Ruth Coleman (SW)
Ruth Coleman currently serves as Director of California State Parks.
She was appointed Chief Deputy for California State Parks in January 2002, after having joined the department in December 1999 as Deputy Director for Legislation.
Before coming to State Parks, Ms. Coleman worked as Policy Director for Assemblywoman Helen Thomson for one year, responsible for legislative issues relating to water, agriculture and land use. Prior to that she was Legislative Director for State Senator Mike Thompson, coordinating his legislative agenda and providing staff leadership on major environmental legislation such as a park bond, salmon and steelhead restoration; and the protection of the Headwaters Forest.
Ms. Coleman also has worked for the Air Resources Board in the electric vehicle program and the Office of the Legislative Analyst, focusing on fiscal and policy issues in the natural resources area, particularly the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Fish and Game. Prior to her work in Sacramento, she spent three years teaching mathematics as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Swaziland, South Africa.
Ms. Coleman received her Master in Public Administration from Harvard University, and a B.A. in Economics from Occidental College.