20 Under 40: RYAN FICKEL

Photo by Nathan Ham

As a member of the senior management team, Ryan identifies opportunities and risks for delivering AE’s services and client-facing services. He also strives to assure successful execution of the business mission through software development and technology initiatives.

Ryan served four years as a United States Marine, much of which was spent conducting humanitarian aid missions in Sumatra, Sri-Lanka and throughout the Middle East.

He also serves on the boards of the NOTO Arts District and Forge.

Where do you see Topeka in 10 years?I think we’ll see Topeka become a hub along a major corridor from Manhattan to Kansas City.

What do you see as your role in making Topeka a better place to live and work?I’ve been fortunate enough to participate in a number of local boards and GO Topeka initiatives that will hopefully change the way people see Topeka. There has been so much research, strategy discussion and planning on how to make Topeka a better place to live and work, but now is the time for execution.