CISCO Mourns the Passing of Johnetta Ryan, Longtime Education-to-Careers Director
September 29, 2025

BURR RIDGE

CISCO’s former Education-to-Careers Director Johnetta Ryan passed away Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. There will be no service. Her family has directed donations be made in her memory to Christmas Without Cancer, an organization Johnetta held very dear to her heart.

It is with deep sadness that CISCO shares the news of the passing of Johnetta Ryan, CISCO’s longtime Education-to-Careers Director.

For two decades, Ryan devoted her career to opening doors for young people and guiding them into opportunities in the Union construction industry. She spoke to tens of thousands of students, educators, and community partners, encouraging them to pursue careers in the Union trades. Her work helped countless young men and women find a path into Union Apprenticeships — the very lifeblood of our industry.

Before joining CISCO, Ryan proudly served as a member of IBEW Local 21 for 30 years representing AT&T, eventually becoming a Business Agent for the Local. Her Union roots ran deep, and she carried that passion into her work every day. She retired from CISCO in the summer of 2021.

In 2018, the Great Lakes Construction Association recognized Ryan with its prestigious Robert W. MacGruder Lifetime Achievement Award.

CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen said the impact Ryan left on the Union construction trades is immeasurable. “So many individuals working today in the Union construction trades can trace their first step back to Johnetta’s encouragement, guidance, and determination to “fill the pipeline” with the next generation,” he said.

On behalf of the CISCO family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Ryan’s family, friends, and Union Brothers and Sisters. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Ryan is survived by her two loving sons, Jim and Patrick.