Biography
Steve Ryan’s more than 30-year career as an award-winning communicator began as a stringer at his local, South Carolina college town newspaper. While covering the aftermath of a tornado outbreak, the National Guard held him at gunpoint because he had too many cameras (and violated curfew). His short time in that newsroom was a formative experience and helped shape his career trajectory. He also credits that experience with helping him become a better PR and communications practitioner.
After graduation, he entered the toy industry. In his first role he established one of the most successful national consumer events in the industry, which is still going strong.
While fun, helping sell toys didn’t square with his professional values. “During a photo shoot, as I struggled to make the product look bigger than it was, I realized I wanted to use my powers for good,” he said. That quest ultimately led him to the commercial insurance industry.
His roles and responsibilities in that industry included advertising, analytics, branding, internal communications, PR, media relations, executive communications, social media, crisis communications, digital, email marketing, thought leadership, event management and more. Additionally, he supported communications and branding for two global M&As.
He also has experience in nonprofit work that includes conservation and youth services.
Here at Klein, Ryan teach courses that include Public Relations Portfolio, News Writing and Media Relations and Digital Analytics. He is particularly interested in communication technology, including artificial intelligence and natural language processing; ethics; web and digital communication; writing; and crisis comms.
He is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and holds their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential. Ryan also belongs to the Educators Special Interest Group of the International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC). Previously, he served on the board of the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA).
Outside of work, he loves to bike ride and play bass (adequately). Ryan is bilingual in French and English.