Mollie Ruf

Novant Health, Community Engagement Partner

Native of Kansas City, MO

Industry: Healthcare

Trusted messenger. Dog mom. Community connector. Adventure seeker.

Those are the four ways Mollie Ruf describes herself—and they reflect the life and career she has built during her 17 years in Rowan County.

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Mollie moved to Rowan County to follow her now-husband, who came to the area to work in the motorsports industry. With experience in public relations and marketing, Mollie knew she could pursue her own career wherever she lived.

“I moved here to follow a man 17 years ago who is now my husband,” Mollie says. “What sold me on it over time, though, is the sense of belonging that Rowan County offers.”

That sense of belonging has kept Mollie rooted in the community and inspired her to remain actively involved. She enjoys attending community activities, volunteering and connecting with the people who make Rowan County feel like home.

When asked what she loves most about Rowan County, her answer is simple: “The people!”

Connecting with the Community

Today, Mollie works in the healthcare industry as a Community Engagement Partner for Novant Health. After one year with the organization, she describes it as an exceptionally supportive and rewarding place to work.

“Novant Health has a workplace culture like I have never experienced before,” Mollie says. “I feel completely supported in my role and highly respected. It is an amazing place to work and the best job I’ve ever had.”

Her position also aligns naturally with the qualities she values in herself and in Rowan County—building connections, earning trust and engaging with the community around her.

The Best of Everything

For Mollie, Rowan County offers a balance that is difficult to find elsewhere.

“It’s small enough that you can become a local quickly if you get even a little bit involved, but not so small or far away from bigger-city amenities,” she says. “We have the best of everything here!”

Mollie believes newcomers can quickly find their place by becoming involved in the community. Whether someone chooses to attend local activities, volunteer or connect with others through shared interests, Rowan County offers opportunities to build meaningful relationships.

“We are an open and welcoming community,” she says. “There is something for everyone, and you are encouraged to be yourself here.”

When it comes to dining, Mollie says there are many great options throughout Rowan County, but La Cava and Ivan’s are currently at the top of her list.

Her favorite place to spend time outdoors is High Rock Lake—particularly during the Dragon Boat Festival, which she also names as her favorite local festival. The experience combines several of the things Mollie appreciates most about Rowan County: outdoor adventure, community involvement and time spent with others.

Be Who You Want to Be

Mollie’s understanding of “Be an Original” is rooted in the freedom to embrace who you are and pursue the life you want.

“You can be who you want to be here,” she says. “You are only limited by your own self-imposed limitations.”

After 17 years in Rowan County, Mollie has experienced firsthand how quickly someone can go from being a newcomer to feeling like a local. Her advice for anyone considering making Rowan County home reflects the welcoming spirit she has found here:

“We are an open and welcoming community. There is something for everyone, and you are encouraged to be yourself here.”