Michael Nagowski will retire this summer after 18 years as chief executive officer of Cape Fear Valley Health (CFVH), which serves Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital, and hospitals in Bladen, Hoke, Harnett, and Johnston counties.
Nagowski, 60, announced his retirement to the 19-member CFVH board of trustees on Friday.
“I’m excited I will get to spend time with my family,” Nagowski told CityView. “It’s with mixed emotions, but I’m excited.”
The executive board of trustees immediately voted to name Dan Weatherly, the health system’s chief operating officer since 2015, as interim CEO, according to a press release.
Nagowski’s retirement, effective July 1, comes as the health system prepares to welcome residency students to the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, which is located behind Cape Fear Valley Medical Center along Village Drive.
Under Nagowski’s leadership, the health system also celebrated growth in January 2023 with a $33 million Medical Education Center & Neuroscience Institute and a $110 million expansion in 2025, which added two floors and 100 hospital beds to the medical center’s Valley Pavilion section.
Nagowski said that while he takes pride in how the health system has grown, it has been physicians, surgeons, nurses, and health care providers that serve as the core of the health system.
“I’m most proud of our team,” he said. “They’re the ones who show up every day 365 and 24-7.”
‘He Left an Indelible Mark’
As word of Nagowski’s plans for retirement trickled throughout the medical center, health care leaders praised Nagowski for his leadership.
“Mike Nagowski has been a tremendous asset to our region and community, particularly to health care, and has transformed Cape Fear Valley Health in a way few leaders ever achieve,” said Sam Fleishman, CFVH’s chief medical officer.
“His vision, and his ability to bring that vision to life through thoughtful strategy, disciplined planning and genuine relationships is truly extraordinary. His leadership style is marked by authenticity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to people. He has left an indelible mark on our organization and our community,” he said.
Fleishman said Nagowski has brought “a rare gift for building meaningful relationships” through the health care system.
“He connected with people individually and authentically, and everyone who met him felt his sincerity, kindness, and genuine interest in them as people—not just as roles or titles. Those personal connections were foundational to the culture he helped create.
“Just as memorable as his vision and leadership was Mike’s unmistakable presence. His gregarious laugh, his genuine sense of humor, and his ability to put people at ease even in the most challenging moments. These qualities were central to how he built trust, strengthened collaboration and reminded us that leadership is rooted in humanity as much as it is in strategy.
“We are deeply grateful for all that Mike has done to elevate the quality of care for the people we serve and to strengthen the health of this region. His impact will be felt for generations, not only through the systems and structures he built, but through the culture of excellence, collaboration and trust he fostered,” Fleishman said.
“As we mark his transition into retirement, we do so with mixed emotions. While we will certainly miss his leadership, laughter and presence, we are profoundly thankful to have shared this journey with him and to have achieved so much together. We wish Mike nothing but the very best in this next chapter of his life and extend our deepest gratitude for his remarkable service to Cape Fear Valley Health and to our community,” Fleishman said.
Nagowski Described as ‘Transformational Leader’
Susan Dees, chief nursing executive for the health system, described Nagowski’s vision and commitment to systematic growth.
“Under his guidance, the organization flourished, becoming an integral part of the community, it serves,” she said. “He believed in this health system and shared that vision with us. His passion and dedication set a high standard for all, making him undoubtedly one of the best leaders in the field.”
Rakesh Gupta, the retired gastroenterologist who joined with John Henley to bring Nagowski to the health system in 2008 from Nagowski’s hometown of Buffalo, New York, said Nagowski’s vision transformed health care in Cumberland and surrounding counties.
“He is without doubt an incredible driving force who has demonstrated energy, commitment and has been truly a transformational leader for this health system,” Gupta said. “As a hospital trustee, I can say that we would not have accomplished this degree of expansion of services across the entire region in multiple counties, the residency program and now the medical school without his vision and dedication to the cause.
“He is a once in a lifetime health care leader.
“He will leave an unbelievable legacy and our community owes him a huge gratitude,” Gupta said. “I am very grateful that he chose to come this way and I am very proud to call him my friend. I wish him and his family nothing but the best.”
Kirk deVire, chair of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and a health system trustee, said Nagowski has been an exceptional leader for the health system and the community.
“His impact extends far beyond the hospital walls,” deViere said. “Throughout his entire time in our community, I have had the privilege of working alongside him at the community level, during my time in the state Senate, and now as a trustee on the board as a county commissioner. Under his leadership, we have seen tremendous growth in our health system’s capacity and reach.
“Just as importantly, Mike understood that health care infrastructure is only as strong as its workforce. His partnerships with Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, and other regional institutions have created vital pipelines for training the next generation of health care professionals. His dedication to improving health care access and outcomes for our region has been unwavering.
“While we will miss his leadership, his legacy of service, innovation, and workforce development will continue to benefit Cumberland County for years to come,” deViere said. “I wish my friend all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Nagowski Applauded for His Compassion, Innovation
Sabrina Brooks—vice president of the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, which is the philanthropy arm for community and regional health care—credited Nagowski for championing philanthropy.
“For the past 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Mike Nagowski, whose vision and unwavering commitment to our mission have shaped this organization in profound and lasting ways. His leadership has guided our hospital through extraordinary growth, innovation and transformation, while always focusing on improving the lives of the patients and the communities we serve.
“Beyond operational excellence, Mike has been a passionate champion for the impact of philanthropy. Under his guidance, the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation has strengthened its impact, expanded community partnerships and inspired countless donors to join us in advancing health care excellence in this region.
“His support in the power of generosity has resulted in programs, facilities and initiatives that will have a positive impact on the health and wellness of southeastern North Carolina for generations to come. Our recent successes would not have been possible without his vision and passion and involvement.
“On behalf of Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation board of directors and our many dedicated donors, I extend our deepest gratitude to Mike for his many years of dedicated service,” Brooks said. “His legacy is one of compassion, innovation and an unshakable commitment to local health care. We wish him the very best as he retires.”
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.