Janet Price-Ferrell

Janet Price-Ferrell has served as the Executive Director of FIRSTwnc since 2003, leading the organization with unwavering passion and dedication. FIRSTwnc began as a Community Parent Resource Center funded by the Department of Education, offering critical support to families of children with disabilities. Under Janet’s leadership, the organization has significantly expanded its programs, introducing early intervention services, parent coaching, the innovative Supported Living program My FIRST Key—now supporting 15 individuals across various levels of care—and the Abilities FIRST micro-enterprise coaching program, which helps individuals with disabilities develop and manage their own businesses.

As a parent of a grown son with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities, Janet has a deep understanding of the challenges families face. Her personal experiences inspired her return to Asheville in 2000 to establish FIRSTwnc alongside other dedicated parents and professionals. With a vision of creating a comprehensive resource hub, Janet has worked tirelessly to bridge gaps and connect families to essential services.

Janet earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and has pursued extensive training in leadership and advocacy. Her credentials include completing the Duke University Nonprofit Management Program, Partners in Policymaking, and the Advancing Strong Leadership for IDD initiative at the University of Delaware. She remains an active contributor to the IDD community, serving in various state and local stakeholder groups.

A native of Asheville, Janet is deeply committed to her community. She serves as a Deacon at New Hope Presbyterian Church and is a proud graduate of Leadership Asheville (Class 29). Outside of her professional endeavors, Janet cherishes time with her husband, Woody, and their two sons. Her eldest son, Rush, and his wife, Carolina, live and work in Asheville, while her younger son, Austin, runs a shredding and fire brick business.

Janet finds peace in the beauty of the mountains and the ocean and enjoys interior design and other creative outlets. She balances her professional accomplishments with moments of creativity, reflection, and joy.