SXSW is an annual film, technology and music conference that lasts two weeks and is held in Austin, Texas.Ryan screened hundreds of documentary film submissions for the film portion of the fest. Prior to being a programmer, he was a longtime member of the film fest production team and managed that team in 2014.

As Magna’s Senior Closing Associate, Ryan manages regulatory filings and reporting for all 43 states that life settlements are regulated. Additionally he manages outside counsel on compliance and regulatory matters and oversees due diligence operations on life settlement portfolios in the tertiary market. Ryan also maintains that all contracts and marketing materials are compliant with applicable statutes and regulations.

Vida Capital is the vertically integrated partner of Magna Life Settlement. Ryan is reposnisble for making sure that Vida Capital, along with Magna are compliant in how they interact with each other.

The Railroad Commission of Texas is the state agency that regulates the oil and gas industry, gas utilities, pipeline safety, safety in the liquefied petroleum gas industry, and surface coal and uranium mining.During his time with the RRC, Ryan handled enforcement cases concerning oil and gas wells in over 75 counties. He represented the Railroad Commission in contested administrative hearings while collecting over $500,000 in penalties. Additionally, he handled enforcement cases concerning LP-gas, pipeline safety and gas utility operators.

Ryan was second in command of a combat engineer consisting of 100 soldiers. During his time as an Executive Officer, he planned monthly training events for combat tasks, engineering, road construction and domestic disaster response all while being compliant with safety, maintenance and readiness regulations. Additionally, he mentored junior officers and sergeants in leadership and maintenance management.

During his time as a Platoon Leader in the US Army, Ryan served in operation Iraqi Freedom where commanded a platoon of 50 soldiers over 100 combat missions that he personally planned and led. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Action Badge and Iraq Campaign Medal.

Ryan started his career at Manor Middle School where he taught 6th grade and 7th grade social studies as well as 8th grade history. He also taught sections in Special Education Inclusion, English Language Learner and pre-advanced placement classes. He also spent on year as an assistant coach for football, track and basketball.