After co-founding The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders (GFPD), and 14 years of tireless dedication, Melissa Bryce has stepped down as our Executive Director. The GFPD had a dedicated search committee that has completed a months-long search for the new Executive Director.
The GFPD is proud to announce Ryan Maple as Melissa’s successor as Executive Director. Ryan and his wife Ashley have four children, including their GFPD Warrior Archer. They have been actively involved in the GFPD community for 12 years and have relied heavily on the expertise of the Scientific Advisors and the insight of families and professionals throughout Archer’s lifetime. These instances range from dietary and feeding concerns to the vast array of therapies, specialists, and even ER visits that peroxisomal disorder patients all too frequently endure.
In 2022, Ryan was asked to serve on the GFPD Board of Directors, and in the summer of 2023, he was asked to serve as the Board Treasurer. Ryan stated that, when presented with these opportunities, he “volunteered without hesitation, excited to give back to an organization that has helped us so much.”
It was not only Ryan’s personal connection to the GFPD mission that made him the ideal candidate for the position of Executive Director. Ryan dedicated 20 years serving as a Marine Corps Officer, something he states “would not have been possible without the support of the GFPD community.” His successful experience in managing teams and developing innovative strategies piqued the interest of the search committee. Ryan also holds an MBA from Liberty University, an MA from Marine Corps University, a BS from the United States Naval Academy, and a Chartered Financial Consultant designation, which offers comprehensive education in the essentials of financial planning*. Building a new strategy for the GFPD financials was a part of the job description where the committee knew Ryan would excel.
Melissa Bryce has laid the groundwork for a successful future for the GFPD, and Ryan will build upon it to take the organization to new heights. Melissa’s efforts culminated with the 2024 Family and Scientific Conference, in which Dr. Mousumi Bose, a GFPD Scientific Advisor, hosted an Externally-Led Patient-Focused Drug Development meeting with the FDA. As one of only seven groups to meet with the FDA in 2024, this rare opportunity allowed the GFPD to present patient and caregiver perspectives on peroxisomal disorders, including the symptoms and daily impacts, as well as desired treatments that would most improve quality of life. Ryan will continue the momentum from this meeting, ensuring Dr. Bose has the full backing of the GFPD in her efforts to complete the Voice of the Patient Report. This report will give Warriors and families a voice directly to the FDA to help shape future treatments for peroxisomal disorders.
As the GFPD Family and Scientific Conference has been such a pivotal part of the Maple family’s journey and support system, Ryan will develop a financial game plan that optimizes outside support for future conferences and grows a long-term conference planning fund. Under Ryan’s leadership, the GFPD will continue its valuable work to support families through programming, continue funding and promoting participation in peroxisomal disorder research efforts, nurture lasting and beneficial partnerships, grow the GFPD Patient Registry, and build HOPE for the future for all GFPD Warriors.
Source: *The American College of Financial Services