Brenda R. Ryan '76

Brenda Ryan earned a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1976 and went on to a remarkable career as an entrepreneur and leader in industry.

Ryan started her career with General Motors Central Foundry Division in Saginaw, Michigan, where she served in management roles in the Metallurgy Laboratory and Product Engineering. Upon completion of a Master of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Virginia, she worked at Kelsey-Hayes in Romulus, Michigan, as Principal Engineer and Senior Account Manager. 

In 1995, Brenda started Ryan Industries, Inc. located in Wixom, Michigan, to provide warehousing, contract packaging, kitting, light assembly, and distribution services to automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). In 2000, she started an additional business, Alliance Industries, LLC in Springfield, Missouri, to remanufacture powertrain components for the OEMs. She serves as president for both companies.

Ryan was a Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Production (STEP) honoree, was honored as a National Minority Supplier Development Council Success Story, and was an FCA Diversity Supplier of the Year recipient. She is a member of the Torque Converter Rebuilders Association (TCRA).

In service to her alma mater, Ryan was a member of the University’s Board of Control (1979–89), served on the Materials Science and Engineering Advisory Board (Emeritus), is a member of the Presidential Council of Alumnae, and an inductee into the Academy of Materials Science and Engineering and the College of Business Academy of Business. She also served on the Michigan Tech Board of Trustees from 2015–22.

In recognition of her service, the Michigan Tech Alumni Board selected Ryan as the recipient of the Outstanding Service Award in 2024.

Updated May 2024