Ryan was raised in Dapto NSW, where he attended Dapto High School and later attended the University of Wollongong, before becoming a teacher at Lake Illawarra High School.

Ryan has always been a proud and active member of the community. Ryan was elected to the Legislative Assembly of NSW in the seat of Keira in 2011.

Since then, he has worked closely with local groups in the Illawarra to improve services, community programs, and overall securing a better future for the Illawarra.

Ryan was made Minister for Health, Minister for Regional Health and Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast in 2023 and since then has implemented many important reforms.