Strategic Planning | Change Management | Organizational Development
Helping Mission-Driven Organizations Achieve Results
I partner with non-profit organizations and local governments to strengthen their capacity, align their teams, and deliver measurable impact.
About Samuel Ryan
I am an organizational development leader with more than 15 years of experience designing and implementing strategic initiatives in education and government.
Throughout my career at the U.S. Department of Education, I served as a strategic advisor to senior executives, led multi-year organizational transformation efforts, and built systems that helped 100+ staff members align their work to mission-critical priorities.
My career began in youth civic engagement, working with organizations like Mikva Challenge in Chicago to expand young people's participation in democracy. This foundation shaped my belief that effective organizations are built on strong relationships, clear communication, and genuine commitment to the communities they serve. I carried these values into federal service, where I combined them with rigorous analytical skills and a bias toward action.
Professional Philosophy
I believe every organization has the potential to achieve extraordinary results when strategy, people, and operations align. My role is to help leaders see their challenges clearly, identify practical solutions, and build the internal capacity to sustain progress long after our engagement ends.
I don't believe in one-size-fits-all frameworks—every organization has unique strengths, constraints, and culture. My approach starts with listening, understanding your context, and co-creating solutions that work for your team.
Education
Master of Public Administration, The George Washington University
BA Public Policy, DePaul University
Credentials
Excellence in Government Fellow, Partnership for Public Service (2023)
Federal Acquisition Institute Certified Contracting Officer's Representative
Core Services
Comprehensive consulting services for non-profit organizations and local governments.
Strategic Planning
A strategic plan is only as good as its implementation. I help organizations develop actionable plans with clear priorities, measurable outcomes, and realistic timelines—then build the internal systems to execute them.
- Comprehensive strategic plans with division-level priorities aligned to organizational mission
- Performance frameworks with measurable outcomes integrated into leadership accountability
- Facilitated leadership retreats and planning sessions that create alignment and commitment
- Long-range planning documents and progress monitoring systems
Change Management
Organizational change fails when it's imposed rather than embedded. I help organizations plan and execute change initiatives that achieve genuine adoption by addressing the human side of transformation.
- Change management strategies with phased implementation plans and clear milestones
- Communications rollout plans that build awareness, understanding, and buy-in
- Training programs and resources that build staff capacity for new practices
- Adoption monitoring and continuous improvement processes
Organizational Development
Strong organizations invest in their people. I help non-profits and government agencies build human capital systems that develop talent, improve performance, and create cultures where people do their best work.
- Competency frameworks and assessment tools tailored to your organization
- Training and professional development programs that build critical skills
- Performance management systems with clear expectations and accountability
- Onboarding programs that accelerate new employee productivity
Process Improvement
Administrative burden drains resources that should serve your mission. I help organizations identify inefficiencies, redesign workflows, and implement technology solutions that free staff to focus on high-value work.
- Operational assessments identifying inefficiencies and improvement opportunities
- Workflow redesigns that reduce cycle time and administrative burden
- Technology implementations using common platforms (Microsoft 365, SharePoint)
- Performance dashboards for data-driven decision making
Results That Matter
I measure success by the lasting impact my work creates for organizations and the communities they serve.
Led multi-year cultural transformation embedding competency-based development planning across 100+ person office
Developed innovative hiring pathway and human capital plan that dramatically accelerated recruitment
Rescued failing platform implementation, achieving successful launch within 5 weeks and exceeding all KPIs
Generated significant operational efficiency through process automation across nine workstreams
Facilitated strategic planning sessions integrating measurable outcomes into performance appraisals
Conducted Executive Branch-wide benchmarking study producing actionable recommendations
Recognition
Throughout my federal career, I consistently received "Exceptional Results Achieved" ratings—the highest performance level—and was recognized with multiple spot cash awards for exceptional leadership and results. Supervisors characterized my work as demonstrating "best practice, research, and creativity" and noted my ability to accept "stretch assignments and consistently achieve the project goals in innovative ways."
Ready to Strengthen Your Organization?
I work best with organizations that are committed to making meaningful change and have leadership support for the work.
Let's TalkLet's Work Together
I welcome conversations with non-profit leaders and local government officials who are ready to strengthen their organizations.
Phone
773-218-4893Location
Washington, D.C.
Available for remote and travel engagements
Connect
LinkedIn ProfileIdeal Engagements
Non-profit organizations seeking to strengthen strategic planning, operations, or organizational capacity. Local government agencies navigating transitions, implementing new initiatives, or building team effectiveness.
I offer both project-based consulting and ongoing advisory relationships.