Most recently from Largo, Florida, a city of 85,000, Ms. Ruder has served as the municipality’s Assistant Public Works Director from 2021 to the present. She previously was Deputy Director - Essential Services for the Northwest Fire District in Southern Arizona and Town Manager of Clifton, Arizona. She also has served as Assistant Operations Manager for Pima County, Arizona, Assistant Interim Director of Public Works in Eloy, Arizona, and Director of Public Works in Algona, Iowa.
She has 13 years of city/county leadership experience including responsibilities in all phases of government operation and services, along with extensive experience in budget development, financial management and controls, community and economic development, and organizational development.
Ms. Ruder holds a Master of Administration degree – Public Management Emphasis from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Arizona. Her affiliations include membership in the American Society of Civil Engineers, Women's Transportation Seminar (treasurer for one term) Southern Arizona ITE, American Public Works Association (APWA), Iowa Chapter of APWA, North Iowa Area Council of Governments (NIACOG) City Representative, Central Arizona Government (GAG) - TTAC City Representative International City/County Management Association Member, and the American Public Works Association (APWA).
Ms. Ruder and her husband have four sons who live in Tucson, and the couple is eager to return to Arizona to be closer to the family. The Ruders will be settling in Prescott Valley with their three dogs.
“I’m hoping to bring my years of experience to help create an amazing place for residents to live and want to come to,” Ruder said. “I’m looking forward to tying everyone together, to remember the community’s heritage and to bring that forward into the future.” She is also excited about working with the Town. “It appears to be a very strong team with a fun atmosphere, it really drew me in,” she said. “I’m humbled by the opportunity.”
Ruder is scheduled to be on board at the Town on April 17.