The C-Suite Awards annually recognize executives in the Pittsburgh region who demonstrate exceptional leadership and business savvy by contributing significantly to their organizations and the broader community. The awards celebrate individuals who have shown essential leadership skills, strong business acumen, and a dedication to success within their respective companies and throughout the region. The awards also highlight those who have navigated the evolving business landscape with skill, agility, and unwavering commitment in both prosperous and challenging times.
“I’m truly honored to be included among so many impressive Pittsburgh leaders. This recognition belongs to the talented people of Reed Smith who partner every day with our clients, support one another, and contribute to the communities in which we live and work,” said Ryan. “It is a privilege to lead Reed Smith in a time when the legal profession is evolving rapidly. This award is a testament to our team’s ability to embrace change, invest in innovation, and deliver extraordinary results for our clients around the world.”
The first woman in Reed Smith’s 148-year history to take the helm, Ryan has guided the firm decisively during a time of challenge in the legal industry. Initially appointed in 2023 to succeed Sandy Thomas, she was recently re-elected for a full four-year term beginning January 1, 2026.
As global managing partner, Ryan is responsible for leading the firm’s global operations and maintaining its culture across a platform of some 3,000 employees, including more than 1,600 lawyers in 33 offices worldwide. Under her leadership, Reed Smith has focused on providing first-in-class client service and innovation across its core industry groups – energy and natural resources; entertainment and media; financial services; life sciences and health care; and transportation.
Under Ryan’s guidance, Reed Smith has achieved the strongest financial performance in its history, with firmwide revenue of more than $1.5 billion. In the first half of 2025, the firm opened new offices in Atlanta and Denver, with a combined 57 lawyers focused on private equity, finance, and technology. The firm has also added more than 125 lawyers across its global platform since the beginning of the year.