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John W. Ryan, who spent more than a decade leading the trade group for state bank supervisors, died unexpectedly Monday night at age 58.
His death was announced yesterday afternoon by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors’ board of directors. Ryan joined the CSBS in 1997 and became president and CEO in 2011.
“On behalf of the CSBS Board of Directors, executive team, staff and membership, we extend our deepest sympathies to John’s family and everyone who knew and worked with John over his more than 30-year career,” Melanie Hall, chair of the CSBS board and Montana banking commissioner, said in a statement. “John was an inspirational and humble leader who brought incredible dedication, intellect and passion to CSBS, the state regulatory system and financial services more broadly.”
The CSBS is a national organization of bank regulators from all 50 states, as well as Washington D.C., American Samao, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Massachusetts Banking Commissioner Mary Gallagher is a CSBS board member and chair of the board’s legislative committee.
Kathleen Murphy, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Bankers Association, said in a statement that the state’s banking industry mourned Ryan’s unexpected death.
“John was a stalwart defender of the important role of state banking commissioners in maintaining a safe and sound state banking system,” Murphy said. “Those of us who knew John will never forget his steady leadership and caring approach to even the most challenging issues.”
During the debate on the Dodd-Frank Act, Murphy added, the MBA worked closely with Ryan and the CSBS staff to protect the dual banking system, the United States’ parallel state and federal banking systems.
“Following enactment of the law, he led CSBS to be an integral resource to state bankers associations, banks and mortgage lenders alike,” Murphy said. “We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and his CSBS colleagues during this difficult time.”
Rob Nichols, president and CEO of the American Bankers Association, said in a statement that the trade group would miss Ryan’s “visionary leadership, warmth and friendship.”
“Our hearts are broken upon learning of the passing of John Ryan,” Nichols said. “As president and CEO of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, John was a thoughtful and collaborative leader who understood the important role the banking sector plays in our economy and was a respected partner to both state and federal stakeholders.”
Independent Community Bankers of America President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said in a statement that the ICBA and community bankers were “shocked and saddened by the passing of John Ryan.”
“John was a friend to ICBA and community banks, a respected leader at the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, and an asset to the nation’s banking and regulatory system,” Romero Rainey said.
Federal regulators also issued statements reacting to Ryan’s death, including leadership at the National Credit Union Administration, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
NCUA Chairman Todd Harper said he had known Ryan for decades.
“As President and CEO of CSBS, he led the organization with humility, humor, and integrity,” Harper said. “The world of banking supervisors lost a real advocate, true friend, and outstanding leader.”
Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael J. Hsu said he enjoyed his “lively conversations” with Ryan.
“His steadfast support for state regulators and his commitment to strong state financial supervision was a tremendous asset to state banks and their consumers and communities across the nation,” Hsu said. He added: “I also appreciated his openness to exploring ways for the OCC and CSBS to collaborate to raise the bar on bank regulation to benefit the nation’s financial system.”
James Cooper, CSBS executive vice president of policy and supervision, was named acting CEO.
