Sue Ryan
Triadelphia,WV
Summary
Results-driven communications executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership and operational excellence. Proven track record in driving growth, optimizing processes and fostering team collaboration. Exceptional skills in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. Team-focused, adaptable and reliable, consistently achieving high-impact results in dynamic environments.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Strategic Communications
Allegheny County Airport Authority
Pittsburgh, PA
11.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented department's 2026 strategic communications plan including quarterly storytelling themes
- Conceived of and implemented first of its kind organization-wide strategic communications plan spanning executive office, finance, air service, commercial development, human resources and operations to align messaging with various audiences; identifying any potential issues and creating coordinated content calendars aligning across departments
- Lead Communications team of 12 that manages local, regional, global and aviation trade storytelling and content creation for media relations, news site (blueskypit.com), social media, internal communications and events
- Developed communications strategy for opening of new $1.7B terminal project in November 2025, which included content alignment across local, national and trade media relations outreach, executive content creation, social media, internal messaging and change management communications; Managed external communications agency partners supporting the new terminal opening
- Lead organization's crisis communications response team that includes development and upkeep of standard operating guide, coordinate monthly crisis comms training exercises and serve as primary communications contact in ACAA's Emergency Operations Center during response situations
- Managed budgetary planning and financial oversight, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Demonstrated effective leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent team
Executive Director, Media Relations | University Spokesperson
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN
01.2013 - 01.2024
- Managed Media Relations team (6)
- Served as PIO and spokesperson of University's crisis communications team
- Led University's Covid Response Unit testing center internal communications; assumed leadership for all University Covid internal and external communications (2020-2022)
- Led coordination and execution of planning and management of University press conferences, media events and media coverage of notable visiting speakers and dignitaries
- Led University's communications efforts in planning to host US Presidential Debate in 2020 (University subsequently withdrew as host due to the pandemic)
- University's first female spokesperson (2023)
- Named to Ragan Communications and PR Daily's Top Women in Communications, 2022
- Presenter at P World Education Communicators Boot Camp in Chicago, October 2023, and Elevate communications conference in Athens, GA, May 2024
- Oversaw growth of 'University of Notre Dame' mentions in major news outlets (non-Athletics related coverage) from 3,091 in 2013 to more than 45,000 in 2022
- Fostered partnerships with internal stakeholders to support research initiatives and funding opportunities
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and fiscal responsibility
- Worked closely with university executive leaders
- Built partnerships with communications stakeholders at academic institutions, foundations, non-profit organizations, businesses and governmental offices to coordinate messaging
Senior Manager (Internal Communications)
Whirlpool Corporation
Benton Harbor, MI
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Developed and implemented communication planning, strategies and tactics for region's president, vice president of Human Resources and vice president of U.S. manufacturing
- Provided internal communication and event management support for company's sponsorship of 2012 Senior PGA Championship, presented by KitchenAid
- Contributed to employee special event planning and operations, including company's year-long 100th anniversary celebration (2011)
Senior Specialist (External Communications)
Whirlpool Corporation
Benton Harbor, MI
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Managed company's relationship with Habitat for Humanity International
- Oversaw appliance product donations valued at $4.5 million to Habitat homes in the U.S.
Senior Specialist, Human Resources Communications
Whirlpool Corporation
Benton Harbor, MI
01.2010 - 12.2010
- Developed and implemented communication planning, strategies and tactics for Human Resources initiatives in benefits, compensation, retirement and health/wellness
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications and Public Relations
Bethany College
Bethany, WVSkills
- People leader
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Coaching and mentoring
- Strategic communications planning
- Media relations and media training
- Crisis communications
- Internal communications
Continuing Education
- GreeNDot Active Bystander certification, University of Notre Dame, 2022
- FEMA Sport and Special Event Public Information and Emergency Notification certification, 2023
- Community Leadership Academy, Lake Michigan College, 2009
Additional Information - Out Of Office
- Served on Bethany College Alumni Council (2022-2025)
- Mom of two daughters
- Doodle mom
- Avid decorator, gardener, crafter, home project DIY'er, college sports fan and Starbucks junkie
Timeline
Vice President, Strategic Communications
Allegheny County Airport Authority
11.2024 - Current
Executive Director, Media Relations | University Spokesperson
University of Notre Dame
01.2013 - 01.2024
Senior Manager (Internal Communications)
Whirlpool Corporation
01.2013 - 12.2013
Senior Specialist (External Communications)
Whirlpool Corporation
01.2012 - 12.2012
Senior Specialist, Human Resources Communications
Whirlpool Corporation
01.2010 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Communications and Public Relations
Bethany College