Ryan M. Silva has served as Executive Director of the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC) since August of 2017. Ryan has helped NYSEDC achieve several landmark policy development wins including passage of The New York State Green Chips Act and the Federal CHIPs and Science Act, the creation of the Fast NY (Shovel Ready) Program, reauthorization of $250 Million for the RESTORE New York Program, the development of the $100 Million New York Forward Program, and creation of an emergency loan/grant program for Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) during the pandemic. Under his leadership, the NYSEDC has increase operational revenue by 120%, doubled its staff, launched several new educational programs, and positioned the organization to help coordinate and lead New York’s industry attraction efforts.

Prior to joining the NYSEDC, Ryan served as Vice President of Regional Economic Development for Empire State Development (ESD) and Deputy Director of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative for Governor Andrew Cuomo. He oversaw and helped develop several economic development policies and programs including the Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). During his tenure at ESD, the REDCs awarded over $2.5 billion to more than 2,000 projects. Ryan began his professional career at the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, growing membership and launching several new initiatives, including the Economic Development Partnership (EDP).

Ryan has been recognized for his professional achievements throughout his career, most recently being appointed to the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Board of Directors in September of 2022. He was also appointed to Governor Kathy Hochul’s Prison Redevelopment Commission in May of 2022. Ryan was recognized by Development Counsellors International (DCI) as a Top 40 under 40 awardee and City and State’s Upstate Power 100 in 2021. He was also recognized as a City and State 40 under 40 Rising Star in 2018, an Albany Business Review 40 under 40 honoree, and the recipient of the Capital District YMCAs Presidents Award, in 2016. Ryan was appointed to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Health Benefit Exchange Regional Advisory Committee in 2012. He has been honored with the American Chamber of Commerce Executives Lifetime Achievement Award, receiving the Gold Level in 2010, Silver Level in 2007, and the Bronze Level in 2006 for membership growth and development. Ryan currently serves as co-chair for the New York State Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Board of Advisors.

An active and involved community member, currently serves on the Greenbush Youth Soccer Club Board of Directors and the Greenbush YMCA Board of Advisors. He has served on the Capital District YMCA Board of Directors and was Board Chair of the Troy YMCA from 2014-2016. He was a member of The College of Saint Rose Board of Associates and the Huether School of Business Advisory Board.

Ryan graduated from The College of Saint Rose with a major in public communications in 2003. He resides in East Greenbush, N.Y. with his wife, Sandra and their three children.