2025 Graduation

2025 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

Ryan W. Simons has served as President of the Wilson Chamber of Commerce since 2013, and is active on a number of boards of directors, including the Wilson Economic Development Council, Wilson Education Partnership, Wilson Community College Foundation Board, Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and he is the Chairman of Wilson Forward. Born in Twentynine Palms, California, Ryan lived in Manteo, North Carolina before calling Wilson home in 2008.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from East Carolina University, and an MBA from the University of Maryland’s University College, Ryan served as a city planner and economic developer for local governments in Johnston and Dare counties in North Carolina. In 2022, he earned a Spanish for the Workplace Certificate from Wilson Community College. Ryan also completed the Institute for Organization Management (IOM), a professional development program offered by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The IOM designation recognizes individuals who demonstrate essential knowledge and elevate professional standards in nonprofit management.

Since joining the Wilson Chamber of Commerce, Ryan has focused on delivering value to member businesses through market development, and building Wilson’s pipeline of community leadership. In 2021, the Chamber was named the Outstanding Small Chamber of the Year by the Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. In 2024, the Chamber became one of only four local chambers of commerce in the state to earn Accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce.

Ryan is married to Debra, a principal with Wilson County Schools, and they have two daughters. Ryan’s dedication to serving the community is evident in his work, and he is a valued, long-standing supporter of Wilson Community College.