Ryan Kern
mindful maker

I began my career in the brewing industry as a brewer and soon realized that my knack for designing, improving, and communicating detailed protocols is more broadly applicable. Most recently, I served as the Operations Training Specialist for Deschutes Brewery, where I enjoyed developing and implementing strategies to support the company's success through the dissemination of information and enhancement of on the job learning. I appreciate the process of improving performance and safety via clear, helpful training programs.

Outside of work, my vizsla and I are active members of the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Organization. In my free time, I paraglide, pursue wilderness adventures, and take on challenging construction projects including an off-grid cabin in the desert and restoring a vintage sailing vessel.

Education

Training Industries
2020

Certified Professional of Training Management

The American Brewers Guild
2010

Certificate of Intensive Brewing Science and Engineering

The George Washington University
2009

B.A. Psychology, cum laude

Professional Experience

Operations Training Specialist | Deschutes Brewery Inc.
2018 - 2022

Developed and managed engaging, effective training programs across all brewery departments
Worked cross-functionally to improve accuracy, efficiency, and safety by leveraging best practices and standardizing processes
Formed and led training teams to enhance technical training modules, identify and fill gaps, and track progress
Administered company-wide SOP program

CPR, AED and First Aid Trainer | American Heart Association
2020 - present

Trained and certified adults to perform essential life saving techniques
Administered course content using visual and hands-on training aids
Tailored sessions to support learners' recreational pursuits and anticipated applications

Brewing Training Lead | Deschutes Brewery Inc.
2015 - 2018

Managed the Brewing Training Program, provided ongoing training for existing employees and onboarded new hires to competency on core brewing operations
Assisted with successful ERP implementation from the design phase through go-live
Collaborated with quality assurance, packaging and shipping teams to achieve successful product delivery

Production Brewer | Deschutes Brewery Inc.
2014 - 2015

Followed detailed recipes and protocols to produce award-winning beer, handled raw materials across multiple brewing phases, including wort production, fermentation, and clarification
Coordinated with cellar and brewhouse managers to optimize operations and meet production schedule deadlines
Participated in ingredient and hop selection, ordering, and recipe management

Production Brewer | Rogue Ales
2011 - 2014

Performed general brewing duties including DE filtration, CIP, yeast management, and QC/ QA sampling
Developed recipes, trained new employees, and created standard operating procedures
Operated a 100bbl BrauKon semi-automated brewhouse and executed troubleshooting measures as needed

Training Coordinator | GW Trails
2008 - 2009

Planned and organized Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and Leave No Trace training programs
Recruited and trained guide staff members
Planned, marketed, and safely led outdoor trips for the George Washington University community

Wilderness Field Instructor | SUWS of the Carolinas
2006 - 2008

Ensured the physical and psychological safety of at-risk youth in a wilderness setting
Instructed students on wilderness survival skills and recreational backpacking
Facilitated individual therapeutic outcomes with trained oversight

Nonprofit Engagement

Team Member | Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Organization
2020 - present

Oregon State Sheriff's Association Search and Rescue resource
Completed in-depth training to serve as a K9 handler and flanker, medical team support level member, and ground searcher
Participated in 30+ missions and 500+ hours of training

Safety Officer | Desert Air Riders
2015 - 2021

Led risk mitigation efforts for my local nonprofit paragliding club
Instructed reserve parachute repack clinics
Represented the Desert Air Riders and local flying sites to the Unites States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA)

Participant | Bike and Build
2010

Cycled 4,700 miles from South Carolina to California, stopped to build homes for Habitat for Humanity and other affordable housing nonprofits along the way
Raised more than $4,000 to support affordable housing projects
Acquired nearly permanent tan lines

Languages

Spanish (basic)

French (beginner)

Morse Code (enthusiast)

General Skills

Training module development
SOP program administration
Highly-organized
Excellent communicator
Skilled team builder and leader
Budget planning and purchasing
Tech-savvy spreadsheet enthusiast
Raw materials and recipe management
Automation and controls knowledge
Incident response
Proven ability to set and achieve measurable goals
Construction (foundation, timber framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, paint and finish work)
Banjo picker
Canine training (key tricks include fetching a beverage from the fridge, finding lost hikers and giving high-fives)

Press Mentions

USHPA Pilot | Responding to Accidents and Trauma
by Ryan Kern

A self-authored article published in the U.S. Hangliding and Paragliding Association's periodical, presenting tools for coping with and responding to traumatic accidents within the sport.

Inyo Register | Hiker Rescued From High Country
by Register Staff

An article about the life-saving efforts and subsequent search and rescue operation carried out by two of my backpacking companions and myself for a fellow hiker.

Published Online | Paraglider Pilot Makes Nye Beach Flight
by Larry Coonrod

An article published online about a paragliding flight I made along the Central Oregon coast. Apparently landing near a journalist may result in an interview.

Marin Independent Journal | Biker-builders nail Chico leg of journey
by Staff Writer

An article about the group of riders I biked across the country with, our mission, actions, and attitudes.