The Volusia County division responsible for communications, marketing and media relations has a new director.
With more than 20 years of experience in communications and marketing, Michael Ryan received confirmation on Tuesday as the community information director. The Volusia County Council unanimously ratified County Manager George Recktenwald’s selection of Ryan for the position.
“I would like to thank the County Council and County Manager Recktenwald for giving me the opportunity to serve Volusia County,” said Ryan. “I’m honored to join such a creative and dedicated team with a proven track record of effective messaging and a strong foundation of transparent and proactive communication about the many services, programs and amenities Volusia County offers its residents.”
After graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/communications, Ryan began his career as director of communications for a city in the Dallas/Fort Worth region. He then served as the director of communications for St. Johns County, where he led a multi-agency crisis communications team during three major hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Ryan has worked as a communications and marketing consultant in the private sector throughout Northeast Florida.
The Community Information Division oversees internal and external communications, public relations, marketing and advertising for the county. This includes assisting county departments with their communication needs, coordinating emergency public information, and overseeing the county’s social media pages and websites. Ryan will supervise a team of marketing specialists, video production coordinators, a graphic designer and a web designer in addition to administrative support staff.
Ryan’s first day on the job will be July 24.