Ryan Sharp

Ryan Sharp has extensive experience in the private, non-profit, and academic sectors as a regional economist and economic developer. He currently serves as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation & Business Engagement at UC Santa Cruz and oversees the Innovation & Business Engagement Hub, which helps support the campus community in bringing to market cutting-edge research and innovations, expanding corporate philanthropy and partnerships, creating more career pathways for students, and supporting a thriving regional economy. The Hub acts as the point of entry for industry partners, investors, and entrepreneurs to connect with the university’s discoveries, innovations, resources, and talent. Prior to joining UC Santa Cruz, he contributed to new venture development and economic engagement initiatives at UC Davis, helping to build and lead the Venture Catalyst unit. Ryan’s previous work includes senior leadership roles at a regional economic development organization in Northern California and a strategic consulting group with a focus on regional economics, real estate and land use, and economic development. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the University of California, Davis and a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from California State University, Sacramento and holds the designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council.