Biography of Cynthia M. Ruiz

Commissioner

Cynthia M. Ruiz was appointed to the Board of Water and Power Commissioners by Mayor Eric Garcetti and was confirmed by the Los Angeles City Council on June 8, 2022. Her term will end on June 30, 2025.

Cynthia M. Ruiz is a professor, best-selling author, executive coach, inspirational speaker, and leadership expert. Receiving over 75 accolades and awards for her leadership and service to the City of Los Angeles.

Before becoming LADWP Commissioner, Cynthia served as Commission President for LACERS (Los Angeles City Employee Retirement System) overseeing a multibillion-dollar pension portfolio. Cynthia has been an executive in the public sector and is the author (or co-author) of eight books.

As a professor, she received the “Presidents Award” from the University of West Los Angeles (UWLA) for her work as an outstanding Professor. Cynthia teaches leadership at UWLA School of Business at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. She has over twenty years of experience teaching and public speaking.

She has received the Cherokee Nation “Community Leader of the Year Award” for her service to her Tribe. She also received the Cherokee Phoenix - Seven Feathers award.

Cynthia holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Counseling from California State University Los Angeles and has completed a Leadership Course at Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.