More About Ryan

How he got there

Ryan has lived in Onondaga County since 1981 and grew up in Syracuse’s Strathmore neighborhood. His long involvement in community service was born of the example of his large extended family – many of whom are active community volunteers. His cousin was one of the two founders of the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center in Syracuse, which is dedicated to ending child abuse in the community and keeping children safe. Over the years, Ryan has continued his family’s legacy as a coach for his children’s sports teams and a volunteer and board member of many area not-for-profits.

Ryan is a graduate of Bishop Ludden and LeMoyne College, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/Business Administration and was a goalie for the Dolphins’ soccer team. He interned in the New York State Assembly in Albany and first ran for office at age 23. While working in the private sector in the financial industry, Ryan served six years as a City of Syracuse Common Councilor, and seven years as Chair of the Onondaga County Legislature – the youngest person to ever serve in that role.

Uniquely Qualified

As an experienced and innovative civic leader, Ryan knows the key to a thriving community depends on leaders at all levels of government working together, regardless of political affiliation. Throughout his tenure as a City Councilor and County Legislator as well as in his business life, and in his new role as County Executive, Ryan has shown his ability to build bridges to get things done.  His formal education in business, his positions in government and his standing in the community as a leader places Ryan in the right place at the right time to be the Executive of the $1.4 billion operation that is Onondaga County government. 

In fact, on his very first day as an Onondaga County legislator, he was elected its Chair, becoming the youngest person to ever hold that position.  Since then, Ryan has received bi-partisan support in the County Legislature and was supported by both Democrats and Republicans to be appointed the County Executive. And in the first weeks as County Executive, Ryan was able to get the bi-partisan support necessary to approve the Village Improvement Program that provides vital funds to villages in the County and to approve the extension of the sales tax sharing plan with the City of Syracuse.  These historic measures were approved overwhelmingly by the County Legislature and had the support of the towns and villages in the County.  This was in marked contrast to the partisan bickering that took place 10 years before when the sales tax plan was considered. 

With your support in the November election, Ryan will continue to move forward with innovative programs and policies, delivering high-quality services to the residents of Onondaga County.