Gloria Ruiz
MN
Summary
Government Real Estate Program Manager with over 5 years of experience overseeing land transactions, housing programs, and cross-agency initiatives across federal entities, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Demonstrated expertise in managing property and lease portfolios, facilitating environmental compliance, and coordinating tribal and stakeholder engagement efforts. Passionate about building inclusive housing policies and partnerships that address systemic challenges, including homelessness and support for vulnerable populations, especially Veterans and American Indian communities. Adept at legislative coordination, environmental review, and culturally informed service delivery.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Real Estate Project Manager
Department of Veterans Affairs
Minneapolis, MN
03.2023 - Current
- Lead property management operations across 80+ lease assets supporting federal housing programs, including those targeting homelessness among Veterans.
- Serve as liaison between VA and public/private partners, including tribal agencies, to ensure lease compliance and regulatory alignment.
- Conduct site inspections, coordinate land use transactions, and review environmental documents aligned with HUD and NEPA guidelines.
- Spearhead planning committees focused on employee engagement and interdepartmental cooperation.
- Administer multi-million-dollar rent revenue systems, ensuring transparency and accuracy in public funds usage.
- Advocate for the Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) program, enhancing housing options for underserved populations.
- Support training and technical assistance for on-site staff on issues including financial management, property compliance, and tenant support.
- Provide policy insights related to leasehold interests, land acquisition, and property disposition in coordination with federal standards.
Real Estate Project Manager
US Army Corps of Engineers
Saint Paul, MN
11.2018 - 03.2023
- Managed leasing, sale, and acquisition of federal land, including contract negotiations involving tribal lands, cities, counties, and private entities.
- Represented the District in public and government meetings with Tribal Nations, city attorneys, and local stakeholders to address land use, cost sharing, and relocation efforts.
- Oversaw contracts for large-scale public park leases and concession operations; ensured compliance with the Uniform Relocation Act.
- Provided valuations, reviewed appraisals, and developed real estate acquisition and leasing plans.
- Directed project scoping and document preparation related to right-of-way and easement acquisition.
- Built collaborative relationships with tribal representatives, particularly during disposals of culturally significant or environmentally sensitive properties.
Education
Ph.D. - Management And Public Service
Hamline University
Saint Paul, MN12-2025
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
St. Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN05.2018
Bachelor of Science - International Business and Economics
St. Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN05.2009
Skills
- Tribal Government Relations
- Homelessness & Housing Program Oversight
- Land Acquisition & Trust Negotiations
- Cross-Agency & Stakeholder Engagement
- Environmental Compliance (NEPA, HUD)
- Legislative Proposal Review
- Property & Lease Management (Federal)
- Diversity & Inclusion Advocacy
- Policy Development
- Grant Administration
- Program Evaluation
- Strategic Planning
Certifications Courses
- Ethics and Leadership Certificate, St. Catherine University
- Strategic Management Certificate, St. Catherine University
- Dispute Resolution Certificate, Mitchell Hamline School of Law
- Leadership Communication Skills, Hamline University
Languages
- ENGLISH, Native
- SPANISH, Native
References
- Stephanie Dupey, 6515921879
- Stephanie Karam, 7157970247
- Jenny George, 6513561152
Timeline
Real Estate Project Manager
Department of Veterans Affairs
03.2023 - Current
Real Estate Project Manager
US Army Corps of Engineers
11.2018 - 03.2023
Ph.D. - Management And Public Service
Hamline University
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
St. Catherine University
Bachelor of Science - International Business and Economics
St. Catherine University
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