Desmond M Ryan

Desmond Ryan, long-time lobbyist and supporter for economic development on Long Island, will receive a lifetime achievement award from the Long Island Association. Ryan, a resident of St. James, began his career as assistant county executive under former Suffolk County Executive John Klein in the 1970s. He went on to serve as director of government affairs for Grumman and later became director of legislative affairs for the LIA, before heading the Association for a Better Long Island. Kevin Law, the LIA’s CEO, says Ryan, who served as executive director of ABLI for 25 years, has been a “tireless advocate for the real estate and development community” here. Ryan, who stepped down from his ABLI post at the end of 2016, is currently a consultant and lobbyist for organizations and business clients. He’ll be receiving the LIA award at the group’s annual gala at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on May 18 2018.