Jim Ryan, 38

By Emily Hartzog

Balance. It’s the one word Jim Ryan uses to describe how he manages the juggling act that is his life. At 38 years old, Ryan is the city administrator for Rockford, and a husband and father of three young children.

“My youngest was born five days after I took the position of city administrator and when I look at her baby pictures, that time is a blur,” Ryan said. “Balance is the biggest challenge I face, and I think it’s the biggest challenge for our community as well.”

For Rockford, Ryan sees sustainability as the primary goal — and financial stability, preserving the housing stock and upgrading infrastructure, and improving educational attainment all being part of the equation.

He’s very proud of his work as architect of the Rockford Global TradePark, bringing the Lowe’s Distribution Center to Rockford and the expansion of Swedish American Health System on Charles Street. He’s also quick to admit there are several projects he wishes were further along.

“I’m an impatient person in a position that requires a lot of patience,” he acknowledges. “It’s a challenging job, but fun. No day is ever the same.”

When asked about his other hobbies, Ryan says he loves spending time with his family and recounts a recent “lunch date” with his daughter. He continues to find ways to make sure he has the balance that’s so difficult to achieve — scheduled family time with the help of his wife and assistant.

“I’m very lucky to have a tough, strong partner in (my wife) Nancy.” We feel that Rockford is lucky to have Jim Ryan.