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In 2005, Nilda Iris Ruiz became the second president and CEO of APM since its inception in 1970. Under Ms. Ruiz’s leadership, the social services organization has become one of the most prominent Latino-founded agencies in the nation. It has received awards for its transformative work helping thousands of families lift themselves out of poverty and bringing over a billion dollars of investments into Eastern North Philadelphia. Ruiz is known for creating opportunities for community residents to thrive and understanding that long-term success requires collaboration between the public and private sectors.

She has been at the forefront of award-winning projects including Sheridan Homes; a Gold-LEED certified “green” affordable housing development; national NAEYC accreditation; Pennsylvania Keystone 4-star rated early childhood education centers; and the new APM headquarters. She is a key community innovator in Philadelphia, respected for her multicultural leadership, nurturing and protecting children, and education advocacy. Locally, she serves on the boards of the Urban Affairs Coalition and PNC Advisory Committee, and previously the Philadelphia Planning Commission, the Temple University Economic Opportunities Advisory Committee, and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s Steering Committee.

In addition, Ruiz serves on many national boards including the Local Initiative Support Corporation, and is the president of the National Puerto Rican Agenda. She has been recognized as one of the Top Power 100 in PA by City & State Pennsylvania News and by the PA Housing Finance Agency in their annual awards.

In her work, she is driven by a love for community and family. Born and raised in North Philadelphia, Ruiz is a graduate of the public school system and received her bachelor’s degree at Temple University and her MBA from Eastern College.