The Office of Advocacy is saddened to learn of the passing of Mary “Kay” Ryan, who served as Advocacy’s Deputy Chief Counsel from 1994-2001. Ryan, a resident of Boston and a graduate of Harvard Law school, mentored a generation of attorneys in Advocacy, and left an indelible mark on the office.
Known by her colleagues as a strong woman dedicated to public service, Ryan was responsible for developing Advocacy’s transitional white paper, issued every four years to explain the functions of the Office of Advocacy to the incoming presidential administration. During her tenure as Deputy Chief Counsel, she also worked to bolster Advocacy’s internship program, training a generation of young Advocacy interns by assigning them professional assignments and encouraging them to complete a project by the end of their terms.
Ryan’s professional achievements were perhaps less important than her commitment to mentoring younger members of the Advocacy staff. Multiple Advocacy staffers recalled her patience and support at the beginning of their careers or as they took on leadership roles in the office. Her mentorship and strength still influence Advocacy’s work today.
Online condolences can be made at Kay’s obituary website.