Brian brings over 20 years of experience in media leadership to The Patterson Foundation, with a strategic focus on cultivating public awareness and understanding of critical community issues. As a key member of the executive team at the Herald-Tribune, he successfully forged partnerships with philanthropic organizations and community groups to expand coverage of topics vital to area residents.

Prior to his tenure at the Herald-Tribune, Brian’s diverse career trajectory provided him with a unique perspective. He was an award-winning restaurant critic and food writer, a certified sommelier and regional sales director for a group of California wineries, and owner and operator of a niche chain of comic book and game stores.

Brian is a voracious reader and met his wife while working at Waldenbooks in the Sarasota Square Mall when he was a teenager.

To contact Brian Ries: brian@brianries.com