McKinstry appoints director to lead diversity, inclusion and community relations program

Ashley Ruiz will help build McKinstry’s diverse and inclusive workplace, and lead community engagement efforts

SEATTLE and DENVER (April 23, 2018) — McKinstry, a full-service design-build-operate-and-maintain firm, appointed Ashley Ruiz as the corporate director of diversity, inclusion and community relations. In this role, Ruiz is responsible for overseeing company-wide initiatives to attract, develop and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce across all regions. Ruiz will also manage community relations for McKinstry including employee volunteering, philanthropic giving and community engagement opportunities.

Historically, the construction industry has lagged in the representation and advancement of women and people of color. Ruiz will focus on building a more diverse workforce and work environment where all people are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources and can contribute fully to the organization’s success. Focusing on inclusion ensures that McKinstry can maintain a high-caliber workforce that leverages exceptional talent, leading to greater organizational success.

In addition, Ruiz will lead volunteer and philanthropic endeavors for the company. Across the country, McKinstry has played a leadership role in organizations that promote equality, advance education, and ensure the health of people and planet. Since 1999, McKinstry has directed nearly $10 million to charities through the McKinstry Charitable Foundation. During the week of April 23, employees across McKinstry will be engaged in volunteerism in their local communities as part of the annual company-wide Day of Service. Ruiz worked with teams to plan projects during the week ranging from outdoor conservation to social safety net initiatives to mentorship of youth.

“I am endlessly inspired by the commitment to purposeful community engagement and volunteerism that is demonstrated every day by team members across McKinstry,” said Ruiz. “As diversity, inclusion and community relations director, I hope to leverage our collective passion for service to create a lasting impact for our business and our communities.”

Ruiz joined McKinstry in 2011 and previously served as a senior program manager, responsible for managing the enterprise operations of McKinstry’s occupant engagement and operational optimization program, powerED. Ruiz led the development of powerED for the higher education and local government verticals, specializing in developing programs that leveraged behavioral social science and culture change for organizations.

“Ashley’s lifelong work to empower underrepresented groups make her a perfect fit for helping McKinstry take positive practical actions to foster an inclusive workplace,” said Cheryl Di Re, chief administrative officer. “We are thrilled to watch this program thrive under Ashley’s direction.”

About McKinstry

McKinstry is a full-service, design-build-operate-and-maintain (DBOM) firm specializing in consulting, construction, energy and facility services. The firm’s innovative, integrated delivery methodology provides clients with a single point of accountability that drives waste and redundancy out of the design/build process. With over 1,600 professional staff and trades people throughout the United States and operations in more than 15 states, McKinstry advocates collaborative, sustainable solutions designed to ensure occupant comfort, improve systems efficiency, reduce facility operational costs, and optimize profitability “For The Life of Your Building.”

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