Matt Ryan with Commissioner Troxler | Download high res version

RALEIGH - Matthew F. Ryan of Raleigh was named the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Employee of the Month for March. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler presented Ryan with a plaque and shirt at a recent staff meeting. Ryan, the department's Webmaster, was nominated for his Internet programming work that will make pesticide recertification easier for registrants as well as improves efficiency for the Pesticides Section.

Ryan, a native of South Hill, Va., has also been working on a major overhaul and redesign of the department's Web site. "As Webmaster, Ryan is always on call in case something happens to the site or information needs to be updated," said Abe Costa, Ryan's supervisor. "He often works late, from home or comes in on the weekend to ensure the public is able to receive information in a timely and effective manner."

Ryan graduated from Kenston Forest School in South Hill, Va. and joined the Navy. He received his Web certification through the N.C. State University Computer Training Unit. Ryan and his wife, Beth, have two children, Lane, 11, and Will, 5. He is a member of Hayes Barton Methodist Church and enjoys canoeing, playing bluegrass music and taking nature walks with his family in his spare time.