Ryan was born and raised in Asheville, NC. He went to UNC-CH, where he graduated in 2010 with a degree in Middle Grades Education. Upon graduation, he decided to pursue full-time vocational ministry on the college campus since his life was forever changed by the Gospel in that context.
Ryan began working as a campus missionary with Every Nation in 2011, and continued for nearly 9 years, with 4 years as the Campus Director. Three of his favorite books are Prodigal God by Timothy Keller, Fathered By God by John Eldredge, and Fearless by Eric Blehm. After 7 years of friendship, he married Kristen in November 2013. They live in Durham with their two sons, Joel and Gideon.