Born and raised in Charlotte, Ryan attended Appalachian State University, graduating with a degree in Political Science. He went on to attend law school at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill where he served as a Notes Editor of the First Amendment Law Review and was elected by his classmates into the Order of the Barristers.

During law school, Ryan interned at several criminal defense firms in the Charlotte area before beginning his career in family law. Ryan went on to serve as an Assistant District Attorney in Lincoln County. In that role, he was responsible for a full felony case load ranging from Felony Drug Possession to violent felonies. In addition to dozens of felony jury trials, Ryan spent time as the lead prosecutor in both the Domestic Violence and Juvenile court rooms.

In his spare time Ryan enjoys playing golf, cheering on the Tar Heels and Mountaineers, and rafting at the White Water Center.