Inside Business 2022 Women in Business: Gary Ryan, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

Job title: Director and CEO, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.

At work: I have the distinct honor of leading a team committed to enhancing our community and world by fostering empathy through the experience of exceptional contemporary art that is locally relevant and nationally resonant.

Volunteer activities: Since joining the museum in 2018, Virginia MOCA has been my passion and primary focus; however, I also serve my community by mentoring a CIVIC scholar and volunteering in the Eastern Shore Chapel Food Pantry.

Home and family: I currently live in Virginia Beach and moved here four years ago from suburban New York City. I grew up in Norfolk, just down the street from the Chrysler Museum of Art, and owe my lifelong love of the arts and culture to the area’s creative community.

Motivating factor: The knowledge that Virginia MOCA provides a vibrant and inclusive site for connectivity and collaboration around the arts, bringing contemporary art of the highest quality to the broader Hampton Roads area.

Advice for women in business: Coming of age in the ‘80s, I was raised thinking I should be able to do it all and felt bad when I couldn’t easily juggle my career, single motherhood and whatever life I had after those two. One day, when I was brought to tears in my general practitioner’s office about struggling with the balance, she gave me advice that I now pass on to other women: “Get a Saturday morning babysitter.” In other words, you matter, so take care of yourself.

The one thing I would change about Hampton Roads: I would love to see more substantial support of the cultural sector among municipal and business leadership and an increased awareness of the deep economic and social vitality fueled by the arts and culture.

Professional goal in five years: To remain the director and CEO of Virginia MOCA and continue to lead a museum noted for its compelling exhibition program, its ability to connect our communities to each other and the world and its nurturing and supportive work environment.

Downtime: Friday nights are sacred me-time. I try very hard to keep those evenings free so I can unwind by ordering in, starting on my laundry and watching the “Great British Baking Show,” “Top Chef” or another creative reality show. The key to my downtime: no talking. Other than Friday nights, I enjoy swimming, yoga or gardening. Each provides me with the meditative space that I need to recharge.

What really gets under my skin: I am not a fan of surprises, particularly at work. I don’t like being caught off guard but much prefer to be brought into tough situations early so we can find a solution together.