NEWS & STORIES
Ryan Harman receives the Patriot Award for his extraordinary passion
The Board of Trustees of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) takes great pleasure in presenting the Patriot Award to Ryan Harman for his exceptional support and dedication to
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, since 2007.
Ryan championed Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing almost from the very beginning serving in numerous leadership roles to include; Asheville, North Carolina Program Lead, North Carolina
Regional Coordinator, and as a member of the Board of Trustees. As an impassioned fly angler, Ryan recognized fly fishing’s healing benefits and the organization’s positive impact on the
recovery its participants.
Ryan demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and commitment as a Program Lead and he was soon asked to serve as Regional Coordinator for the Mid-south region – helping to establish
many highly successful programs in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. His success there led the organization to formation a separate region for North Carolina, were he currently
serves as the Regional Coordinator. As Regional Coordinator for the North Carolina Region, Ryan helped form nine programs serving 565 participants, donating 15,500 volunteer hours, and conducting 485 core program activities. His support and guidance contributed to several very successful regional events to include; Cherokee Fishing Outing, Veterans Fishing at the False Albacore Festival, and Marabou Madness. However, it’s his vision and organizational prowess to bring together Camp Keystone that is among his leading achievements. Ryan’s concept for Camp Keystone as a participant and spouse retreat allowed disabled veterans from across the nation to spend quality time with their spouses or primary caregivers – thereby enriching their life skills and strengthening their relationships.
Ryan’s passion for the PHWFF mission manifests itself in not only the countless volunteer hours, but also with in his numerous monetary and in-kind donations that help ensure the
region’s growth and success. This extraordinary passion served as a keystone of inspiration that prompted many people to support PHWFF through volunteerism and philanthropy – including a
$25,000-dollar annual grant from the North Carolina legislature that helps fund core program activities across the region.
As a member of the Board of Trustees Ryan helped shape a nationwide organization that now exceeds 220 programs. Additionally, he is a tireless advocate for giving back and providing
encouragement to participants to become volunteers and mentors of newer participants. Ryan often says, “part of the healing process includes the opportunity to mentor and share. We are not
only in the business of creating good fly-anglers, but good citizens.”
The Board of Trustees of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., is proud to bestow on Ryan Harman the Patriot Award for his selfless dedication and extraordinary service to Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. and to those wounded, ill, and injured service members and disabled veterans whom this organization serves.
President and CEO Todd Desgrosseilliers and Ryan Harman