Ryan Fewins-Bliss
Postsecondary Attainment | Talent Development | Economic Mobility
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Ryan Fewins-Bliss is a nationally recognized leader on postsecondary attainment, workforce development, and economic mobility. As executive director of Michigan College Access Network, he leads one of the nation's most influential college attainment organizations, driving efforts to ensure more people earn the degrees and certificates that fuel careers, families and communities, and Michigan's economy.
Ryan delivers compelling, thought-provoking keynotes that challenge audiences to rethink how education, employers, philanthropy, and policymakers can work together to expand opportunity.
Blending bold ideas, powerful stories, and practical strategies, he inspires action and equips leaders to build a stronger, more prosperous future.
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Why Book Ryan
Ryan Fewins-Bliss brings a rare perspective that bridges policy, practice, and partnerships. His work sits at the intersection of:
Postsecondary Attainment and Workforce Needs
State Policy and Systems Change
Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership
Human Capital and Talent Development
Participants leave with:
A deeper understanding of the education-to-workforce ecosystem
Learn how education, workforce development, employers, policymakers, philanthropy, and community organizations each play a role in building stronger talent pipelines and expanding economic opportunity.
Practical insights for cross-sector collaboration
Discover proven approaches for breaking down silos, aligning priorities, and creating partnerships that produce measurable results for students, institutions, employers, and communities.
A renewed sense of urgency around economic mobility
Understand why increasing postsecondary attainment is essential to addressing workforce shortages, strengthening regional economies, and creating more equitable opportunities for learners across Michigan.
Concrete strategies for increasing postsecondary attainment
Explore actionable practices that improve college access, persistence, credential completion, and successful transitions into high-demand careers through coordinated local and statewide efforts.
Motivation and inspiration for leadership in education, workforce development, and philanthropy
Leave with a broader vision of how collaborative leadership can drive lasting systems change and the confidence to champion initiatives that improve outcomes for learners, employers, and communities alike.
Signature Keynotes
About Ryan Fewins-Bliss
Ryan Fewins-Bliss has spent more than 15 years building Michigan into a national model for coordinated action on postsecondary attainment — leading the Michigan College Access Network, one of the country's most influential statewide education networks, from its earliest days to an organization that has helped add more than 546,000 credentialed adults to Michigan's workforce.
A sought-after speaker and convener, Ryan has taken the stage at the Mackinac Policy Conference, the National College Access Network conference, the Michigan Community College Association, the Detroit Regional Chamber, and beyond. He brings the same candor and energy to a keynote stage that he brings to the policy table — making complex systems challenges feel urgent, navigable, and human.
Beyond his role at MCAN, Ryan was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to serve on the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees beginning January 1, 2027. He also serves as the elected Township Supervisor of Bath Charter Township and represents the capital region's townships on the Michigan Township Association Board of Directors — reflecting a commitment to public service that extends well beyond any single organization.
Ready to energize your event?
Ryan Fewins-Bliss is available for:
Keynote addresses
Policy and leadership panels
Philanthropic convening
Education and workforce conferences
Employer and chamber of commerce events
