President & CEO
As Board Chair, President & CEO, Ryan drives Scholar Street’s vision, donor development, and government relations, and serves as the organization’s primary spokesperson.
He brings more than 20 years of capital markets and business development experience, including executive leadership roles as Managing Director at a structured finance firm and at an early-stage fintech company. This blend of institutional capital experience and start-up operating discipline is the same foundation Scholar Street is built on. Most recently, Ryan served as SVP of Capital Markets at Student Quarters, leading equity and debt strategy for a $1.3B CRE asset portfolio. He holds a BBA from James Madison University and an MBA from Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business.
“A value-based education matters to our family — our son attends Saint Agnes School in Arlington. Through Scholar Street, I hope to help families pursue the education that’s right for their child by lessening financial obstacles.”
Secretary & Treasurer
As COO, Secretary & Treasurer, Mel is Scholar Street’s operational backbone — overseeing technology, compliance, financial management, and recordkeeping to meet the standards of an IRS-designated Scholarship Granting Organization.
After more than 15 years in wine importing and distribution, Mel’s path changed following the loss of his son, Milo, to a congenital heart defect — redirecting his career toward healthcare and technology. Introduced to Salesforce at the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), he earned his Administrator certification and became a Senior Salesforce Administrator across four organizations spanning healthcare, finance, and international development. He holds a BS from Virginia Commonwealth University.
“My daughter needed more than just a school — she needed a community; one that truly saw her for who she is. Every child deserves that fit.”