In every community, there are individuals whose work quietly transforms lives. This year, we proudly recognize Ryan Hammond as our Friend and Neighbor of the Year. A Delaware County native, Ryan’s leadership, compassion and vision have made a lasting impact on the autism community both locally and far beyond.
Many know Ryan through her role as Executive Director of the Eagles Autism Foundation (EAF), but Ryan’s story actually begins right here in Delco. She grew up in Folcroft with her parents and sisters, and attended St. George Parish from 1st to 8th grade. After graduating from Archbishop Prendergast High School, Ryan was the first in her family to attend college. A first-generation student at Neumann University, Ryan embraced college life, playing on the softball team and getting involved in student organizations. “No one in my family had gone to college,” recalled Ryan. “I was
the first of all of my cousins on both sides of the family to go, and at that point I didn’t really know what I wanted to study.”
Ryan didn’t set out to work in autism advocacy. In fact, her early career was rooted in sports management. “Watching and playing sports drew me in. The notion of it felt really magical,” she said. Her early career began with an internship at Veterans Stadium in the late 1990s. “What started as a summer opportunity quickly grew into a full-time role with the Philadelphia Eagles,” she recalled. “I helped open the NovaCare Complex (now Jefferson Health Training Complex) and built a career in premium services and events.”
It was not only an exciting time for the Eagles organization, but during that time, Ryan also met her husband, Chuck, a teacher and college basketball coach. The two married and life took an exciting turn when the couple became parents of three daughters in just over three years. Seeking balance, Ryan transitioned to Saint Joseph’s University, where she was tasked with helping grow the University’s Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support. The Kinney Center educates and trains future autism professionals and supports and serves the individuals and families affected by autism.
Without prior experience in the autism field, Ryan said she did what she does best: “I listened. I met with families, clinicians, researchers and community members to understand where the needs were greatest.” Ryan was also chosen as the annual recipient of an executive MBA program, where she learned valuable skills. “It really pushed me to not only believe in myself but to produce quality work and really build the Kinney Center,” she said.
Under Ryan’s leadership, the Kinney Center became a nationally recognized program, training educators, healthcare professionals and students across disciplines to better understand and support individuals with autism. Just as importantly, Ryan ensured the Kinney Center’s long-term sustainability, strengthening partnerships with places like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Jefferson University, and with St. Joe’s students. “The Kinney Center helps produce a large number of teachers and psychology students who are autism knowledgeable, and students who are in health sciences become nurses or occupational therapists.”
In 2017, Ryan was presented with a unique opportunity. She was asked to return to the Philadelphia Eagles to build something entirely new: a team-focused foundation dedicated solely to autism. With her skills, knowledge and passion for helping the autism community, it’s no surprise she embraced the challenge to become executive director of the Eagles Autism Foundation.
Championed by Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie, Ryan explained that the Eagles Autism Foundation funds innovative research, drives scientific breakthroughs, and provides critical resources to create a major shift from awareness to action through the signature fundraising event, the Eagles Autism Challenge. “Jeffrey’s vision was creating something that could really impact the autism community both locally and globally,” Ryan said. “His brother has autism and launching the Eagles Autism Challenge allows his brother to be an important part of his legacy.”
In its inaugural year in 2018, the Eagles Autism Challenge was a combo community walk-run-ride alongside Eagles staff, including players. “It was the season of the Birds’ first-ever Super Bowl, so the timing was lightning in a bottle,” she said. Many Eagles players were there and the event raised 2.5 million dollars.
What began as a single fundraising event has since grown into a year-round mission embedded in nearly every aspect of the organization. The event now features 30-mile and 10-mile bike rides, a 5K run/walk, and a sensory-friendly walk at Lincoln Financial Field, and participation has increased from roughly 3,000 participants in 2018 to over 7,000 in 2025, driven by community, team and corporate support.
