Ryan holds a Master’s Degree in Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy from Virginia Tech, where he also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and a Certificate in Local Government Management. Ryan has been with Loudoun County as the assistant county soil scientist, county soil scientist, and most recently natural resources team leader for over 13 years. He is responsible for the administration of environmental policies adopted to protect sensitive environmental resources in the county, such as those areas underlain by limestone. Prior to his time in Loudoun, Ryan was employed by a forest management consultant as the project soil scientist.

Ryan is a Licensed Professional Soil Scientist (LPSS) and Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He has served as president of the Virginia Association of Professional Soil Scientists (VAPSS) twice, lives with his family in Clarke County and volunteers as a youth soccer coach.