The Eno River Association (ERA) partnered with CapDev to conduct a Comprehensive Executive Search and welcomed Ryan Fehrman in February 2025 as its new Executive Director, a mission-driven leader who brings decades of nonprofit experience and a personal connection to the Eno River itself.
Fehrman‘s journey to ERA began with his love for the outdoors. A long-time kayaker and hiker on the Eno with his family, Fehrman had already forged a personal bond with the land ERA protects. “In this season of my life and career,” he shared, “spending time out of doors is an important component to self-care.”
While his affinity for the organization was the spark that drew Fehrman to apply for the executive director position, it was his candidate experience throughout the executive search that confirmed the match. Fehrman praised ERA’s hiring process for its transparency and intentionality. “It was a two-way conversation,” he said. Fehrman also noted how much he valued the opportunity to ask questions and appreciated that staff voices were included in the process, evidence that ERA lives its values.
Since stepping into the role, Fehrman has been guided by a model of shared leadership. He is deliberate about fostering open, generative dialogue with the leadership team around organizational challenges and creates regular opportunities for full-staff input. Inspired by mentors like Jack Preiss and Terry Allebaugh, he brings a thoughtful approach to sustainability, emphasizing collaboration and long-range financial strategy.
Fehrman arrives at a time when conservation organizations are facing real headwinds. “We’ve been affected by cuts to AmeriCorps and to land conservation funding,” he explains. In response, Fehrman recently worked with other organizations to successfully lobby against extended funding gaps facing conservation groups in Orange County, NC. “We have to keep telling our story…and we have to ask for what we need.”
Bringing a strong track record in financial stewardship, Fehrman grew reserves to $1 million at Families Moving Forward and managed a $3.5 million budget at the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness. Fehrman’s approach to organizational leadership is guided by the belief that “alone we can go fast, together we can go far.” In doing so, he has cultivated authentic board relationships, advanced DEIA commitments with steady resolve, and led organizations through periods of uncertainty with transparency and clarity of mission.
For Fehrman, the Eno River is more than a natural resource—it’s a community space, and we all have a role to play in its conservation. “The number one contributor to happiness is a sense of connection,” he says. “If this is a place you love, bring people here and gather. Be an ambassador.”
Fehrman’s arrival is a win for ERA and the broader community. It is also a reminder that when done right, executive search can align the right leader with the right mission at the right time.
About CapDev Search
CapDev partners with nonprofits across the Southeast to deliver highly qualified executive and development professionals who will not just be a good fit, but who will make a meaningful contribution to further your mission. We take a hands-on, proactive, time-sensitive, and cost-conscious approach, leveraging our extensive network and decades of experience in philanthropy to conduct regional and national executive searches. With 40 years of service to the sector, we have deep, first-hand knowledge of the competencies needed to excel in championing and sustaining your nonprofit’s mission, and access to the professionals who provide them.
Wondering whether partnering with a search firm is right for you? Book a free consultation with us to learn more about our Comprehensive Executive Search, Candidate Sourcing, and related talent services. Get started HERE.