Ryan is currently the Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Partnerships for Riversdale Resources where he oversees the External Affairs teams, with a particular interest in developing mutually beneficial projects with rightsholders and stakeholders. Prior to joining Riversdale Resources, Ryan’s work included being the CEO for the Stoney Tribal Administration, as well as the CEO for Treaty 7 Management Corporation. Ryan has also been a member of Suncor’s Stakeholder & Aboriginal Relations group, where he worked to better engage Aboriginal people in Energy Development. He was also the lead corporate support for Suncor’s Aboriginal Employee’s Network.

Following his graduation from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, with a Bachelor of Economics degree, Ryan was hired by a Calgary company working in the oil and gas sector, to manage and grow their western division.
Ryan’s background and interests reflect his passion and ability for negotiating complex multi-stakeholder agreements within the context of contemporary business practices and his deep personal respect for traditional Indigenous teachings and protocols.
Ryan serves on several boards and advisory committees helping organisations to recognize and include Indigenous interests and contributions. Some of these (both current and formerly) include: Travel Alberta, Energy Futures Lab, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta & NWT, Alberta Strategic Tourism Council, Institute on Governance, and the Banff Centre – Indigenous Program Council.

In 2009, he was honoured with the Blackfoot name “Niinistakaa” by Chief Reg Crowshoe , Piikani Nation. Ninistakaa means “the one the Chiefs depend on/Chiefs’ Warrior”. In 2011, he was further honoured with a Headdress for his service to the Treaty 7 Nations.