The organization works to ensure funding for the arts throughout Ohio, and its board—comprising residents from throughout the state who have strong interest in supporting the arts—first elected Ryan in December 2015, citing the expertise he would bring.

“Since Mr. Ryan’s election to the OCA, there seems to be an increase in awareness in Columbus of our priceless cultural facilities in the Valley,” said Guy Coviello, vice president of Government Affairs for the Regional Chamber. “Greater awareness has helped us achieve a sharp spike in increased funding for these facilities this year.”

In 2016, Valley arts organizations received more than $2.4 million in state capital funding, approximately three times as much as it received in the previous capital budget and the most it has received since the 2001-02 budget. The Valley also saw an increase in funding from the Ohio Arts Council. Mahoning County received 10 allocations totaling $150,423, an increase over last year when Mahoning received six allocations totaling $131,576. Trumbull County received two allocations totaling $8,298, an increase over last year when Trumbull received two allocations totaling $7,551.

“We are not surprised, but we are very pleased that the OCA has recognized the value Mr. Ryan brings to the arts world,” Coviello said. “We look forward to continuing our work to strengthen our local arts organizations, which collectively represent a strong economic driver in the local economy.”

Ryan is responsible for the turnaround of the Covelli Centre in Youngstown. In the fall of 2007 the City of Youngstown hired JAC to operate its $48 million, 6,000-seat arena on an interim basis. After an extensive and national request for proposal process, the city permanently hired JAC in 2008. Just one year later, the facility boasted an astounding turnaround of more than a $1 million surplus, and the Covelli Centre has continued to flourish financially, with countless major concerts like Elton John, Kid Rock, Bob Dylan, Carrie Underwood and Rod Stewart.

Just last fall, JAC took over operations of Warren’s Packard Music Hall. Like the arena, the 2,000-seat, city-owned theater charged Ryan with the task of creating and implementing a plan to improve revenue streams and operational budgets. With a clear vision for the historic theater, he began booking a broad range of intimate performances, such as Huey Lewis and the News, Counting Crows, Blue Man Group and Joe Walsh, and the theater has already boasted a number of sold-out performances.

Ryan, a member of the Regional Chamber’s Board of Directors, is the secretary of the Better Business Bureau’s Board of Directors and serves on its executive committee. He is also a member of the Potential Development Program’s Board of Directors; trustee for the Struthers School Foundation for Educational Excellence; volunteer for youth programs for Struthers boys basketball; recipient of the 40 Under 40 award; and a top five among the Business Journal’s “Most Intriguing People” of 2010. In 2015, he received the Regional Chamber’s prestigious Salute to Business/Entrepreneur of the Year award.