Ryan Johnston

Ryan is responsible for NCC’s federal policy portfolio, building and maintaining relationships with Federal Commissions Commission officials, members of Congress and staff, and public interest allies. Working with various federal agencies, Ryan submits filings on behalf of NCC members on technology and telecommunications related issues that impact the digital divide such as broadband data mapping, benchmark speeds, spectrum policy, content moderation, privacy, and others.

In his latest report, Communities Responding to Natural Disasters Through Network Resilience, Ryan documents efforts undertaken by communities across the nation to neutralize threats and improve redundancies. His advocacy extends to broadband deployment issues, evidenced by a discussion that he moderated on the impacts of the Portland. v. FCC Ninth Circuit decision. Ryan works to document community-level perspectives into federal proceedings and educates local leaders, like those in the City of Detroit, about the impact that federal programs can have in their communities.

Before coming to Next Century Cities, Ryan completed a legal fellowship with the Computer and Communications Industry Association. During his fellowship, Ryan focused on issues involving telecommunications, intellectual property, and data privacy. Additionally, he completed an internship with the Competition and Infrastructure Division of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission. He also interned with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

A member of the Pennsylvania Bar, Ryan received his Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law where he served on the editorial board of the National Security Law Brief. He completed his undergraduate degree at Franklin & Marshall College where he studied Government and Business Management.