Welcome, Ryan!

The Council is excited to welcome our newest staff member, Ryan Banning, who recently began his new position as the Director of Community Partnerships & Events!

Ryan is an experienced nonprofit development and strategic partnerships specialist. Before joining the Columbia Slough, Ryan worked as the Senior Development Associate for City Kids Wilderness Project, where he was responsible for designing and implementing a corporate partnership fundraising portfolio. Ryan was able to secure partnerships with globally recognized brands including Patagonia, REI, and The North Face, integrating business objectives with custom engagement options spanning financial, in-kind, promotional, and though leadership support. Through his work with City Kids, he Ryan developed a strong passion for the outdoors and environmental stewardship and preservation work. Ryan has a Master's in Development Management from American University and a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Political Science and African American Studies. He loves all activities outdoors and spends most of his summer weekends climbing outdoors or surfing along the Oregon coast. When he's not outside, he's in the kitchen cooking a new recipe or playing the piano and organ.