Jean Carter Ryan
Jean Carter Ryan is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in economic development and public finance. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in facilitating capital investments and driving economic growth in Central Ohio.
As the former President of the Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority, Jean played a pivotal role in the agency’s mission to bolster capital investments across Central Ohio. Under her guidance, the Finance Authority, functioning as a port authority in compliance with Ohio law, saw the issuance of over $4 billion in financing for projects aimed at enhancing the region’s economic landscape since 2007. Her responsibilities encompassed the comprehensive oversight of the authority’s operations, ensuring the successful facilitation of investments from private, nonprofit, and public sectors.
Before her tenure at the Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority, Jean served as the Deputy Director of the Economic Development Division within the Ohio Department of Development. In this capacity, she was instrumental in managing a broad spectrum of offices, including Business Development, Tax Incentives, Workforce Development, Financial Incentives, Loan and Grant Servicing, and Small Business.
Holding a B.A. in American Studies from Smith College, Northampton, MA, and a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University. Her dedication to community and professional service is evident through her active participation on numerous boards and committees. These include the Mid-Ohio Development Exchange, the Human Services Levy Review Commission of Franklin County, and the COTA Board, where she also served as Chair. Additionally, Jean’s commitment to the advancement of her field is highlighted by her roles on the OEDA Board and as a founding member of Women in Public Finance. Her engagement with the LinkUS Executive Committee, Mayor’s Recovery and Resiliency Taskforce, and the JET Taskforce further exemplifies her dedication to public service and community development.
Jean was honored with the MORPC 2019 Regional Leadership Award and the prestigious 2023 Government Finance Officers of Ohio Excellence in Government Achievement Award, accolades that reflect her exceptional impact on regional planning and finance.
