The upcoming commencement ceremony for the fall 2024 graduating class is scheduled for December 14th at 9:00 AM, and Columbia State is excited to announce that alumnus Ryan Egly will serve as the keynote speaker for this significant event. A native of Lawrenceburg, Egly completed his studies at Columbia State in 2012, earning an Associate of Science degree designed for general transfer.
In August 2015, Egly embarked on a career in economic development, taking on the role of project manager at the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. His dedication and leadership led to his appointment as president and CEO in July 2019. Throughout his tenure, Egly has been instrumental in securing an impressive $17.5 million in state and federal grants aimed at various initiatives, including site development, tourism enhancement, marketing, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, higher education, entrepreneurial development, and infrastructure improvements.
Since he began his work in economic development, Egly has actively collaborated with community leaders and stakeholders, successfully attracting $272 million in private sector investments. This remarkable effort has resulted in the creation of 1,327 new jobs within the region. In recognition of his contributions, Egly was elected by his peers in 2022 to represent the Middle Tennessee region on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Economic Development Council. Additionally, he was appointed by Governor Lee to serve on the Launch Tennessee Board of Directors, further underscoring his commitment to fostering economic growth and development in the area.