Michael Nagowski, chief executive officer of Cape Fear Valley Health, will retire this summer after 18 years leading the region’s largest health system, which includes 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,” he told CityView. “It’s with mixed emotions, but I’m excited.”
The board immediately voted to appoint Dan Weatherly, CFVH’s chief operating officer since 2015, as interim CEO.
Nagowski’s retirement, effective July 1, comes as the health system prepares to welcome its first residency students to the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, located behind Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. The milestone follows years of expansion under his leadership, including the $33 million Medical Education Center & Neuroscience Institute, opened in 2023, and a $110 million Valley Pavilion expansion in 2025 that added two floors and 100 beds.
While proud of the system’s growth, Nagowski said the credit belongs to the physicians, nurses, and staff.
“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 news of his retirement spread, health care leaders praised Nagowski’s leadership and impact.
“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 Dr. Sam Fleishman, CFVH’s chief medical officer. He described Nagowski’s leadership as grounded in authenticity, humility, and a deep commitment to people.
Fleishman said Nagowski possessed “a rare gift for building meaningful relationships,” connecting with people sincerely and personally. His presence—marked by a gregarious laugh, humor, and an ability to put others at ease—helped build trust and strengthen collaboration across the system.
“We are deeply grateful for all that Mike has done to elevate the quality of care for the people we serve,” Fleishman said. “His impact will be felt for generations through the systems he built and the culture of excellence and trust he fostered.”
A Transformational Leader
Susan Dees, CFVH’s chief nursing executive, said Nagowski’s vision guided the system’s growth and strengthened its role in the community.
“He believed in this health system and shared that vision with us. His passion and dedication set a high standard for all,” she said.
Retired gastroenterologist Rakesh Gupta, who helped recruit Nagowski in 2008, said Nagowski’s leadership reshaped health care across Cumberland and surrounding counties.
“He is without doubt an incredible driving force who has been truly transformational,” Gupta said. “We would not have accomplished this degree of expansion, the residency program, and now the medical school without his vision and dedication.” Gupta called him “a once-in-a-lifetime health care leader” whose legacy will endure.
“Our community owes him a huge gratitude,” he said.
Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chair and CFVH trustee Kirk deViere echoed that sentiment, noting that influence extended beyond hospital walls.
“Throughout his entire time in our community, I have had the privilege of working alongside him,” deViere said. “Under his leadership, we have seen tremendous growth in our health system’s capacity and reach.”
DeViere emphasized Nagowski’s commitment to workforce development, citing partnerships with Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, and others.
“His dedication to improving health care access and outcomes for our region has been unwavering,” he said. “His legacy of service, innovation, and workforce development will continue to benefit Cumberland County for years to come.”
Compassion, Innovation, and Philanthropy
Sabrina Brooks, vice president of the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, credited Nagowski with elevating the role of philanthropy in the system’s growth.
“For the past 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Mike,” Brooks said. “His leadership guided our hospital through extraordinary growth and transformation while always focusing on improving the lives of the patients and communities we serve.”
She said his belief in the power of generosity strengthened the foundation, expanded partnerships, and inspired donors to invest in health care excellence.
“Programs, facilities, and initiatives that will benefit southeastern North Carolina for generations were made possible because of his vision,” she said.
Brooks described his legacy as one of compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to local health care.
“We extend our deepest gratitude for his many years of dedicated service,” she said. “We wish him the very best as he retires.”
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.

Editor's note: This article has been edited from its original for space considerations. To read the article in full, visit https://www.cityviewnc.com/stories/michael-nagowski-longtime-cape-fear-valley-health-ceo-announces-retirement/

(Photo: Michael Nagowski has been the CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health for 18 years. He has been a part of creating the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine and expanding services across the CFVH health system. Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Health)