Press Release

PERTH AMBOY– The Puerto Rican Association for Human Development Inc. (PRAHD) today announced that Dr. Kim V. Ruiz, Esq. will serve as the organization’s next chief executive officer, effective June 1, 2018. Ms. Ruiz will be the third female chief executive officer in the history of the organization. 

“After meticulous succession planning and a thorough search process, the board is pleased in its selection of such an accomplished and promising individual in Ms. Ruiz,” said PRAHD Chairman Robert Durso. “Today’s nonprofit landscape necessitates a leader who can thrive in a competitive and rapidly evolving environment. We believe Ms. Ruiz is the perfect fit to both build upon PRAHD’s successes and realize opportunities for growth.” 

Ruiz has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in administration of justice from Rutgers University, as well as a Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers Law School. She holds approximately 15 years’ experience in providing legal counsel to both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. In her most recent role prior to her acceptance of PRAHD’s CEO position, Ruiz served as Senior Associate with Ford Harrison LLP in Berkeley Heights, N.J. Additionally, Ruiz serves as panel chair for the New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics–District XII Fee Arbitration Committee. 

“I am honored and excited to lead this exceptional organization of engaged, talented and mission-driven professionals,” said Ruiz. “PRAHD has established itself as a beacon of excellence in providing innovative and relevant programming to central New Jersey’s most impoverished communities. The opportunity to create a meaningful impact on the lives PRAHD’s thousands of clients is not one I take lightly, and I am eager to lead PRAHD in meeting its strategic and financial objectives.”