2022 Current Class

Class of 2022

Ryan Thorn

State Director, West Virginia
USDA Rural Development
1550 Earl Core Road, Suite 101
Morgantown , West Virginia 26505

Born, raised, and educated in West Virginia, Ryan Thorn grew up the son of a coal miner and learned early in life the importance of hard work, serving others, and dedication to creating opportunities for rural communities. He has 15 years of professional experience in the private and public sectors, working in the fields of public and government affairs and economic development. On March 17, 2022, President Biden appointed Thorn to serve as State Director of Rural Development in West Virginia for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). State Directors serve as the chief executive officer of Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with carrying out the mission of rural development to the benefit of everyone in rural America. USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, high-poverty areas.Prior to his appointment at USDA Rural Development, he served more than five years as Economic Development Manager for the Office of U.S. Senator Joe Manchin III (D-WV). In this role, he worked with local, state, and federal stakeholders to attract new and expand existing businesses, strengthen public infrastructure, develop a skilled and ready workforce, and create economically diverse and resilient communities across the state. Thorn is the first in his immediate family to graduate from college and is an advocate for lifelong learning. He holds a masters degree from West Virginia University, a bachelors degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and is a board member of the Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College Foundation. He resides in Charleston with his partner Bria and their seventy pound golden retriever Magnolia Rose.

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Class of 2022

Ryan Thorn

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