Luncheon Sponsored By:
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Vince Ryan was elected to a four-year term as Harris County Attorney, the civil lawyer for the County, on November 4, 2008 and took his oath of office on January 1, 2009. His office handles the legal affairs for virtually every aspect of county government and represents the interests of its over 4 million residents. Vince is no stranger to the office, having served as an Assistant County Attorney and First Assistant County Attorney for former County Attorney Judge Mike Driscoll from 1981 to 1987.
In 1987, Vince was elected to the first of his three terms on the Houston City Council, representing District C. Following his Council service, Vince was appointed by President Clinton and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve on the Board of the Panama Canal Commission. This bi-national board oversaw the Canal and its historic transition to Panama on December 31, 1999. During and following his service on the Panama Canal Commission, Vince was associated with several prominent Houston law firms and continued his community involvement, serving on various boards.
Born in Houston, Vince was raised by parents who instilled within him and his three siblings a sense of service to others. He was a member of the ROTC at the University of Houston and upon graduation became an active duty officer in the United States Army, first serving in Europe and then volunteering for service in Vietnam. He returned to active duty for Operation Just Cause, which ousted the dictator of Panama, in 1990. After his service in Vietnam, Vince left active duty and attended the University of Houston Law School. While practicing law, Vince attended Rice University and received a Master’s Degree in History. He also remained in the Army Reserve and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Since taking office in January, Vince has appointed an Inspector General, formed a Special Prosecution Unit that is working to shut down properties that shelter criminal activities, and created a separate environmental division. Additionally, Vince and the Office of County Attorney are working with other County Officials such as the District Attorney to find solutions to the legal issues facing the county.
He has also reorganized the office to make it more efficient, conducted ethics training for the staff, and improved internal communication and morale.
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