FERN RYAN

Chief Executive

Fern is an experienced leader in the disability and human services sector, with more than 30 years’ experience across senior leadership, governance, and service development.

With a background in business management, adult education and human services, Fern is passionate about people, community and creating opportunities for disabled people to have greater choice and control over their lives. She strongly believes that a good life looks different for everyone and that people should be supported to determine what that means for themselves.

As Chief Executive of ConneXu, Fern is proud to lead an organisation focused on Empowering Growth and Building Trust. She values strong relationships and enjoys working alongside disabled partners, whanau, team members, 

Board and wider community to listen, learn, challenge how things have traditionally been done and continue improving what ConneXu does.

Fern has called Te Awamutu home for more than 30 years. Outside work, she loves travelling, reading, walking, spending time with family and friends, and time with her giant Labradoodle.