Guest Speaker Ryan Strong

A Chicago native with a lifelong commitment to service and leadership, Ryan Strong began his journey in the Air Force Junior ROTC before completing Marine Corps Basic Training in 1988. He later graduated from the University of North Georgia, where he was commissioned as a U.S. Army Intelligence Officer in 1992.

Over the next 27 years of distinguished military service, Ryan held numerous leadership roles, commanding at multiple levels and advising senior Army talent managers on global recruiting trends, quality initiatives, and workforce performance. His expertise also extended to science and technology development, quality assurance, and organizational transformation—helping teams modernize and thrive in evolving environments.

After retiring from active duty, Ryan continued his impact as an Army Civilian Instructor at the Combined General Staff College Department for Leadership. He has taught intermediate and advanced leadership courses at the Army Management Staff College and now plays a pivotal role in developing the Army’s new Data Academy.

Today, Ryan combines decades of experience in leadership, emotional intelligence, and knowledge management to help organizations and individuals solve complex challenges and achieve peak performance.

Married for 28 years, Ryan embodies the same dedication to family, service, and lifelong learning that has defined his remarkable career.