CCCD Foundation

A lifelong Orange County resident, Ryan attended Mater Dei High School before graduating from Newport Harbor High School. He continued his education at Golden West College and the University of Southern California, where he earned his degrees and competed for state and national championships in the sport of water polo. Today, he is raising his three children in the same community that shaped his values of service, leadership, and teamwork.

Ryan is a senior advancement executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience across both the public and private sectors. In higher education, he specializes in institutional advancement, including corporate and foundation relations, annual giving, major and planned gifts, fundraising events and sponsorships, and comprehensive campaign strategy, with a focus on student access, equity, and institutional excellence. He has held advancement leadership roles at five universities nationwide, including institutions within the California State University system, Seattle University, and Cleveland State University, where he has partnered with presidents, chancellors, and executive boards to expand support, strengthen engagement, and secure transformational investments for students and campuses. Prior to his career in higher education, Ryan worked in professional sports with the PRCA California Rodeo, three NBA franchises, the Los Angeles Angels, and the High Desert Mavericks, experiences that helped shape his strategic, relationship-driven approach to revenue generation and community partnerships. He also served for 24 years as a beach lifeguard with the City of Newport Beach Fire Department, further reflecting his long-standing commitment to public service, leadership, and community engagement.

As Executive Director of the Coast Community College District Foundation, Ryan is focused on expanding educational access, advancing workforce development, and strengthening regional economic mobility through establishing sustainable partnerships. In collaboration with Coastline College, Golden West College, and Orange Coast College, he works to elevate district-wide resources while supporting each college's unique mission and priorities.

"I strongly believe in the transformative power of the community college system and in supporting Chancellor Yamamura's vision of reducing and ultimately eliminating the opportunity gap, so all students have the resources to succeed. I also recognize the importance of Career Technical Education (CTE) and the skilled trades in preparing student's for today's workforce demands and strengthening our communities."