Ryan Establishes 'The Ryan Foundation' to Oversee the Firm's Community Outreach Efforts; John Sharp Appointed Executive Director

DALLAS, May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryan, the leading tax services firm in North America, with the largest transaction tax practice in the United States and Canada, today announced the establishment of a foundation chartered to oversee the Firm's contributions to charitable organizations, schools and universities, and other deserving entities.

The Ryan Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, will be led by John Sharp, the former Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and a long-time Principal in the Firm. Mr. Sharp will devote his full time efforts to leading The Ryan Foundation as Executive Director. He will focus on improving the quality of life of others in the community through active participation in charitable outreach efforts. Through grants from Ryan, private and public partnerships, and the Firm's premier global corporate clients, the Foundation will work with nonprofit organizations to advance its mission of enriching lives and strengthening communities.

"Ryan's success has resulted in substantial rewards for our associates and it is their generosity and our Firm's culture of giving back to the community that has inspired our vision of The Ryan Foundation," said G. Brint Ryan, Managing Principal of Ryan. "I thank John Sharp for his valuable role in our Firm's growth, and for accepting this new position of Executive Director of The Ryan Foundation. Under his steady leadership, our community outreach efforts will continue to grow through the endowments of Ryan clients, partners and associates."

"I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to lead The Ryan Foundation and devote my time and efforts to the worthy cause of philanthropy," said John Sharp, Executive Director. "I will work hard to ensure that our communities will increasingly benefit from the continued kindness and fellowship of Ryan clients and associates across North America."

Since 2006 alone, Ryan's 725 associates have contributed over $1.7 million to their local communities.

About Ryan

Ryan is the leading tax services firm in North America, with the largest transaction tax practice in the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the Firm provides a comprehensive range of state, local, federal, and international tax advisory and consulting services on a multi-jurisdictional basis, including audit defense, tax recovery, credits and incentives, tax process improvement and automation, tax appeals, and strategic planning. With a multi-disciplinary team of more than 725 professionals and associates, Ryan serves many of the world's most prominent Fortune 1000 companies.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Ryan

CONTACT: G. Brint Ryan, Managing Principal of Ryan, +1-972-934-0022,
brint.ryan@ryanco.com

Web site: http://www.ryanco.com/

2008-05-05 18:02:06 0353130 PRNEWSWIRE