Gary Ryals ('08): Frontline Anderson Leader

Gary Ryals (EMBA '08) describes his role as the Lieutenant Commander of a West Coast Navy SEAL team thusly: 

"I'm the second in command," Ryals said. "The civilian equivalent would be a chief operating officer. I report to the commanding officer, and I'm responsible for ensuring day-to-day operations are carried out in alignment with his strategic vision and intent."

Ryals is currently stationed in Coronado, California, though he expects to be deployed overseas sometimes soon. His work to this point has seen him deployed to a variety of places so far, including South America, the Pacific Theater and the Middle East. Ryals most recently returned from Afghanistan, where he led 21 combat missions as the Commander of the SEAL Task Force for Southern Afghanistan, served on the Afghan Provincial Governor's Security Council, and earned a nomination for his second Bronze Star.

As part of UCLA Anderson's 75th Anniversary celebration, the school selected Ryals as one of its 100 Inspirational Alumni.

You can read more about Ryals here, including how he conducted his application interview with Anderson on a secure phone line from Iraq.