ABOUT RYAN

Ryan was elected to the Tennessee General Assembly in November of 2010 as a part of the new
“Republican Majority” and our state’s first “red” wave since reconstruction. During his tenure in
the House of Representatives Republicans have balanced the state’s budget, reduced sales tax
four times, eliminated the Death and Inheritance Tax, Raised the deduction on the Hall Income
tax and eliminated the dozens of boards and commissions while tripling the rainy day fund
($1.6B) and maintaining one of the highest bond ratings in the US. These policies have helped
make TN the best state for job growth five out of the last seven years allowing TN to announce
the lowest unemployment rate in the state’s history. Ryan’s service isn’t just limited to
conservative business and fiscal policies but also in conservation policies. As state
representative he has participated in the acquisition and funding of two important tourist
attractions which bring tourism revenue to his community. Both Cummins Falls State Park and
Window Cliffs Natural Scenic Area at Burgess Falls State Park have made excellent additions to
preserving our state’s natural beauty for future generations. Additionally, Ryan has fought to
secure more than $400M in funding for Tennessee Tech’s capital programs as well as secured
recurring funding for their College of Engineering. Ryan currently serves as the will of the
Speaker of the House as member of the Finance Committee, Health Committee, Local
Committer, TACIR, and is the Chairman of the Finance, Ways, and Means Appropriations
Subcommittee.

Ryan has served as the Director of Business Development for J&S Construction Company
(Cookeville). In his 23 years with J&S, Ryan has risen to the top of the company in new business
development and has enjoyed unparalleled success in the oversight of Design/Build projects
ranging from manufacturing, medical office, institutional, automotive, ecclesiastical, warehousing,
private aircraft hangars and distribution facilities. Prior to his tenure at J&S, Ryan was the Vice-
President and co-owner of Georgia Woven Products located in Dalton, GA with retail locations in
TN, AL, SC, GA, and FL.

Ryan has been married to his wife, Abby (CNU ’97), for 25 years and they have two children,
Tyson (M-20YO) and Carson (F-18YO). Abby and Ryan met at Carson-Newman University
where Ryan received a soccer scholarship allowing for him to be the first from his family to
graduate from college (BS-Biology) in 1996. After his final season at Carson-Newman Ryan
utilized his talents in soccer as a missionary to Russia with MIA (Missionary Athletes
International) through a partnership with the USL’s Charlotte Eagles. He learned how his faith
could cross all economic, social, and language barriers while he shared his personal relationship
with Christ with the Russian people. Ryan, when not visiting his son at ETSU to watch him play
soccer and attending his daughter’s dance and theatre performances, enjoys spending time
traveling with Abby, fly fishing, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors.