The Port of Los Angeles has named Cynthia Ruiz as its deputy executive director of external relations. Ruiz, who has served as president of the City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works since 2003, will provide strategic external relations leadership and support to port senior management and harbor commissioners regarding legislative policy, communications and regional economic opportunities that require port and city collaboration.
“Cynthia’s depth of experience in community relations and familiarity with the important issues of Los Angeles will be extremely valuable for the port as we continue to strengthen relationships with port constituents and stakeholders,” says Geraldine Knatz, port executive director. “Her city government experience and ‘go-to’ reputation for helping to make things happen in L.A. will be great assets to the port.”
As president of the Board of Public Works, Ruiz worked to ensure that the Department of Public Works delivered projects on time and on budget. The five-member board is the City of Los Angeles’ only full-time policymaking board, overseeing the activities of the city’s third-largest municipal agency, employing more than 5,000. Ruiz also served on the city’s Emergency Operation Board and was the lead commissioner for the city’s Bureau of Sanitation.
Prior to working for the City of Los Angeles, Ruiz worked as a rehabilitation counselor and also as a mediator for the State of California Rehabilitation Bureau.
