Sept. 22, 2026
FWRD Transylvania has announced Keagan Monteith will step into the role of the non-profit long-term recovery group’s executive director beginning Oct.1, 2026. FWRD was formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024 and cultivates partners and resources to support recovery while strengthening the community’s preparedness and resilience for the future.
“I am honored to step into this role,” Monteith shared in a news release. “Transylvania County is home for me. It is where I was raised, where my roots run deep, and where my family and I continue to build our lives. This next chapter is about continuing to invest in the place that invested so much in me, while working to make Transylvania County more prepared, connected, and resilient for the future.”
Monteith said his service with the Brevard Fire Department has strengthened his commitment to emergency response, preparedness, recovery, and the partnerships that support our community when they are needed most, but he also gained firsthand experience with FWRD’s work serving as a consulting case manager supporting local recovery efforts. That experience, combined with his deep community roots and emergency response background, positions him well to lead FWRD as the organization continues its work helping Transylvania County recover, prepare, and build greater resilience for the future
FWRD’s new executive director will remain connected to the Brevard Fire Department in a part-time role to allow his fire service and emergency response experience to complement FWRD Transylvania’s mission and community partnerships.
As part of this leadership transition, Joyce Endaya has departed from her role as executive director. The FWRD Transylvania board is grateful for Joyce’s contributions to the organization and the relationships she helped build throughout our community and wishes her well in what comes next.
As the second anniversary of Helene approaches, FWRD remains focused on the work ahead: supporting continued recovery, strengthening coordination among community partners, and helping build a more prepared and resilient Transylvania County.