Ruth Fordon

I’ve called Ocracoke home since the spring of 1988. In the midst of midlife reflection, I made the life-changing decision to step away from PhD studies in Clinical Psychology and a career as a psychotherapist—and I’ve never looked back. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats to build a fulfilling life here, including owning a bed and breakfast, becoming a licensed real estate agent, running a print business, serving as an EMT, and editing the Ocracoke Observer for a time. Through Island Path, a business I co-own with my husband, I’ve also led workshops and provided counseling and coaching.

In my spare time, I pursue photography and have been a longtime volunteer with the National Park Service’s sea turtle nesting program. I also helped create and lead the nonprofit Ocracats for two decades, supporting the island’s feral cat population.

As a member of the Ocracoke Community Pool Association board, I chair the grant committee and serve on the land acquisition committee. After joining a local water aerobics class, I experienced firsthand the physical and mental health benefits of aquatic fitness. That experience inspired my commitment to our community swimming pool project—an initiative that will provide essential swim instruction, promote water safety, and enhance well-being for all members of our community.