Ryan Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ryan has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, marketing, information technology, and human capital.

Focused on delivering comprehensive multijurisdictional tax solutions, Ryan maintains a commitment to excellence by providing integrated federal, state, local, and international services to a diverse global client base.

Leadership Roles at Ryan

  • Chief Executive Officer - Nicole Ray
  • CEO-Ryan-keys.com - Ryan Jacob
  • Chief Executive Officer, Marketing - Vicki Joy
  • Chief Financial Officer - Sommer Thompson
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - David Oldani
  • Tax Chief Financial Officer & Vice President - Rick Raposa
  • Senior Specialist, Office of the Chief Operating Officer - Ally Chrisman
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & Operations Executive - Cheryl Portillo
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Ray Ann Cacheria
  • Chief People Officer - Terry Gaylord
  • Nicole Ray - Chief Executive Officer

    Nicole Ray, the Chief Executive Officer at Ryan, directs the overarching strategic vision for the firm. By overseeing the delivery of integrated tax services across federal, state, local, and international jurisdictions, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent value creation for clients. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine long-term growth objectives and maintain market competitiveness. Nicole Ray drives the expansion of the firm's global footprint, ensuring that the Dallas-based headquarters remains the hub for high-level tax expertise. Through rigorous oversight of service quality and client engagement standards, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the firm's reputation for excellence. By fostering a culture of innovation and professional development, the Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's position as a leader in the accounting industry. Ray consistently monitors market trends to adapt service offerings to the evolving needs of a complex, multijurisdictional tax landscape.

    Ryan Jacob - CEO-Ryan-keys.com

    Ryan Jacob, the CEO-Ryan-keys.com at Ryan, manages the digital infrastructure and strategic alignment of the firm's specialized online platforms. By overseeing the integration of digital tax tools with the broader service suite, the CEO-Ryan-keys.com ensures seamless access for clients navigating complex multijurisdictional requirements. This leadership role involves architecting scalable digital solutions that support the firm's international tax service objectives. Ryan Jacob drives the development of proprietary technology that enhances the efficiency of tax compliance and advisory workflows. Through constant evaluation of digital performance metrics, the CEO-Ryan-keys.com optimizes user experience and data security protocols. By aligning digital initiatives with the firm's core mission, Jacob supports the expansion of service reach across global markets. This role requires deep collaboration with IT and tax professionals to ensure that digital offerings remain at the forefront of industry standards, ultimately providing clients with robust, reliable, and accessible tax management resources.

    Vicki Joy - Chief Executive Officer, Marketing

    Vicki Joy, the Chief Executive Officer, Marketing at Ryan, manages the firm's brand positioning and market outreach strategies. By overseeing the development of campaigns that highlight the firm's expertise in federal, state, local, and international tax services, the Chief Executive Officer, Marketing ensures that the firm's value proposition reaches the intended global audience. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to identify new opportunities for service growth and client acquisition. Vicki Joy drives the creation of high-impact marketing collateral that reinforces the firm's reputation for excellence in the accounting industry. Through the coordination of regional and international marketing efforts, the Chief Executive Officer, Marketing expands the firm's visibility across diverse jurisdictions. Joy collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that marketing initiatives align with the firm's broader strategic goals. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Executive Officer, Marketing optimizes outreach efforts to maintain a strong competitive presence in the global tax services market.

    Sommer Thompson - Chief Financial Officer

    Sommer Thompson, the Chief Financial Officer at Ryan, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the firm. By overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and long-term investment planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains the resources necessary to support global tax service operations. This leadership role involves coordinating with executive leadership to assess the financial viability of new market entries and service expansions. Sommer Thompson drives the implementation of rigorous financial controls that protect the firm's assets while facilitating growth across federal and international jurisdictions. Through the analysis of complex financial data, the Chief Financial Officer provides actionable insights that guide strategic decision-making. Thompson maintains transparency with stakeholders and ensures compliance with all regulatory financial standards. By optimizing the firm's capital structure, the Chief Financial Officer supports the sustained delivery of high-quality tax services, ensuring that the firm remains financially resilient in a competitive global accounting environment.

    David Oldani - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

    David Oldani, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at Ryan, manages the firm's treasury functions and financial risk management strategies. By overseeing the firm's liquidity and cash flow management, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm possesses the necessary capital to support its extensive international tax service operations. This leadership role involves conducting detailed financial audits and forecasting to mitigate risks associated with multijurisdictional tax compliance. David Oldani drives the implementation of financial policies that enhance profitability and operational efficiency. Through the management of banking relationships and investment portfolios, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer secures the firm's long-term financial stability. Oldani works closely with the executive team to align financial strategies with the firm's growth objectives. By maintaining rigorous financial oversight, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer supports the firm's ability to provide consistent, high-quality tax advisory services to clients across the globe.

