The board of directors of Wilkinson Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of Dallas families by providing them pathways to success, announces Daley Ryan as its new executive director effective January 8, 2024. Ryan will succeed executive director Anne Reeder, who will retire this month after 12-years of transformative leadership at Wilkinson Center.
“The board of directors is pleased to welcome Daley Ryan as the new executive director of Wilkinson Center. His extensive leadership experience in developing and delivering high quality services will ensure that the organization continues to grow its ability to effectively provide sustainable pathways to self-sufficiency to our clients,” remarked Atul Sethi, chair, Wilkinson Center board of directors. “As a native Dallasite, Daley brings both a unique understanding of the challenges faced by our community and a sense of purpose grounded in the belief that together we can make a difference. As we look ahead to the future with Daley at the helm, we are also grateful to Anne for her steadfast leadership and the extraordinary impact she has had on Wilkinson Center and its clients.”
With more than 12 years of non-profit management experience, Ryan looks forward to serving the East Dallas community that he also calls home.
“One of the most compelling reasons I am excited to serve as executive director of Wilkinson Center is, as an East Dallas resident, it is a community that my family and I care deeply about,” said Ryan. “The opportunity to serve the community - to go to work every day with the knowledge that I am working alongside a dedicated team on the front line of driving progress and lifting our neighbors up - is a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take lightly.”
Prior to Wilkinson Center, Ryan served as director of the Texas Office for Refugees (TXOR) at Catholic Charities Diocese of Fort Worth, where he led a team of 24 staff to administer $150 million+ in federal funding per year to refugee and immigrant service providers across Texas. His previous 13 years were spent at the International Rescue Committee, serving as deputy director for 6 years, from 2015 – 2022. As deputy director he ensured sustainability and growth of programming, oversaw program departments, developed and maintained strategic partnerships, and served as primary budget holder for over $6 million of programmatic funds.
A Dallas-area native, Ryan graduated from Frisco High School, before attending the University of North Texas and earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology. He was recognized by UNT with the 2019 Alumni Making a Difference Award, given to an alum whose work makes a difference in the lives of those around them. Daley and his wife and 2 children reside in East Dallas.