Ryan Thayer Named Executive Director of Fargo Air Museum

Published in Midwest Flyer – August/September 2020 issue

FARGO, ND – The Fargo Air Museum has named Ryan J. Thayer executive director, replacing Jackie Williams who departed in January. Thayer is responsible for guiding the museum into the future by transforming it into a must-see tourist destination.

“I am eager to work with other area destination attractions and community members,” said Thayer. “Fargo has grown a lot since I left the area, so I am excited to see how the museum can take advantage of new opportunities. I have slowly been meeting members of the board of directors, as well as long-term volunteers. We look forward to working together to make the Fargo Air Museum a premier event center and tourism destination.”

Thayer has over 15 years of business ownership, sales and marketing, and managerial experience. His past experience comes from diverse roles at various financial, insurance and real estate firms, and from having built eight different businesses from the ground up. Thayer earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration with an entrepreneurial focus at the University of North Dakota, where he ran multiple small businesses while in college. He currently holds a Private Pilot Certificate.

The Fargo Air Museum was founded with the nonprofit mission of promoting aviation through education, preservation, and restoration. The museum is home to aircraft of all eras. James P. Sweeney is chairman of the museum (www.fargoairmuseum.org).