Dementia Alliance of North Carolina (DANC) is proud to share an important and exciting update. Lisa Levine has been appointed as our new Executive Director, marking a moment of continuity, confidence, and optimism for our organization and for families across North Carolina.

Lisa is not new to DANC. In fact, her leadership journey with us spans more than 15 years. She joined the organization in 2009 and has served in several key roles, including Senior Director of Programs and, most recently, Interim Executive Director in 2025. Over the past six months, Lisa has guided Dementia Alliance with steady leadership, clear direction, and deep compassion. This next step is a natural continuation of her long-standing commitment to our mission.

A Leader Grounded in Experience and Care

Lisa brings deep institutional knowledge and strong relationships across North Carolina. She has worked closely with caregivers, community partners, government agencies, academic institutions, and nonprofits to ensure our programs meet real needs and reflect real experiences.

Her professional background includes psychology, dementia care, and long-term care leadership. Just as important, Lisa brings personal experience as a care partner. This combination helps her lead with empathy, understanding, and respect for the challenges families face every day.

At the heart of Lisa’s leadership is a shared belief that guides all of DANC’s work: families deserve practical support, dignity, and compassion at every stage of the dementia journey.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

Under Lisa’s leadership, Dementia Alliance of North Carolina will continue to grow as a trusted, local source of education, guidance, and connection for people living with dementia and those who care for them. This is a moment of stability for our organization and reassurance for families who rely on DANC for support. We are grateful to have a leader who knows our work deeply, understands our communities, and is committed to ensuring that no one in North Carolina faces dementia alone.

Get to Know Lisa

Beyond her professional role, Lisa brings warmth and personality to everything she does. A few fun facts you might not know:

• • Lisa proudly describes herself as a “crazy dog lady.” She has been involved in animal rescue, especially dog rescue, for more than 40 years. From adopting and fostering to transporting animals and helping friends find their “furever” companions, animals have always been part of her life.
  • Her current boss is a 9-pound Yorkie princess named Ruby, also known as “Tiny Boss.” Ruby spent her first several months as an office regular and has become a bit of a DANC mascot, still stopping by from time to time.
  • Lisa loves reading fiction, and yes, she believes audiobooks absolutely count. She also enjoys learning how to care for houseplants, testing new vegetarian recipes, and working on puzzles.
    She is one of seven sisters and is very close with all six of them, which she says keeps her on her toes.

Please join our board and staff in congratulating Executive Director Lisa Levine. We are excited for what lies ahead as the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina continues building a state where no one faces dementia alone.