Ryan graduated from Oregon State University in 1992 and has worked in the agriculture/conservation industry for over thirty years.

His past work includes technical work on both the Buck Hollow and Bakeoven Watershed projects. He continues to work on both the CREP and CRP programs, working closely with NRCS. FSA, ODF, ODFW and USFS partners.

Ryan represents the District as a member of the Was­co County Forest Collaborative Group, East Cascades Oak Partnership. Lower Deschutes Cooperative Weed Management group, the Wasco County Natural Hazard Mitigation Group and the Joint Climate Resiliency Committee.

Ryan has been with the District for over 25 years. He adds that working for the SWCD has taught him the importance of relating to customers and partners in order to reach the conservation needs and goals. He stresses the importance of being pro-active with changes in state and federal policies and regulations in order to keep producers informed of policies that may adversely affect them.

Ryan enjoys hunting, traveling and glamping (camping with power, water & Netflix) with his wife Shannon.