Vice Adm. Norbert Ryan, Jr. (Ret) is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and holds a Master of Science Degree in Personnel Administration from George Washington University.

VADM (Ret.) Norbert Ryan, Jr., USN

Director

Additionally, he is a graduate of the Senior Officials in National Security Program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Ryan has commanded aviation units at the squadron, wing, and fleet levels including serving as Commander Patrol Wings Pacific/CTF12 and has directed the Navy’s Office of Legislative Affairs.  His final tour was as the 52nd Chief of Naval Personnel.

After retiring from the Navy, he assumed the position as President/CEO of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) from September 2002 to January 2016.  MOAA is the largest military service organization in the U.S. with 390,000 members.

Ryan joined The Spectrum Group in Alexandria, Va. In 2016.  Admiral Ryan supports clients in Congressional relations and legislative affairs work, as well as through using his Navy operations and personnel expertise and his extensive network of Defense, Executive, Congressional and industry decision-makers for key insights and strategic partnerships.  He has supported commercial and non-profit clients to significant and sustained success.

Ryan is the recipient of the 2014 Military Hero Award from the Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation (PenFed Foundation) honoring those who have demonstrated leadership in providing support and services to returning service members, veterans, and their families.

He was named the 2010 Association Executive of the Year by Association TRENDS, a national trade publication. He is the first military officer to win this award in its 39-year history.  In 2015, Ryan was recognized as one of HillVets 100 most influential and impactful veterans, service members and supporters for 2014.  Additionally, under Ryan’s leadership, MOAA has been named a “Top Lobbyist” by The Hill newspaper for the past nine years, and the only military service organization so listed for the last six years.

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