Ryan Bross
Ryan Bross officially joined the Sons of Ben during the 2010 season and started volunteering during the preseason prep in 2011. Bross quickly became involved in the tifo part of the SoB utilizing his academic art background. In November of 2013, he was appointed by Board vote to the role of Director of Tifo. Bross served as Director of Tifo through 2022 (though not officially as a Board member in 2020). Over those years, Bross was also involved in helping Presidents Bill Gusler and Matt Gendaszek in developing the group as we grew (and changed tailgate spots - several times). Some projects include launching an e-commerce site, solidifying branding, and acting as a point of contact to the Front Office. Bross has drawn on his experience in compliance and market research to improve the workings of the SoB. In the summer of 2022, Bross became Interim Vice President to Interim President Jess Gusler. Bross was elected President at the end of 2022 for the 2023 season.
During his first term as President, Bross has taken on several projects.
Finalized the move into the current SoB space on Reaney Street and guided the group in getting the most out of it.
Represented the group to ISC and later appointed the current rep (Mike Blankmeyer)
Redeveloped the weekly Board meetings to increase efficiency
Helped re-establish our business and partnership connections and urged the bringing in of new connections
Guided the new Board Members that didn’t just want to stick to the “this is how it’s always been done”
Brought in appointed (by the Broad) volunteers to cover roles and responsibilities otherwise vacant
Brought the Bridge Brigade (Union II) under the guidance of the SoB to give them aid and stability as they got started
Restarted the “Board to Board” meetings between SoB Board members and volunteers while members of the FO by connecting the stakeholders of both (ie Game Day Director and capo with the Game Day staff of the FO)
I am running for President in 2024. I chose to run for re-election as there are still projects that I want to see out. Like the reworking of the SoB website, establishing a constant, wider-spread communication with the FO through monthly meetings, building the funds and assets of the SoB, and growing the game day experience in the stadium.
We are at a critical point in the SoB existence, whenever the team’s performance is below average (missing the playoffs or worse) our membership and overall presence dips. I want to ensure we as a group make it through the end of the 2024 season and into 2025 and come out stronger. We, as a group, will also be looked upon during the 2026 World Cup when it comes to Philly. This is something that I have already started by working with the Philadelphia Bid Committee and ISC.