Ryan White

Background

About Ryan White

My purpose in life is to help people—and my passion lies in doing so in emergency, recreational, educational, and wilderness settings. I thrive in spaces that demand leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to continuous learning. I deeply value the human experience, the resilience of the human spirit, adventure, and the transformative power of leadership. After graduating from Western Colorado University, I was fortunate to begin a career that allowed me to build and refine sustainable, student-focused systems within Western’s Campus Recreation Department. Over more than a decade, I helped grow the department into the largest student employer on campus, prioritizing development and leadership opportunities for students. During this time, I also completed my Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership. The skills I learned in this program have served me every day of my professional and volunteer careers. Today, I serve as the Deputy Emergency Manager and Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator for Gunnison County. In this role, I continue to serve the community I love while advancing within the field of Emergency Management. I’m grateful to collaborate with some of the best EM professionals in the state, supporting preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts across our region. As the Director of the Western Mountain Rescue Team, I lead and train for high-stakes emergency scenarios. My focus is on building sustainable systems for the team’s future while ensuring we deliver effective and compassionate service in critical moments. I bring a versatile, learning-driven skill set to every role I take on. I’m passionate about personal growth and equally committed to mentoring and empowering those around me.