Ryan Silva joined the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce in February 2004 as Membership Manager and was promoted in 2007 to Membership Director. In August of 2008, he was promoted to his current position of Director of Business Development for the Chamber's newly created Economic Development Partnership (EDP).

Through the EDP, Ryan's primary goal is to retain businesses in Rensselaer County by reaching out to provide professional direction and resources that answer their needs. Ryan assists companies with expansion planning, writing and evaluating business plans, directing them to financing options, and navigating government regulatory assistance. In addition, Ryan administers the Chamber's entrepreneurial training program SmartUp.

In his membership development role, Ryan was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Bronze Level Award from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). In addition, he also had an instrumental role in the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce qualifying as "One of the Top Three Chambers in the Nation" for Membership Development and Program Excellence for 2006-07.

Ryan also currently sits on the Board of Associates for The College of Saint Rose. He is actively involved with the Chamber's Economic Government and Affairs Committee, as well as the Education Committee. He also recently joined the Rensselaer County Business Services team as an active member. He graduated from St. Rose in 2003 with a BA in Public Communications, and concentration in History and Political Science.