Ryan T. Riley Chief Strategy Officer & Vice President of Partnerships and External Relations

Ryan Riley serves as Chief Strategy Officer and Vice President of Partnerships and External Relations at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. In this role, he leads high-impact institutional projects. He leads the marketing, communications, government relations, and  partnership teams. He directs and manages  a portfolio of  revenue-generating initiatives expanding the University’s academic and non-academic programs. Ryan plays a pivotal role in advancing Harrisburg University’s visibility, expanding its relationships, and aligning public and private investment with the University’s long-term growth strategy.

A member of the University’s leadership team since 2021, Ryan has helped secure more than $60 million in philanthropic support, led transformative community and capital projects, and enhanced the University’s public policy and governmental affairs presence. Prior to this role, he served as the University’s Vice President of Advancement and Chief Advancement Officer. His leadership experience also includes serving as Chief of Staff and Executive Director at Elizabethtown College, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission, President of  Communities In Schools of Pennsylvania, and Vice President of Development and Marketing at Easterseals in Washington, DC.

An experienced and accomplished nonprofit and PK–20 education advocate, Ryan has a demonstrated record of building innovative fundraising campaigns, leveraging data to expand stakeholder engagement, and developing strategic partnerships with industry and academia that drive revenue and relevance. Ryan has raised more than $100 million in nearly two decades supporting education, access and driving social mobility.

Ryan holds a BA from Widener University and completed executive education programs at New York University’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service and the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice. He is an alumnus of the Education Policy and Leadership Center’s Fellowship Program and served two years in AmeriCorps Scholars in Service in Chester, Pennsylvania.

A native of Pennsylvania, Ryan is a passionate believer in the power of education to transform communities. He resides in Central PA and is reminded on a nearly daily basis by his two sons he has no “riz”.