Catherine M. Ryan, a religious Sister of St. Francis, has worked with children for over 30 years. She led the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Juvenile Justice Bureau from 1997 until December 2004. During that time, she worked with State’s Attorney Richard A. Devine to develop a restorative justice approach in juvenile justice.
In December 2004, she was appointed Executive Director of Maryville Academy, a childcare organization that has been serving children and families in Illinois since 1883. She has led Maryville through a comprehensive strategic reorganization and implementation of its programs and operations. Under her leadership, Maryville moves forward in its mission to provide guidance, structure and stability for children, young adults, and their families.
Sr. Ryan was born in Davenport, Iowa and raised in Glenview. She attended Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette and joined the School Sisters of St. Francis in 1965. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Alverno College in Milwaukee, a law degree from Northwestern University, and a master’s in business administration from DePaul University.