Mrs. Ryan practiced in Alaska as a consulting civil, mining, geological and petroleum engineer. She was employed during her long career by the CAA (now the Federal Aviation Administration), Birch- Johnson-Lytle Construction Co., Thomas B. Bourne Associates, Fluro Corp. Ltd., Shell Oil Co., Lyon & Associates, and her own consulting firm. From 1970 through 1974 she was commissioner of the Department of Economic Development for the state of Alaska, under Gov. William Egan. Mrs. Ryan served in the 1955 and 1957 Alaska Territorial House of Representatives and the 1959 Alaska State Senate.
From the description of Irene E. and John E. "Pat" Ryan Papers, 1930-1997. (University of Alaska, Fairbanks). WorldCat record id: 309458209
