Ryan is the founder of Focused Pathways® and the Institute for Resilient Leaders™, where he researches and develops educational training on resilience, emotional intelligence, meaning-making, and hope-centered leadership.

His professional background spans military service, healthcare, and pastoral ministry. McCollum served as a U.S. Army Chaplain supporting a 746-member battalion, providing counseling, crisis response, and leadership support for Soldiers and their families while collaborating with embedded behavioral health clinics.

Earlier in his military career he served as a Practical Nursing Specialist and Medical Non-Commissioned Officer responsible for healthcare readiness and training, supervising healthcare personnel and training more than 80 combat lifesavers in emergency response.

In pastoral ministry he served as Associate Pastor and Interim Pastor for a congregation of more than 400 members, leading the church through shutdown and relaunch during the COVID-19 crisis while maintaining pastoral care and organizational continuity.

Across these roles he repeatedly observed that leaders were often the people others turned to for support, yet they themselves had few places to turn. His work now focuses on addressing that gap.

Education

Master of Divinity (MDiv), Andrews University
Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Southern Adventist University
Practical Nursing Specialist (Licensed Practical Nurse ), U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School

Professional Affiliations

Vanguard Ministries — Ministerial Ordination

Prepare-Enrich — Facilitator Trainer, Marriage Support

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