Ryan was quick to point out that it’s not just the event that’s growing, but so is the rate of autism. “Ten years ago, one in 110 Americans received an autism diagnosis,” she said. “Today, it’s one in 31. Visibility of spectrum disorders is growing by the day.”
Since Ryan took on the role of Executive Director, the Eagle Autism Challenge has raised tens of millions of dollars, with every dollar going directly to autism research and care. “We are so proud that the Eagles Autism Foundation is widely regarded as a model for how professional sports teams can drive meaningful social impact,” she said.
Her influence has also shaped the culture within the Eagles organization. As if we needed any more reason to love the Eagles, Ryan said that players, coaches and staff are not just participants but active advocates. “From rookie orientation to game-day initiatives, the foundation’s mission is woven into the team’s identity,” she said proudly. It started from day one. “Jason Kelce was one of the first players to approach me, asking how his then fiancée, Kylie, could get involved. “He helped create that player-based approach to programming,” she added. “The Kelces have really modeled how players and spouses can contribute to their organizations off the field.” In the past few years, many Eagles players, including the Kelces, have hosted their own fundraisers for the EAC. “We’ve really developed a culture here, where everyone is passionate about the cause,” shared Ryan.
The impact of the Eagles Autism Challenge goes far beyond fundraising. At Lincoln Financial Field, fans will find a sensory-friendly room designed for individuals who may need a break from the intensity of game day. The team’s mascot has been seen wearing sensory headphones in a show of awareness and inclusion. Programs like Saturday Sensory Projects extend engagement beyond the stadium, bringing families together in new and
thoughtful ways.
Perhaps most notably, Ryan has championed employment opportunities for individuals with autism, helping create inclusive roles within the Eagles organization itself. From game-day staff to behind-the-scenes contributors, these initiatives reflect her belief that inclusion must be active, not symbolic. “Nothing makes me more proud than seeing a person on the spectrum who I knew at the Kinney Center, now working at the Eagles organization,” she said. “Or I’ll recognize a former St. Joe’s student who is now a teacher. My worlds often collide in the best way.”
Despite national recognition (including numerous awards and media features), Ryan remains deeply connected to her local roots. Since 2012, she and Chuck have raised their three daughters here in the Marple community. “When we found this house, it was a great location for both of our commutes,” said Ryan, “ It turns out it’s been the perfect place to raise our girls.” The Hammonds love their neighborhood and can be seen walking their two dogs near their home or in nearby Ridley Creek State Park. In the summer, they love hitting the Jersey Shore and spending a lot of time in
Sea Isle City.
The Hammond girls, Taylor, Payton and Charlie are now 20,18 and 17, respectively. Taylor just finished her sophomore year at the Virginia Military Institute, where she competes on the water polo team. Payton, a recent graduate of Episcopal Academy, is headed to St. Joe’s in the fall to study Nursing. Their youngest, Charlie, will be a senior at Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) and was a member of the school’s first-ever flag football team that the Philadelphia Eagles helped found. “We’ve been so lucky that our girls have all had a great education in our local schools,” she said.
Outside of school, the girls, along with their dad, have been committed to autism advocacy alongside their mom. “What’s been really special about my work, both at the Kinney Center and with the Eagles, it’s a family affair. They love being involved and are incredible ambassadors.”
You’ll find Chuck every year at the Eagles Autism Challenge, pitching in wherever he can. And since they were young, the girls have been actively involved. “The girls loved working at the Kinney Center camp in the summers and being able to mentor people on the spectrum,” she said. “I’m so grateful to have a job that not only teaches my daughters about work ethic, but also allows them to be part of my professional journey.”
Locally, Ryan serves on advisory boards, mentors future leaders and supports initiatives that strengthen the local community, including MNHS’s junior initiative project. Her story is a powerful reminder that meaningful change often starts with listening, learning and a willingness to act. Ryan’s work has improved countless lives, not through grand gestures alone, but through sustained commitment, thoughtful leadership and a genuine desire to build a more inclusive world. That’s what makes her not just a leader but truly, a friend and neighbor of the year.