Ryan has worked as a city planner in two states, holding roles such as CDBG administrator, historic preservation officer, development review team liaison, and zoning permit and code administrator. A U.S. Navy veteran, he served four years on active duty and six years as a reservist, specializing as a Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Forecaster. His service took him from the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi to the open seas through one deployment and five military exercises.

Using the GI Bill, Ryan earned a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New Orleans, where he began bridging his tactical forecasting and environmental analysis skills with civilian planning. His graduate work focused on applying this expertise to areas like hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness, comprehensive planning, code administration, and sustainable energy strategies.

Ryan grew up in the southwest suburbs of Aurora during the development of E-470 and DIA. At the time, his neighborhood sat on the edge of suburban sprawl—what felt like the frontier, now is fully built out. His high school opened the same year he began as a freshman, and by junior year, he had rallied fellow theatre enthusiasts to form a chapter of the International Thespian Society.

Drawn equally to the social sciences and the creative arts, Ryan pursued his curiosity about people, their stories, and the systems that shape their lives, ultimately earning a BA in Political Science from the University of Northern Colorado. He’s usually in the middle of several investigative journalism documentaries and history audiobooks at once. His endless curiosity and interdisciplinary interests fuel both his professional and personal passions.

Ryan and his partner often daydream about designing a homestead community where their families can live and grow together.

City of Englewood, Colorado
Zoning Officer Desk Manual

City of Slidell, Louisiana
Park Rehabilitation Plan
Zoning & Building Permit Review

Center for Hazard Assessment Response & Technology
Environmental Planning Curriculum Development

United States Navy
Operation Inherent Resolve 2015-2016
Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2015 & 2017
Exercise Talisman Sabre 2017
Atlantic Undersea Test & Evaluation 2014 & 2018

Meteorology & Oceanography
Environmental Impact Analysis
Housing & Economic Development
Animal Communication
Site Assessment & Planning
Grant Writing & Administration
Historic Preservation
Weather Manipulation
Land-use & Zoning
Comparative Spatial Analysis
Excel

Masters of Urban and Regional Planning
University of New Orleans

Certifications (METOC)
J00A: “Meteorological & Oceanographic Forecaster”
J01A: "Master Meteorological & Oceanographic Forecaster"
Naval Information Warfare Training Group (IWTG) Gulfport 475 NCBC ("A & C-School")