Thom Ruhe, a former senior executive with the entrepreneurial focused Kauffman Foundation, is the new CEO of NC IDEA, an economic development group based in Durham.

“We are pleased to have someone with Thom’s background and knowledge lead the organization,” said Randy Myer, chairman of the board of NC IDEA, in a statement.

“In addition to his own entrepreneurial experiences, Thom has directed programs addressing entrepreneurship education, mentoring, access to capital and entrepreneurial ecosystems.”

Ruhe replaces interim CEO Sean O’leary.

Dave Rizzo, the founding executive of NC IDEA, retired last summer.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Board Member Sean O’Leary for his exemplary leadership and contributions while serving as Interim Executive Director during our transition and search,” Myer said.

NC IDEA, which now is a private foundation, annually funds 10 or more startups in North Carolina with non-dilutive grants up to $50,000 each.

“Ruhe will be working closely with NC IDEA’s board of directors to develop strategies for investment in the entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout North Carolina and will operationalize these strategies to achieve maximum impact for entrepreneurs in the state,” NC IDEA said.

Ruhe most recently worked at Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative and was formerly vice president of entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation.

“I am excited to work with the board and staff to build upon our efforts to make North Carolina one of the most entrepreneurial states in the nation,” Ruhe said in the announcement. “Encouraging an entrepreneurial culture and climate will strengthen our communities and the economy more broadly. I appreciate the opportunity to serve.”

Ruhe assumes his new job in March.


Thom Ruhe: His bio

From NC IDEA:

For the last decade, Thom has been working in the fields of entrepreneurship education, economic development and building entrepreneurial ecosystems. Combining that with nearly two decades of experience in a variety of entrepreneurial endeavors, he will lead NC IDEA’s efforts to make North Carolina a great state to start and grow new ventures.

Prior to his seven-year tenure at Kauffman, he was the founding chief marketing officer (CMO) for JumpStart Inc., an economic development organization and seed stage investment fund created to invest in and accelerate the growth of high-potential, early stage companies in northeast Ohio. Before JumpStart, Ruhe served as president of Optiem LLC, where he led the growth of a nascent marketing practice to a nationally recognized interactive marketing, communications and public relations agency.

Ruhe has/is serving in a variety of board and advisory capacities including: the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council for fostering Entrepreneurship, Board of Advisers for The Kenan Institute of Free Enterprise at UNC and is a founding trustee for Innovation Fund America.