County Appoints Ruiz as Resource Management Agency Director

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors announced Tuesday its appointment of Benjamin Ruiz as the County’s Resource Management Agency Director. Ruiz has served as the department’s Interim Director since January of this year.

 “Ben’s leadership and ‘get it done’ type of attitude serves well as Director,” said Board Chairman Mike Ennis. “We look forward to working with Ben and his staff in taking RMA and the County to new heights.” 

In his role as Resource Management Agency (RMA) Director, Ruiz will oversee the day-to-day operations of the three branches of RMA which include: Economic Development and Planning, Public Works, and Fiscal Services.

“I am humbled and honored to receive the Board of Supervisor’s appointment for this position,” says Ruiz. “RMA is committed to implementing the Board’s strategic initiatives, to enhance the safety and security of those we serve, enhance their economic well-being and quality of life, and to create an environment at RMA where there is continuous organizational improvement.”

“Our mission at RMA will be to continue providing the highest level of customer service with regards to private land use entitlements, while delivering much needed public infrastructure projects, such as road, bridge, flood control, water, waste water, and storm water projects in a timely manner; and at the lowest cost to the taxpayers.”

Ruiz has held several senior management positions with the agency, including the positions of Engineer IV, Chief Engineer, and Director of Public Works.

He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from California State University, Fresno and holds professional registrations in Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering. Ruiz’s accolades include being named the 2013 Outstanding Civil Engineer in Public Sector by the American Society of Civil Engineers – Fresno Branch and was honored with the title once again at the state level in 2014.

Ruiz, his wife Sonia, and their four young children, reside in southern Fresno County near the community of Laton, where Ruiz grew up.