President of Population Media Center
As President of the Population Media Center and CEO of its daughter organization the Population Institute, Bill Ryerson is an advocate of responsible family planning across the globe. Beginning in the early 1970s, William Ryerson has worked tirelessly to bring attention to population growth and the problems it may cause. Some of the issues he draws attention to are rate of natural increase, immigration, emigration, food and water shortages, energy shortages, climate change, and human security.
With a background in the life sciences, William Ryerson is well situated to understand the problems associated with overpopulation. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Amherst College and holds a Master of Philosophy, also in Biology, from Yale University. After attaining his M.Phil., Ryerson conducted doctoral studies in evolution and ecology. Subsequent to his education, he moved directly into the field of development and family planning, often focusing on how those issues connect to migration – emigration and immigration -- and has spent his career devoted to promoting sustainable policies and practices.
In his first professional position, he founded the Student Intern Program for the Population Institute, which placed student researchers in state government agencies to assist in issues regarding population. Ryerson next served as Director of the Youth and Student Division of the organization. In this capacity, he developed programs to educate youth about population growth and family planning.
Bill Ryerson next moved on to Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania, serving as Director of Development. He initiated corporate contacts, developed programs, and solicited financial support. He continued with Planned Parenthood for several years, serving as the Associate Director of the Northern New England offices, before moving on to Population Communications International as Executive Vice President. Prior to taking his current positions with the Population Institute, he worked as a consultant to numerous social service, educational, and family planning organizations.
With a background in the life sciences, William Ryerson is well situated to understand the problems associated with overpopulation. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Amherst College and holds a Master of Philosophy, also in Biology, from Yale University. After attaining his M.Phil., Ryerson conducted doctoral studies in evolution and ecology. Subsequent to his education, he moved directly into the field of development and family planning, often focusing on how those issues connect to migration – emigration and immigration -- and has spent his career devoted to promoting sustainable policies and practices.
In his first professional position, he founded the Student Intern Program for the Population Institute, which placed student researchers in state government agencies to assist in issues regarding population. Ryerson next served as Director of the Youth and Student Division of the organization. In this capacity, he developed programs to educate youth about population growth and family planning.
Bill Ryerson next moved on to Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania, serving as Director of Development. He initiated corporate contacts, developed programs, and solicited financial support. He continued with Planned Parenthood for several years, serving as the Associate Director of the Northern New England offices, before moving on to Population Communications International as Executive Vice President. Prior to taking his current positions with the Population Institute, he worked as a consultant to numerous social service, educational, and family planning organizations.