Kim V. Ruiz
Union
Summary
As the Executive Director and CEO, my primary objectives are to oversee all agency operations by ensuring programs meet goals and objectives, program development, maintain existing donor relations, increase grant and individual donor funding, maintain an active relationship with the board of directors, and ensure exceptional client services. I aim to create a positive and productive work environment by communicating with team members, setting clear goals, and monitoring performance.
Executive leader with deep experience driving organizational success and fostering collaboration. Skilled in strategic planning, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement. Known for adaptability, resilience, and delivering results in evolving environments. Strong interpersonal skills, effective communicator, and results-driven approach.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director & CEO
Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, Inc.
Perth Amboy, NJ
06.2018 - Current
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization's reach and influence.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
- Advocated for organization and company mission to raise awareness and support.
- Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the organization to create a more inclusive work environment.
- Built and maintained strong company teams by hiring and training qualified staff to create positive and productive work environments.
- Aligned department vision, goals, and objectives with company strategy to achieve consistently high results.
- Increased organizational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems.
- Evaluated program outcomes using data-driven metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted interventions.
- Advocated for policy changes at both local and national levels to further support the organization's goals and objectives.
- Spearheaded five new program initiatives to address unmet community needs and advance the organization's mission.
- Led organization through significant transition period, eliminating a financial deficit, maintaining stability, and spearheading controlled strategic growth.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, introducing regular feedback mechanisms for staff and volunteers.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
- Founded performance and merit-based evaluation system to assess staff performance.
- Cultivated partnerships with local organizations to leverage resources and expand service offerings.
- Oversaw budget planning and resource allocation to ensure financial sustainability of programs.
- Mentored leadership team, fostering professional growth and enhancing organizational capacity for change management.
- Spearheaded advocacy efforts addressing social issues impacting the community, influencing policy changes at local levels.
- Created a positive work culture, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.
- Established new revenue streams by diversifying the grant portfolio and more than doubling grant funding.
- Delivered consistent revenue growth by diversifying the grant portfolio and identifying new philanthropic donors resulting in doubling the agency revenue.
- Developed a high-performance executive team for improved productivity and efficiency.
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive, and performance-oriented business culture.
Senior Attorney
Ford Harrison, LLP
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Counseled employers in all matters involving state and federal laws and regulations as well as hiring and termination decisions in the US as well as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
- Advised clients on compliance with federal and state labor regulations, mitigating potential legal risks.
- Conducted in-depth legal research, informing case strategies and supporting effective advocacy efforts.
Senior Associate
Peckar & Abramson
River Edge, NJ
12.2011 - 06.2016
- Counseled employers in all matters involving state and federal laws and regulations.
- Advised clients on compliance with federal and state labor regulations, mitigating potential legal risks.
- Conducted in-depth legal research, informing case strategies and supporting effective advocacy efforts.
- Negotiated and drafted settlement agreements and executive compensation agreements.
- Counseled and supported employers with day-to-day employee relations and personnel issues.
- Conducted investigations of employee complaints and conducted anti-harassment/anti-discrimination trainings.
- Lead the defense of cases from the inception of the matter through trial or alternative dispute resolution.
Employment Litigation Associate
Coughlin Duffy, LLP
Morristown, NJ
05.2006 - 06.2011
- Represented employers on varied employment matters involving federal and state claims in New York and New Jersey.
- Conducted anti-harassment/anti-discrimination trainings for both, management and staff,
- Drafted company handbooks.
- Conducted investigations of employee complaints alleging federal and/or state employment law violations.
- Represented both domestic and international clients in varied commercial matters such as breaches of contracts, contract negotiations, internal fraud investigations, and multi-state litigations involving mass torts.
Litigation Associate
Lum, Drasco & Positan
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Assisted in the representation of commercial clients. Second chair at arbitration resulting in a favorable decision for the client.
- Prepared discovery requests and responses, and assisted in preparing expert and fact witnesses for trial.
- Researched and prepared legal memoranda and briefs on various litigation issues.
- Participated in client intake interviews, attended hearings, and case management conferences.
Education
J.D. -
Rutgers Law School
Newark, NJ05-2003
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Program Development
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Staff management
- Crisis management
- Human resources management
- Program management
- Project management
- Coaching and counseling
Bar Admissions
New Jersey 2003
District Court of New Jersey 2003
Accomplishments
2021-Appointed by Governor Murphy as a commissioner on the New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission
2021Center for Hispanic Policy Research and Development, Hats Off to You Honoree
2023NJ Reentry Corporation Espiritu Latino Award Honoree
2024Comite Puertorriqueno Puertorriquena Ilustre Honoree
Lead PRAHD out of deficit by securing funding through creative and zealous advocacy via grant writing and donor relationship development. Secured the largest philanthropic donation in the agency's history. Created new programs, improved the fiscal health, and increased human capital which positioned the agencyto generate the largest revenue it has in its history. Implemented a culture of belonging and professional excellence by applying counseling and coaching skills developed as an employment attorney.
Affiliations
Member - Middlesex College Advisory Committee
Commissioner-New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Communication
Increased grant funding from approximately $900,000 to $1.9 million by diversifying the grant portfolio.
Leadership
Successfully led the agency through the pandemic ensuring its fiscal stability, increased service offerings from nine programs to 13, and personnel from 70 employees to 95.
Timeline
Executive Director & CEO
Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, Inc.
06.2018 - Current
Senior Attorney
Ford Harrison, LLP
01.2017 - 01.2018
Senior Associate
Peckar & Abramson
12.2011 - 06.2016
Employment Litigation Associate
Coughlin Duffy, LLP
05.2006 - 06.2011
Litigation Associate
Lum, Drasco & Positan
01.2004 - 01.2006
J.D. -
Rutgers Law School