Cincinnati, Ohio, January 6, 2006 -- John C. Olberding has been elevated to president of Skystone Ryan Inc., an international fundraising consulting firm to nonprofit organizations.

He succeeds and takes on increased responsibilities from firm founder J. Patrick Ryan, who will continue as chairman and chief executive officer of the firm he and two others founded in 1977.

“This continues a transition that has been underway since John was named senior vice president five years ago,” said Ryan. “John’s exceptional record of service to our clients, our profession, and our firm particularly qualifies him to lead Skystone Ryan in the years ahead."

Olberding, 50, who joined the firm in 1986, acknowledged Ryan’s role as a career mentor.

“Pat is universally acknowledged as one of the true leaders and innovators in the fundraising profession,” Olberding said. “Learning from him and working side-by-side as we’ve expanded the firm has been very satisfying.

“I am excited by the opportunity to work with Pat over the next several years to ensure the continuation of exemplary client service that has been the firm’s hallmark. Pat has been the constant thread through 28 years, and I’m proud to have been here 20 of those years and develop a career in a field that provides so much personal satisfaction.”

Olberding said the firm will continue to pursue a growth strategy while maintaining the kind of personalized partnership relationships from local offices that has defined its client service over the years. Skystone Ryan is headquarted in Cincinnati, Ohio and has offices in 10 U.S. cities and 12 affiliated offices in Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe and Africa.

Originally founded as Staley Robeson Ryan in 1977, the firm operated under the name Staley/Robeson/Ryan/St. Lawrence, Inc. until 2002. The firm began to develop what is now the industry’s leading international practice in 1987.

The firm has served more than 1,200 educational, health, religious, cultural, social service and other nonprofit organizations. Services include planning and directing capital campaigns, fundraising studies, annual fund counseling, interim management, strategic planning processes and executive recruitment.

Notable clients served nationally and internationally have included American Baptist Churches USA, American Foundation for the Blind, American Red Cross, Athens College, Boy Scouts of America, Catholic Charities USA, Communities in Schools, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, The Nature Conservancy, Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), University of Oklahoma, St. Louis Zoo and Volunteers of America.

Information about the firm is available at www.skystoneryan.com.

For additional information, contact:
John C. Olberding – 513-241-6778; 800-883-0801
J. Patrick Ryan – 513-241-6778; 800-883-0801
Roger Ruhl – 513-241-6778; 800-883-0801

Electronic photo files or photos of John Olberding and Patrick Ryan are available. Email bgaynor@skystoneryan.com, or you may click on one of the links below to view their bio page. The picture within may be clicked to download a larger copy of their pictures.

John C. Olberding
J. Patrick Ryan