Rockford Sun

Rockford Mayor Lawrence Morrissey recently announced that City Administrator Jim Ryan has accepted the Vice President and COO position with Rock Valley College (RVC).

Ryan will be leaving the city administrative team in early February.

“Jim has been my right-hand leader and partner on every aspect of my work as mayor of Rockford for 12 years," Morrissey said. "During that time, we have been through incredible challenges -- challenges in public education, public safety, infrastructure investment, labor negotiations and race relations. Jim has been the chief strategist and problem solver through all of it.”

Ryan took the Capital Development manager position with the city in 1999. During his tenure, he was responsible for approximately $100 million in capital projects, plus the $75 million plan to modernize the water system. He also worked to establish a stormwater management system and rebuild the aging streets within the city with state and federal funding.

While city administrator, Ryan was also responsible for initiating the "Rebuilding Rockford" 1 percent sales tax, which has resulted in more than $500 million invested in projects to benefit the city and its citizens. He currently oversees operations of 10 city departments that encompass more than 1,000 employees while managing a $262 million budget.

“I want to personally thank Mayor Morrissey, the Rockford City Council, city staff and the citizens of Rockford for providing me with the opportunity to work for the city of Rockford," Ryan said. “I am very excited to stay in Rockford and help lead Rock Valley College and continue to serve the citizens of the Rockford region. I firmly believe that RVC is a critical component to this region’s success and economic vitality, and I’m looking forward to making a positive contribution and impact.”