Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Ruth Jacques

Apopka

Summary

Dedicated public sector leader with over 10 years of experience in community outreach, neighborhood revitalization, and affordable housing. Proven expertise in HUD compliance, grant oversight, interagency collaboration, and strategic program planning. Committed to delivering innovative, equity-focused solutions that strengthen Orange County neighborhoods. Seeking to bring vision and leadership to the role of Neighborhood Services Manager.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Program Manager

Orange County Government - Housing & Community Dev
02.2023 - Current
  • Provide administrative oversight and coordination of HUD-funded programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and HOME-ARP initiatives.
  • Program Compliance: Ensured data accuracy and performance reporting to HUD; managed HCV restitution processes and addressed discrepancies through coordination with HUD liaisons.
  • Strategic Planning: Led the implementation of Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR), working with GIS to restructure ZIP code groupings and decentralize poverty.
  • Community Outreach: Delivered landlord briefings on Fair Housing and tenancy law; built relationships to support program participation and transparency.
  • Grant Administration: Revitalized the $5M+ HOME-ARP program by drafting MOUs, executing subrecipient agreements, and achieving 50% of housing placement goals within one year.
  • Budget Oversight: Monitored federal expenditures, reviewed invoices, and ensured fiscal compliance for HOME-ARP and HCV; coordinated reporting with Fiscal and the Comptroller’s Office.
  • Policy Development: Develop internal program policies and updated procedures to align with HUD regulations and BCC standards.
  • Interagency Collaboration: Worked with Fiscal, GIS, HSN, and external PHAs to implement housing policy and resolve complex jurisdictional cases.
  • Public Engagement: Delivered technical training, presented SAFMR strategies to senior leadership, and supported clients through direct engagement and resolution of housing concerns.

Program Supervisor

Orange County Government - Neighborhood Services
02.2022 - 02.2023

Led program-level efforts to enhance neighborhood revitalization and grant delivery within the Neighborhood Services Division, driving policy compliance, community engagement, and strategic implementation across multiple grant-funded initiatives.

  • Program Oversight: Directed the daily administration of Neighborhood Beautification, Youth Sports, Housing Repair, and Nonprofit Safety Grant Programs, ensuring alignment with county policy, program goals, and compliance standards.
  • Code & Planning Support: Facilitated project development in deed-restricted communities by supporting residents through the planning process and ensuring projects met County code and permitting requirements.
  • Community Engagement Leadership: Conducted monthly orientation sessions and vendor trainings to build stakeholder understanding, increase participation, and improve vendor readiness across all grant programs.
  • Strategic Outreach: Improved program reach by analyzing participation data and shifting to a targeted, resident-centered engagement model, resulting in stronger community involvement and more effective project execution.
  • Grant Budget Monitoring: Managed program-specific budgets by reviewing vendor proposals, tracking expenditures, and advising on funding allocations during each grant cycle to ensure efficient and timely use of resources.
  • Policy & Compliance Execution: Developed internal SOPs and reviewed grant documentation—including bids and insurance—to ensure compliance with fiscal policies, Risk Management, and Public Works requirements.
  • Cross-Agency Coordination: Partnered with Public Works, Planning, and Procurement teams to facilitate permitting and implementation; coordinated with external stakeholders for event support and safety initiatives.
  • Public Presentations: Delivered presentations to the Neighborhood Grants Advisory Board and community groups to communicate program goals, funding decisions, and outcomes.

Program Coordinator

Orange County Government - Neighborhood Services
04.2018 - 03.2022

Supported neighborhood revitalization efforts and resident engagement by coordinating grant activities, facilitating stakeholder collaboration, and promoting program compliance across community initiatives.

  • Community Outreach & Engagement: Served as the first point of contact for neighborhood residents and groups; facilitated orientations, supported program inquiries, and assisted communities in identifying project opportunities.
  • Grant Program Support: Assisted with the administration of Neighborhood Beautification, Youth Sports, Housing Repair, and Nonprofit Safety Grant Programs, including application intake, eligibility review, and compliance monitoring.
  • Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborated with residents, vendors, and county staff to support the successful execution of grant-funded projects; helped coordinate site visits, procure quotes, and review required documentation.
  • Policy Interpretation: Interpreted program guidelines and county policies for neighborhood leaders to ensure projects adhered to funding and compliance requirements.
  • Administrative Oversight: Maintained accurate records, tracked grant progress, and compiled reports for internal review and Board presentations.
  • Resident Empowerment: Promoted neighborhood cohesion by educating residents on the impact of signage, beautification, and community identity as tools for safety and revitalization.
  • Vendor Communication: Liaised with contractors to clarify scope, resolve issues, and ensure timely project completion in line with grant standards.
  • Event Coordination: Supported community meetings and events to enhance public awareness and encourage participation in County neighborhood initiatives.

Program Coordinator

Community Coordinated Care For Children
09.2015 - 04.2018
  • Coordinated community outreach and engagement strategies to support Neighborhood Services grant programs and initiatives.
  • Facilitated orientation sessions for residents and vendors, promoting compliance with County policies and increasing program participation.
  • Monitored project timelines, deliverables, and spending to ensure alignment with grant objectives and fiscal accountability.
  • Collaborated with internal departments and neighborhood leaders to support beautification, safety, and youth engagement projects.
  • Reviewed vendor documentation and supported procurement processes to ensure adherence to local and state regulations.

Program Director

Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida
12.2013 - 09.2015
  • Directed daily operations of youth development programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and safety standards.
  • Supervised staff and volunteers, delivering training, evaluating performance, and fostering a culture of excellence.
  • Planned and implemented academic, leadership, and enrichment activities to promote youth engagement and skill-building.
  • Monitored program outcomes and participation metrics to assess impact and drive continuous improvement.
  • Managed grant compliance and reporting, ensuring program activities met funding requirements.
  • Cultivated partnerships with schools, local organizations, and families to support holistic youth development.

Education

Non-profit Management

University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
08-2013

Bachelor of Science - Public Administration

University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
05-2011

Skills

  • Strategic Planning
  • Program Implementation
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Budget & Grant Oversight
  • Cross-Agency Collaboration
  • Neighborhood Engagement &
  • Public Speaking & Stakeholder Training
  • Data Analysis & GIS Mapping Integration
  • Project Management
  • Problem-Solving
  • Detail-Oriented
  • Bilingual: English and French

Accomplishments

WOW Award Recipient, 2022

Commissioner's Employee of the Month 2022


Timeline

Program Manager

Orange County Government - Housing & Community Dev
02.2023 - Current

Program Supervisor

Orange County Government - Neighborhood Services
02.2022 - 02.2023

Program Coordinator

Orange County Government - Neighborhood Services
04.2018 - 03.2022

Program Coordinator

Community Coordinated Care For Children
09.2015 - 04.2018

Program Director

Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida
12.2013 - 09.2015

Non-profit Management

University of Central Florida

Bachelor of Science - Public Administration

University of Central Florida