    Rick Raposa - Tax Chief Financial Officer & Vice President

    Rick Raposa, the Tax Chief Financial Officer & Vice President at Ryan, manages the financial aspects specifically related to the firm's tax service lines. By overseeing the profitability analysis of various tax service offerings, the Tax Chief Financial Officer & Vice President ensures that the firm's pricing models remain competitive and sustainable. This leadership role involves monitoring the financial performance of tax engagements across federal, state, local, and international jurisdictions. Rick Raposa drives the development of financial strategies that optimize the delivery of tax advisory services. Through the management of tax-specific budgets and resource allocation, the Tax Chief Financial Officer & Vice President supports the firm's commitment to providing high-value tax solutions. Raposa collaborates with tax practice leaders to ensure financial targets are met while maintaining service quality. By focusing on the financial health of the tax practice, the Tax Chief Financial Officer & Vice President plays a vital role in the firm's overall growth and market impact.

    Ally Chrisman - Senior Specialist, Office of the Chief Operating Officer

    Ally Chrisman, the Senior Specialist, Office of the Chief Operating Officer at Ryan, manages the tactical execution of operational projects and internal communications. By overseeing the coordination of initiatives within the Office of the Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Specialist, Office of the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the firm's strategic objectives are translated into actionable tasks. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the operations team and other departments to ensure alignment on firm-wide goals. Ally Chrisman drives the implementation of process improvements that enhance the delivery of federal, state, local, and international tax services. Through the analysis of operational workflows, the Senior Specialist, Office of the Chief Operating Officer identifies bottlenecks and develops solutions to increase efficiency. Chrisman supports the Chief Operating Officer in managing the firm's day-to-day operations, ensuring that all teams have the resources needed to succeed. By maintaining high standards of operational rigor, the Senior Specialist, Office of the Chief Operating Officer contributes to the firm's overall success.

    Cheryl Portillo - Deputy Chief of Staff & Operations Executive

    Cheryl Portillo, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Operations Executive at Ryan, manages the daily operational efficiency and internal coordination of the firm. By overseeing cross-departmental workflows, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Operations Executive ensures that the firm's integrated tax services are delivered with precision and speed. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative processes to support the firm's global headquarters in Dallas. Cheryl Portillo drives the execution of strategic initiatives by aligning departmental goals with the firm's overarching mission. Through the management of internal resources and operational logistics, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Operations Executive facilitates seamless collaboration between tax teams and support staff. Portillo monitors operational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and scalability. By fostering a culture of operational excellence, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Operations Executive ensures that the firm remains agile and responsive to the needs of clients operating in diverse, multijurisdictional tax environments.

    Ray Ann Cacheria - Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Ray Ann Cacheria, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Ryan, manages the firm's technological infrastructure and data security protocols. By overseeing the development and maintenance of secure platforms for tax data processing, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer ensures that the firm's global operations remain protected and efficient. This leadership role involves architecting robust IT solutions that support the complex requirements of multijurisdictional tax services. Ray Ann Cacheria drives the adoption of innovative technologies that enhance the accuracy and speed of tax compliance workflows. Through the management of IT teams and cybersecurity initiatives, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer safeguards sensitive client information across all jurisdictions. Cacheria collaborates with other executives to integrate technology into the firm's core service offerings. By prioritizing digital transformation, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer ensures that the firm remains at the cutting edge of the accounting industry, providing clients with secure and reliable tax management solutions.

    Terry Gaylord - Chief People Officer

    Terry Gaylord, the Chief People Officer at Ryan, manages the firm's human capital strategy and organizational culture. By overseeing talent acquisition, professional development, and employee engagement programs, the Chief People Officer ensures that the firm attracts and retains the top-tier talent required to deliver complex tax services. This leadership role involves designing initiatives that foster a diverse and inclusive workplace across the firm's global operations. Terry Gaylord drives the implementation of performance management systems that align individual contributions with the firm's strategic goals. Through the management of compensation and benefits programs, the Chief People Officer supports the well-being and motivation of the workforce. Gaylord collaborates with the executive team to build a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. By prioritizing the development of the firm's people, the Chief People Officer ensures that the firm remains a preferred employer in the accounting industry, ultimately driving the success of the firm's global tax service delivery.
    Terry Gaylord

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ryan Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ryan?
    Ryan is led by Nicole Ray (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ryan Jacob (CEO-Ryan-keys.com) and Vicki Joy (Chief Executive Officer, Marketing).
    Who is part of Ryan’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ryan includes leaders such as Nicole Ray (Chief Executive Officer), Ryan Jacob (CEO-Ryan-keys.com), Vicki Joy (Chief Executive Officer, Marketing) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ryan have?
    Ryan has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ryan’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ryan includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, CEO-Ryan-keys.com, Chief Executive Officer, Marketing, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer.