Ryan Goga, a highly respected Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Audit Manager whose expertise helped guide major corporate financial restructurings, passed away in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 35. Known for his analytical rigor, professional integrity, and unwavering devotion to his family, Goga built a distinguished career at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). Beyond his corporate achievements, he was a dedicated husband, father, and community member whose quiet leadership left an indelible mark on his colleagues and loved ones.
Early Life & Education
Raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ryan’s formative years were characterized by a strong aptitude for academics and critical thinking. He attended Union Public Schools, where his scholastic diligence was evident early on; during his middle school years, he earned state recognition for testing in the top 25 percent of students statewide. This foundational commitment to academic excellence propelled him toward a demanding career in finance and accounting.
He pursued higher education with a strict focus on accounting, mastering the rigorous coursework required to achieve his CPA designation. His academic journey instilled in him a deep understanding of financial reporting, corporate compliance, and auditing standards, equipping him with the technical acumen that would define his professional life.
Career Zenith & Contributions
Goga’s professional zenith was defined by his tenure at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the world’s premier accounting firms, where he served as an Audit Manager. Operating out of the Oklahoma City office, he specialized in complex substantive audit procedures, entity-level controls, and financial risk assessment.
His expertise was most notably demonstrated during the high-profile Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings of Chesapeake Energy Corporation in 2020 and 2021. As a key manager on the engagement, Goga oversaw critical aspects of the audit, including the evaluation of derivatives and hedges, revenue and receivables controls, and capitalized payroll testing. Navigating the intricate regulatory and reporting requirements of a multi-billion-dollar energy restructuring required not only technical mastery but also exceptional project management skills. Goga’s meticulous oversight and ability to lead teams through high-pressure financial evaluations earned him the deep respect of partners, peers, and corporate clients alike.
Leadership & Affiliations
Within his profession, Goga was recognized for his leadership and commitment to ethical accounting practices. As a manager, he dedicated significant time to mentoring senior associates and junior staff, fostering a culture of precision, accountability, and continuous learning within his audit teams. He maintained active affiliations aligned with the highest standards of his field, reflecting the core values of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Oklahoma Society of CPAs (OSCPA).
Beyond the boardroom, Goga was an active participant in the Oklahoma City community. He generously supported local causes, participating in charitable initiatives such as the YWCA’s Fearless K run, demonstrating his commitment to empowering others and giving back to the city he called home.
Legacy & Impact
While Ryan Goga’s professional contributions to Oklahoma’s corporate financial sector were substantial, his most profound legacy resides in his personal life. He was a devoted family man, sharing a deeply loving partnership with his wife, Trisha Geneva (Shanbour) Goga. Together, they built a vibrant family life centered around their two daughters, Nora Victoria Goga and Vivian Elizabeth Goga.
Ryan was a steadfast presence in his family, known for his warmth, dependability, and the quiet strength he provided to those around him. Whether celebrating milestones with the extended Shanbour family or enjoying everyday moments with his daughters, his primary focus remained the well-being and happiness of his loved ones.
He is survived by his wife, Trisha; his daughters, Nora and Vivian; and a wide network of extended family, friends, and colleagues who will forever cherish his memory. In honoring Ryan Goga’s life, the community remembers a man of exceptional intellect, unwavering integrity, and profound love—a professional who elevated his field and a father who fiercely loved his family.