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Ryan Smolar currently serves as the Executive Director of Thrive Asheville, focusing on organizational strategy and leadership to align vision, mission, and core values with advocacy plans. As an Initiator for PlacemakingUS, Ryan connects placemakers across various global regions to enhance community engagement. Ryan co-founded Long Beach Fresh, a food policy council dedicated to supporting the local food industry in Long Beach, California. In addition, Ryan operates Smolarcorp, a community development agency that aims to foster community vitality. Previously, Ryan worked at Downtown Inc. as a Placemaker/Placekeeper, managing events and partnerships to drive economic development. Ryan holds a degree from the University of Southern California.