ABOUT RYAN

How long have you been with the Sacramento SPCA Board? 
I joined the board in 2024.

Where do you live? 
Rancho Murieta

Tell us a little about your day, what do you do, what have you done? 
I am currently the Deputy Director of Communications for the California Department of Water Resources. I run the Public Affairs Office and lead a team of people sharing information with Californians about all the great work being done to ensure water supply for millions of people, protect the environment and adapt to climate change. It’s a really fulfilling job for me as I love to tell stories through written word, photos, and videos. When I’m not serving the public, I like to go hiking, backpacking and bike riding and I consider myself to be an amateur bird photographer. My favorite photography subjects are a pair of bald eagles that have been nesting in our neighborhood for several years. 

I love to be near water so you’ll often find me by the pool, the neighborhood lakes, or at the beach. I just love being outdoors as much as possible. 

Are you currently participating in any other organizations or associations? 
Yes, I’m the Vice President for an HOA for a property in Maui. My parents have lived on the property for 15 years and I also own a timeshare there. It’s my home away from home and I love being able to give back to a place that is so beautiful and means so much to so many families. 

Any past affiliations you would like to share?   
No. 

What unique talents and skills do you bring to the Sacramento SPCA Board? 
I have been working in communications for more than 25 years. I like to think that as a good communicator I know how to engage the public and cut through the noise. I like to tell compelling stories and use visual media like photography and videos to get peoples’ attention. I was a journalist for over 10 years and won an Emmy as a documentary producer and was nominated for an Emmy as a journalist. My goal is to bring those skills to the SPCA Board and help the organization continue to grow through communications, media relations, social media, etc. 

We would love to hear about your family, starting with your pets… 
We have a wonderful pit bull named Holly. She is the sweetest, funniest little thing. She’s what we refer to as a pocket pittie with short legs and muscular! She loves to play with stuffies and snuggle. She has a best friend in the neighborhood, a little Westie, and they love to chase each other around and explore the yard together. Holly is a rescue pittie who was left abandoned in a backyard as a puppy and she’s now living her best life with lots of snuggles and treats. 

My wife Nanette and I have rescued two pit bulls. Our previous dog, Bailey, was a rescue from the Contra Costa County animal shelter. She was an amazing dog and we miss her very much. We’ve also fostered several dogs including special needs pit bulls and puppies. It’s a very fulfilling experience to give dogs a second chance at a good life. 

We have an adult daughter, Ashley, who graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 2024 and has recently been interning at the California State Assembly. 

Finally, what excites you about being part of the Sacramento SPCA Board of Directors? 
I love the opportunity to be part of an organization that gives dogs and cats and other animals a second chance at life. As someone who has given dogs a forever home and fostered others on their way to new families, it’s so important to me to give these animals a good life and a good home. I’m proud of the work that I’ve done so far and I’m excited to see what the future holds for the Sacramento SPCA.