Ryan Iness

Ryan Iness is a Financial Planning Analyst at Willis Johnson Wealth, where he supports senior advisors in developing comprehensive wealth and retirement planning strategies, particularly for executives in the oil and gas industry. His work focuses on analyzing investment and retirement decisions, evaluating tax-efficient wealth accumulation and distribution strategies, and modeling long-term financial scenarios. He also assists with executive benefit and equity compensation planning, including stock options, restricted stock units, deferred compensation, and potential net unrealized appreciation opportunities.

As a Financial Planning Analyst, Ryan applies his analytical background to financial research, portfolio analysis, cash flow modeling, and the evaluation of planning opportunities. He enjoys examining how various elements of a client's financial life interact, recognizing that tax considerations, investment decisions, retirement benefits, and estate planning are closely connected. Ryan believes meaningful financial guidance requires both technical precision and clear communication. He measures success by the quality of his analysis, the support he provides to advisors, and his ability to help make complicated financial topics more understandable for clients.

Before joining Willis Johnson Wealth in 2026, Ryan spent just over three years with BDO USA, specializing in international tax compliance and consulting for multinational clients. His experience included analyzing complex tax regulations, researching foreign tax credits and international tax provisions, preparing federal and international tax filings, and evaluating financial data across multinational operations. He also gained experience as a law clerk, strengthening his legal research and problem-solving abilities. His background in taxation and law provides a technical foundation for evaluating the relationships between investments, taxes, estate considerations, and retirement planning.

Ryan earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Oregon's Lundquist College of Business Honors Program, with a concentration in accounting and a minor in Legal Studies. He holds an Ethical Leadership Certification from the NASBA Center for the Public Trust and completed A Law Student's Toolkit through Yale University. He is also pursuing his Enrolled Agent (EA) credential and has passed the Individuals portion of the Special Enrollment Examination. During college, Ryan held leadership positions in Mock Trial, Club Tennis, and the Business Honors Program, and founded the University of Oregon Undergraduate Law Journal. He continues his community involvement as co-captain of several USTA tennis teams in Houston.

Outside the office, Ryan enjoys competitive tennis, pickleball, traveling, and spending time with his wife, including playing video games together. Among his proudest accomplishments is co-founding MineProm, a virtual event created during the COVID-19 pandemic that brought together more than 500 attendees and received national and local media coverage. During his travel, he's gained memorable experiences with wildlife, including baby wildcats in Mexico and a baby elephant in Thailand.

Whether analyzing complex financial strategies or connecting with others through his wealth of hobbies and experiences, Ryan brings the same curiosity, dedication, and thoughtful approach to everything he pursues.