North Myrtle Beach and Cherry Grove Beach. It also continued activity on Bald Head Island, where Intracoastal took over sales and rental operations after merging with Bald Head Island Limited real estate.
METRICS: Intracoastal Realty this year closed more than $1.3 billion in home sales, with an average sales price of nearly $670,000. The firm has 460 local agents.
Laurie Whalin
President–Acute Care Operations & Novant Health NHRMC
In 2025, Laurie Whalin led Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) and Novant Health’s affiliated acute care operations in the health system’s coastal region.
WHY SHE’S A POWER PLAYER: Earlier this year, Whalin was promoted to run Novant’s hospitals in Southeastern North Carolina. Whalin rose through the ranks at the then-county-owned hospital – from pharmacy clinical manager to the director of pharmacy to vice president of clinical support services. In 2021, she became president and chief operating officer of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center after NHRMC was sold to Novant Health. The following year, she was named chief operating officer of Novant NHRMC and president of Novant Health’s future community hospital in the Scotts Hill area. Now, she is the system’s president of acute care operations and president of NHRMC, the area’s largest employer, for the Novant Health Coastal Region.
In her role, she has overseen preparations for the opening next year of the new Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center. Construction on the facility is ongoing, and Whalin’s current priorities include building the leadership team, recruiting staff and finalizing internal operational plans. The new hospital will expand acute care and specialty services to residents in northern New Hanover County and eastern Pender County.
OVER THE YEARS: Whalin first joined New Hanover Regional Medical Center in 2009.
Shannon Winslow
Chair, New Hanover
Community Endowment
Shannon Winslow, director of strategic accounts at WebMD Health Services, served t
