Tricia Ruby Receives National Community Service Award

Tricia Ruby, president/CEO of Ruby + Associates received a 2019 Community Service Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), during its ACEC Fall Conference in Chicago.  The award recognizes a principal or manager of an ACEC member firm who has made a significant contribution to the quality of life in their community.  

Since Tricia became CEO in 2011, Ruby + Associates has donated almost $500,000 to local Detroit-area and national charities.  She also fully supports her staff’s 750-plus hours of volunteer time with compensation for giving back outside the office.  

Tricia and the firm’s staff are heavily involved with the Judson Center, a non-profit human services center serving children and families impacted by abuse, neglect, autism, development disabilities and mental health challenges.  Tricia serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for this organization, and Ruby’s staff donates to Judson’s Back-to School drive; participates in the annual gala, and sponsors the Center’s yearly golf outing.

Tricia also oversees her company’s coordination of fundraising and community efforts, including a Wear Red Day in March, the Ruby Heart Walk, Pi Day and in-office fundraising lunches. The combined events raised more than $5,500 for the American Heart Association in 2019.  Tricia Ruby and her staff also sponsor and participate in Life Remodeled, a non-profit that provides $5 million and over 10,000 volunteers to beautify a Detroit neighborhood each year.  

During Thanksgiving, Ruby’s employees donate food to Boxes of Love, Detroit. In 2019, staff members donated 140 boxes, each designed to feed a family of six. Ruby matched the donated boxes and donated funds for 140 turkeys. For years, the firm has participated in the Bloomfield Hills Optimist Club’s Children’s Holiday Wish Program for which staff purchases gifts for disadvantaged/at-risk children.

Other charities include: Boy Scouts of America; Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan; Child Safe Michigan; Crimestoppers; Gleaners Food Bank; and several scholarship funds benefiting young engineering students in Michigan.