Ryan is originally from Minneapolis, MN, currently residing in Seattle, WA.  He competed for the University of North Dakota from 2006-2009 and coached in 2010.  He has judged since 2012, and was the National SAFECON Chief Judge in 2017.

Professionally, Ryan is an Airbus 220 Captain for Delta Air Lines in SEA.  He holds ATP, CSEL, and CFII certificates and is type rated in EMB145, B737, and BD500.

NIFA friendships have given Ryan experiences from staying overnight on the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to hiking north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden to staying connected with the future aviators in the industry.