Northern Kentucky University alumnus Chris Ryan recognized as a "rising star" | Business

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (FOX19) - As he prepares for the largest event of his young career, Northern Kentucky University alumnus Chris Ryan has been recognized as a "rising star" by Partnership Activation, a leading sports industry trade publication.

"I am truly excited to be recognized as a rising star by Partnership Activation," Ryan said. "It's a great honor both personally and professionally to be included with such a great group of my peers within the sports community from across the country. I'd like to thank NKU professors Joe Cobbs and Tom Gamble for the nomination and I look forward to an exciting summer here at Kentucky Speedway."

Ryan, who received his B.S. in sports business in 2006, has spent six years with the Kentucky Speedway sales team and is currently an account executive with the organization. He began his career at Kentucky Speedway as an intern while attending NKU. His responsibilities include targeting potential corporate partners and developing effective programs which benefit clients by creating pre-event and on-site exposure associated with annual NASCAR and IndyCar Series events at the 107,000-capacity venue in Sparta.

Gamble said the recognition is well deserved. "To be honest, I am not surprised that Chris is being recognized as a trailblazer in the sports industry," he said. "He exhibited these same qualities while at NKU, whether it was during class discussions, on special projects or during his internship. This won't be the last we hear about Chris doing great things in his professional career. He is someone our current sports business majors can definitely look to as a role model."

Ryan is additionally responsible for generating revenue through the sale of tickets as well as hospitality and luxury suite packages. His national clients include Feed the Children, Cintas, Office Depot, MillerCoors, Snap-On Tools and United Parcel Service. Feed the Children is the title sponsor of Kentucky Speedway's 300-mile NASCAR Nationwide Series race this Friday at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, the track will host its first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Quaker State 400, at 7:30 p.m. For additional information about this week's races, visit http://www.kentuckyspeedway.com

Ryan is an active alumni member of the NKU Sports Business Club and frequently returns to campus as an industry liaison