Michelle Ryan
About Michelle Ryan
Michelle Ryan serves as the Country Representative for Catholic Relief Services in Jerusalem, a position she has held since 2019. With extensive experience in emergency coordination and child protection across various regions, she has contributed to humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, Haiti, Lebanon, and Eastern Europe.
Current Role at Catholic Relief Services
Michelle Ryan serves as the Country Representative for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in the Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza (JWBG) region since 2019. In this role, she oversees CRS's initiatives and operations, ensuring effective program implementation and alignment with organizational goals. Additionally, she has been the Eastern Europe and Middle East Regional Program Manager for Child Protection and Psychosocial Support since 2016, based in Belgrade, Serbia. Her responsibilities include managing regional programs that focus on the well-being of children and families affected by crises.
Previous Experience at Catholic Relief Services
Michelle Ryan has held various positions at Catholic Relief Services prior to her current roles. She worked as an Emergency Coordinator in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010, managing emergency response efforts. From 2010 to 2012, she served as the Multi-Year Assistance Project Coordinator in Haiti. Additionally, she was the Head of Programming for Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Cyprus, Tunisia, and Algeria from 2013 to 2015, and worked as an International Development Fellow in Nigeria for one month in 2008. She also held the position of Emergency Program Manager in Ghor Province, Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009.
Experience with Peace Corps
Michelle Ryan was a Peace Corps Volunteer from 2004 to 2006. During her two years of service, she contributed to community development initiatives, gaining valuable experience in international development and grassroots engagement. This role provided her with foundational skills that she has applied throughout her career in humanitarian and development work.
Educational Background
Michelle Ryan earned her Master’s degree from Rutgers University-Camden in 2004. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Moody College of Communication from 2000 to 2003. Her educational background has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary for her roles in international development and humanitarian assistance.
Early Career Experience
Before her extensive work with Catholic Relief Services, Michelle Ryan worked as a Community Relations Coordinator at the Family Outreach Community Center from 2000 to 2002 in Round Rock, Texas. This early experience in community engagement laid the groundwork for her future roles in humanitarian work and program management.