March 19, 2004
Contact: Sarah Ramos (602)340-7362
Print Press Release

PHOENIX, Ariz. (March 19, 2004) - Kevin Ruegg, the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education’s first Executive Director will begin on March 22, 2004. Kevin Ruegg brings more than 20 years of experience working with nonprofit agencies focused on empowerment and advocacy. Her most recent work was with Family Housing Advisory Services, a Nebraska/Iowa nonprofit housing agency, where she served as Executive Director. She also has worked with domestic violence programs and community reintegration for wayward teenage girls. Her educational background includes a BA in Business from Kansas Newman with a minor in Theology, and a Masters in Human Resource Development from Webster University. She is currently finishing her doctoral degree in Management from Walden University.

The executive director position resulted from the Foundations recognition of the growing need in Arizona for legal services and law-related education. “As we celebrate our 25th year, we are renewing our commitment for equal access to justice,” states Barb Dawson, Board President. “By hiring our very talented executive director, Kevin Ruegg, we hope to expand the reach of the excellent work of the foundation staff.”

“I’m honored to serve the Foundation,” says Ruegg. “The Foundation provides a vital service to Arizona that benefits far more than those receiving direct services- If one person does not have access to justice or knowledge of his or her legal rights, then the scales of justice have tipped for all.”

The Foundation provides law related education programs designed to educate youth about the justice system and strengthen their participation in American democracy. In 2003, the Foundation reaches more than 100,000 children with these programs and awarded nearly $2 million in grants to more than 20 non-profit organizations providing free legal services to those in need.

For information about the Foundation, contact Sarah Ramos at (602) 340-7362.