Inspiration in Action: Haskell’s Ryan Hollister Recognized by Alma Mater
Learn how a career of innovation, leadership and mentoring earned him induction by his college's Academy of Achievement at Illinois State.
Ryan Hollister, Vice President of Haskell’s Manufacturing Core, has been inducted into Illinois State University’s College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) Academy of Achievement.
The Academy of Achievement honors CAST alums who are leaders in their fields and who, through their work, inspire others to pursue similar career paths. Academy inductees represent the different departments and schools within CAST.
“I was super excited and humbled and honored,” Hollister said. “It wasn’t expected, so I was really pleased.”

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Hollister graduated summa cum laude from ISU in 2008 with a B.S. in Industrial Technology. Upon graduation, Hollister joined Haskell as an Assistant Project Manager and, throughout his career, has embraced numerous opportunities to lead technically challenging projects from concept through completion.
In 2019 and 2020, he served as interim leader of the construction group within BLOX as part of Haskell’s strategic investment in the modular building fabricator. He provided oversight of construction operations and developed policies, procedures and KPIs to support BLOX’s integrated Design Manufacture Construct delivery model. In his current role, he leads Haskell’s enterprise-wide industrialized construction initiatives, structural steel and non-ferrous metals fabrication, process mechanical and millwright services, and material and equipment supply.
Hollister has served on the Advisory Board for Illinois State University’s Construction Management program since 2015 and in his second stint as the co-chair. He was the first Illinois State graduate to work at Haskell, but the number has grown to eight.
“I took it on myself to travel up there and recruit, and they asked me if I wanted to serve on the board,” he said. “I enjoy mentoring and supporting students as they navigate their academic and professional journey. It’s an opportunity to pay forward the guidance and encouragement I received.”
He has also served on the boards of Operation New Uniform, which supports veterans leaving the military, the YMCA of Northeast Florida, Camp Immokalee and as the volunteer leader of the YMCA Y-Guides program. He is a “40 Under 40” awardee for Northeast Florida and participated in Leadership Jacksonville, a prestigious one-year program that develops business leaders into community trustees.
In addition to his ISU degree, Hollister received his MBA from the University of Florida and holds certifications as a Project Management Professional, Certified Professional Constructor, Six-Sigma Green Belt and LEED AP.
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