Cape Fear Valley Health CEO Michael Nagowski will retire on July 1, 2026, following 18 years of leadership. Current Chief Operating Officer Dan Weatherly has been appointed as interim CEO to oversee the transition.

According to information obtained by Fay News 10, Michael Nagowski has announced his retirement as Chief Executive Officer of Cape Fear Valley Health, effective July 1, 2026. Nagowski has led the organization since 2008, overseeing its transition from a county hospital into a regional health system comprising eight hospitals and nearly 100 care locations.

During his 18-year tenure, Nagowski prioritized medical education and workforce development. Under his leadership, the system established graduate medical education programs that currently train approximately 330 physicians across various disciplines. Additionally, Nagowski was instrumental in the partnership with Methodist University to create the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine. This initiative received the 2025 Highsmith Award for Innovation from the North Carolina Healthcare Association.

Infrastructure developments under Nagowski included the vertical expansion of the Valley Pavilion at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, which added 100 beds and rooftop helipads. His administration also directed significant financial investments into local educational institutions, including $2 million to Fayetteville Technical Community College, $2 million to Fayetteville State University, and $1 million to Bladen Community College to support nursing and workforce programs.

The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees has named Dan Weatherly as interim CEO, effective immediately, to work alongside Nagowski during the transition period. Weatherly joined the system in 2011 and has served as COO and President of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center since 2015. Weatherly holds a master’s degree in business administration and has managed systemwide operations, including surgical services, emergency departments, and strategic acquisitions.