Ryan Dellinger
Director of Education Policy
Ryan Dellinger
Ryan Dellinger is a seasoned government affairs professional with nearly a decade of experience advancing principled, student-centered education policy. He most recently served as an Education Policy Resident at ExcelinEd, where he supported state-level reform efforts across the country. His work spanned legislative analysis, 50-state policy scans, issue brief development, and advocacy support—particularly focused on K–12 education, financial literacy, early literacy, teacher pipeline reform, and career pathways. Ryan also supported regional advocacy efforts in the Southeast United States.
Previously, Ryan served as External Engagement Manager at the Mercatus Center, where he connected scholars state policymakers to help ensure their original research informed legislative decision-making. He also led legislative and public affairs efforts as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania School Bus Association, managing a seven-figure budget and guiding legislation through the General Assembly.
Ryan began his public service career in the Pennsylvania Senate and is a veteran of the Virginia Army National Guard, having deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He holds graduate degrees from Liberty University and Shippensburg University and is a member of the June 2025 Education Reformers Academy cohort.