Ryan Thompson
Executive Director of Utilities and Energy Management
Ryan Thompson is the Executive Director of Utilities and Energy Management (UEM) at The University of Texas at Austin. He provides strategic leadership for the university’s utility systems, overseeing energy generation, distribution, and infrastructure that support the campus’s daily operations and long-term growth.
Ryan joined UT Austin more than 25 years ago and has held multiple leadership positions within UEM, including Director of Utilities and Associate Director of Power Plant and Chilling Stations. With over 30 years of experience in power generation across nuclear and fossil fuel facilities, he brings deep technical expertise and a strong commitment to operational excellence.
During his tenure, Ryan has been instrumental in advancing campus energy reliability and sustainability. He played a key role in developing the UT WaterHub® and continues to guide major capital projects, energy initiatives, and utility design standards that shape the university’s energy future. He collaborates closely with campus partners, Capital Planning and Construction, and the City of Austin to align UEM’s work with UT’s mission and sustainability goals.