Ryan Shreve is the chief financial officer for Fishtech Group and is a Rising Star, class of 2018. After serving six years on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City, he is currently a member of the Ambassador Board. He enjoyed spearheading the agency’s largest annual fundraiser, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, by encouraging his coworkers to form teams and participate in the event. As a result, Ryan and his teams raised more than $50,000. He also served on the finance committee for two years and made recommendations for the organization’s information technology department. Before joining the board, Ryan served as a Big Brother and was a consistent, reliable influence. Said Micheal Lawrence, BBBS: “Ryan is clearly passionate about the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters and has used that passion to introduce others to our agency. Having the ability to participate in building new fundraising concepts, while also focusing on evaluating program effectiveness, is an ability that not all board members could bring to the table. Ryan’s background in finance and his involvement in the world of the entrepreneur through Fishtech prepared him to be a very effective and valuable board member.”

Ryan also is a founding board member and treasurer of Noah’s Bandage Project (NBP), a local non profit dedicated to the eradication of pediatric cancer through the funding of research grants. He assisted with the application process to obtain 501(c)3 status for this relatively new organization. According to Scott Wilson, Noah’s Bandage Project; Ryan has gone above and beyond in the areas of community development, corporate advocacy and displaying a drive and passion to help others in all he does. “Ryan’s strategic direction and sound guidance has helped NBP establish our financial guidelines and operational best practices, setting up our accounting system and helping us raise over half a million dollars. I am truly honored to have someone of Ryan’s stature and leadership at the helm of our organization and have no doubt that his oversight will help NBP continue to provide hope to kids fighting cancer.”

Said Johnna Meyer, Fishtech Group: “Community service is one of our guiding principles. Ryan is a well-respected leader in our organization and is always looking for ways to help others. He has a giving heart and has the ability to coordinate activities and motivate others to give of their time and money.”

Ryan also served on the board of Girls on the Run of Kansas City and was a ‘’shavee’’ at the 2014 Shave to Save event for the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge.

He is active with Truman State University’s alumni, currently serving on the accounting advisory board and Foundation board. Ryan also was the treasurer of Truman State University’s Kansas City alumni chapter and for several years in a row, Ryan organized the annual golf tournament, raising funds for student scholarships. Ryan is currently leading the Kansas City fundraising efforts for Truman State University’s Pursue the Future capital campaign. 

Ryan says it’s an honor to be recognized as a Rising Star. “I’ve been fortunate to be involved with organizations that are on a great trajectory, so it has made giving back fun. Kansas City has a strong philanthropic community, and I hope to continue to make an impact for years to come.”

Also featured in the September 29, 2018 issue of The Independent
Photo Credit: Tom Styrkowicz
By Ann Slegman