Ryan is the Director of Education and Training for VFIS, a subsidiary of the Glatfelter Insurance Group. His responsibilities include: National coordination and delivery of education and training programs, curriculum development, information analysis, and consulting for VFIS. He is an active member of many fire service organizations including; IAFC, VCOS, NVFC, ISFSI, CFSI National Advisory Committee, and the NFPA 1000 series, 1400 series, and 1500 series Technical Committees.

Ryan completed his Master’s Degree in Safety, Security and Emergency Management from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, received his Bachelor's degree from Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa, has a Fire Science Certificate and Associates Degree from Des Moines Area Community College, and is a graduate of the 84th Des Moines Fire Academy in Des Moines, Iowa. He continues to conduct training and consulting projects on various emergency service related topics across the United States.

Ryan retired as a Career Fire Officer in 2011 after 18 years of service with the West Des Moines Fire Department, in West Des Moines, Iowa. He started in the fire service in 1990 as a fire explorer, becoming a firefighter, a fire service instructor, Emergency Medical Technician, and a Total Quality Management instructor. Ryan has held the ranks of Volunteer Firefighter, Career Firefighter, Career Fire Lieutenant and is now the Director of Education and Training at VFIS. He has extensive fire and EMS experience and knowledge and strives to provide emergency service personnel with education through training and consulting. He is currently a member of the Silver Spring Community Fire Company in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.