Michael Nagowski, chief executive officer of Cape Fear Valley Health, has announced his retirement effective July 1, 2026.
Nagowski has served as CEO since 2008, guiding Cape Fear Valley Health’s growth from a county hospital into a fully integrated system that now includes eight hospitals and nearly 100 care sites serving multiple counties across southeastern North Carolina. His tenure has been defined by strategic expansion, system integration and a steadfast commitment to ensuring access to high-quality care close to home.
Under his leadership, Cape Fear Valley Health significantly expanded its role in medical education and workforce development. Nagowski fulfilled a long-standing commitment to establish graduate medical education programs, resulting in residency programs across several disciplines with approximately 330 physicians currently in training. These programs strengthened the regional physician pipeline and supported the health system’s long-term sustainability.
Nagowski also played a key role in forming a landmark partnership with Methodist University to establish the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine. The new medical school represents a major investment in addressing physician shortages and expanding access to care for future generations. This initiative earned Cape Fear Valley Health the 2025 Highsmith Award for Innovation from the North Carolina Healthcare Association in recognition of its workforce and educational impact.
His leadership extended to major infrastructure and service enhancements designed to meet the region’s growing health care needs. Nagowski oversaw the vertical expansion of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center’s Valley Pavilion, adding new patient floors, 100 beds and increased hospital capacity. The project included rooftop helipads to improve emergency access and patient transport efficiency while strengthening critical care delivery.
Beyond hospital operations, Nagowski championed strategic partnerships and community investments centered on education, workforce development and wellness. Under his leadership, Cape Fear Valley Health made historic commitments to the region, including a $2 million investment in Fayetteville Technical Community College to support nursing and allied health education, a $1 million investment in Bladen Community College to strengthen workforce development programs and a $2 million investment in Fayetteville State University to advance education and workforce initiatives. An additional $900,000 supported student health and wellness facilities at Fayetteville State University.
Nagowski’s contributions to health care and the broader community have been widely recognized. In 2024, he received the Cumberland County Distinguished Citizen Award for visionary leadership and service. He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Methodist University and selected as a commencement keynote speaker, reflecting his influence on regional health care and education.
“Cape Fear Valley is a much more progressive and responsive health system under Mike’s vision and leadership than it was 18 years ago,” said Dan Weatherly, COO and president of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, in a press release. “When a leader retires, the hope is that he leaves the organization stronger than when he arrived. The growth and progress we enjoy today are a direct result of Mike’s hard work. Thank you for all you have done for the community and the Cape Fear Valley Health family. We wish you a relaxing retirement.”
Collectively, Nagowski’s leadership expanded access to care, strengthened the regional health care workforce, supported economic growth and positioned Cape Fear Valley Health as a trusted anchor institution for the communities it serves.
In an effort to ensure continuity and a smooth transition, the Executive Committee, acting on behalf of the Board of Trustees, has named Chief Operating Officer Dan Weatherly as interim chief executive officer, effective immediately, with Nagowski helping with his transition. Weatherly has served as COO since 2015 and also serves as president of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, the system’s flagship hospital.
He oversees systemwide operations across multiple hospitals and clinics, including emergency services, imaging, laboratory, pharmacy, surgical services, environmental services, transportation, rehabilitation and behavioral health services.
Weatherly joined Cape Fear Valley Health in 2011 as director of outpatient operations and has more than 25 years of experience in health care leadership. He has played a key role in system expansion, joint ventures and strategic acquisitions and led operational efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. He holds a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in health care administration.