Biography
Vince Ryan was elected as Harris County Attorney, the civil lawyer for the County, in 2008. His office handles the legal affairs for virtually every aspect of county government and represents the interests of its over 4 million residents.
As County Attorney, Vince has:
- Appointed an Inspector General
- Formed a Special Prosecution Unit to shut down properties that shelter criminal activities
- Created a separate environmental division
- Reorganized the County Attorney’s Office to make it more efficient
- Conducted ethics training for the staff
- Improved internal communication and morale
- Worked with other County Officials such as the District Attorney to find solutions to the legal issues facing the county.
Vince has been involved in many community and non-profit organizations. He is a founding board member of the Houston Tampico Sister City Association and the Houston Democratic Lawyers Association. Presently, he is a member of the Mayor’s International Advisory Committee for Latin America. He is also a member of the Advisory Board for the Julia Idelson Library Preservation Partners.
Vince is married to Teresa Pamela (Pam) Rodriguez. Together, they have three sons, twins Andrew and Reed and younger brother Colin Scott. Vince was born in Houston and attended Kemah Elementary and Clear Creek High School. Vince worked his way through college, law school and later graduate school. He attended University of Houston received a BA and Law Degree and Rice University for a Master of Arts in History. He has lived in the same Houston neighborhood since July 1981.
Vince joined ROTC at the University of Houston and upon graduation became an active duty officer in the United States Army, first serving in Europe and then volunteering for service in Vietnam. After his service in Vietnam, Vince left active duty and attended the University of Houston Law School. While practicing law, Vince attended Rice University and received a Master’s Degree in History. He also remained in the Army Reserve and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Vince was an Assistant Harris County Attorney to former County Attorney Mike Driscoll, where he served as the Chief of the Commissioner’s Court Division. Vince later went on to win a seat on the Houston City Council for District C. He was reelected to two more terms. When term limits were enacted, he was the only council member who did not attempt to remain on the ballot via a petition process, voluntarily leaving council after six years. Because of his military service during Operation Just Cause, subsequent trade missions to Panama and his campaign efforts on behalf of our region, Vince was appointed by the President, and later unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, to serve on the Board of the Panama Canal Commission. This bi-national board oversaw the Canal and its historic transition to Panama.
