Sept. 30, 2002

Jane Van Ryan To Head Office of Communications

Bob Burgess

President Jackson has named Jane Van Ryan, principal of VanRyanBanks Inc. of Reston, Va. as assistant vice president for communications. Van Ryan will lead the Office of Communications (formerly the Office of Marketing and Media Relations), which includes media relations, marketing, publications, presidential communications, and university events. She will report directly to David Haviland '64, vice president of Institute Advancement, and will have a dotted-line relationship to the Office of the President.

"As a communications strategist, Ms. Van Ryan is experienced in working with scientists, engineers, educators, university and community leaders, elected officials, executives in business and industry, and the media," Jackson said. "In addition to her immense talent, Ms. Van Ryan brings to Rensselaer that essential belief in the mandate and the promise of technological research and education. She will play a vital role in working with the Rensselaer community to communicate and advance the mission of this Institute."

Immediately prior to founding her own company, Van Ryan served for five years as vice president for public affairs at Science Applications International Corp., the largest employee-owned research and engineering firm in the world.

From 1991 until 1996, Van Ryan was assistant director of public relations for the American Petroleum Institute (API) in Washington, D.C.

A graduate of Hanover College, Van Ryan began her career in communications as a television anchor and reporter. At WUSA-TV in Washington, D.C., she won the National Press Club Award and a presidential commendation for her reporting.

Van Ryan is a member of the National Press Club, American Women in Radio and Television, and the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists. She was the founder of the Washington Area Regional Communications Coalition and is a former member of the board of directors of the Northern Virginia Technology Council.