Ryan Schmitz serves as the Utilities Director for the City of Grand Island, overseeing electric and water services that power and sustain the community. After serving as interim director during a nationwide search, Ryan was unanimously confirmed to the permanent role in 2023. His leadership is rooted in a balance of engineering expertise, operational experience, and a vision for long-term community growth.

Ryan brings more than two decades of engineering and utility management experience. His career path has included roles such as:

• Assistant Utilities Director – Engineering & Business Operations, City of Grand Island

• Production Engineer, Platte Generating Station

• Project Manager / Design Engineer, Schwab‑Eaton P.A.

• Design Engineer, Ruggles & Bohm, P.A.

• Intern Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

This progression has given Ryan a deep understanding of infrastructure design, energy production and utility operations. His academic background complements his hands-on leadership, helping him bridge technical and administrative priorities.

Ryan represents Grand Island Utilities at the state level through leadership and professional associations:

• Secretary, Nebraska Power Association

• Utilities Executive Board, League of Nebraska Municipalities

These roles ensure Grand Island is actively engaged in policy and regulatory discussions that shape Nebraska’s public power system.