Ruby named executive director of Southern Oregon Climate Now – Ashland News – Community-Supported, NonProfit News

Southern Oregon Climate Action Now (SOCAN) has appointed Dan Ruby as its new executive director, effective Oct. 1, signaling a fresh chapter for the grassroots climate organization known for its education and advocacy work across the region.

SOCAN leaders described the transition as a strategic step to deepen the group’s impact. They cited Ruby’s extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, public engagement, and climate-focused programming as key reasons for the hire. Many in the Rogue Valley recognize him from his tenure as CEO of ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum in Ashland, as well as his recent bid to represent Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District.

Ruby’s career spans science education, fundraising, and community health. Before relocating to Southern Oregon, he served as executive director of the Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center at the University of Nevada, Reno. In 2020, he launched Ruby Strategies, advising nonprofits on development and outreach. His subsequent roles included consulting for the Firebrand Resiliency Collective and the Geos Institute, senior leadership at Rogue Community Health, and executive directorship at the Rogue Community College Foundation.

His academic background reflects that blend of science communication and pedagogy: a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media/Communications and a Master of Science in Secondary Education, both from the University of Nevada, Reno. Ruby has lived in Ashland for eight years, cultivating local ties that SOCAN believes will help strengthen collaborations with schools, local governments, and community-based organizations.

Board members emphasized that Ruby’s nonprofit management skills and hands-on approach to climate action align with SOCAN’s mission. They pointed to his familiarity with regional challenges—especially wildfire, heat, and smoke—as critical to guiding programs that address both mitigation and resilience. The 2020 Almeda Fire remains a touchstone for the organization’s work on climate preparedness, public health, and equitable recovery in communities like Phoenix and Talent.

Ruby said he is eager to build on SOCAN’s momentum by expanding climate education, bolstering science literacy, and translating community ideas into practical action. He praised the organization’s track record in climate policy and higher education collaborations and expressed enthusiasm for engaging residents across Southern Oregon, from students and educators to healthcare partners and local decision-makers.

In the near term, priorities include strengthening community outreach, growing volunteer capacity, and supporting policy initiatives that curb greenhouse gas emissions while improving public health. Ruby underscored the intersection of climate and health, noting that smoke exposure, extreme heat, and longer wildfire seasons carry consequences for vulnerable residents, including children, older adults, and outdoor workers. He aims to help SOCAN offer evidence-based resources that can guide households and institutions in reducing risks and emissions.

SOCAN’s leaders anticipate that Ruby’s fundraising and partnership-building experience will help sustain and scale programs, from workshops and forums to youth-focused efforts. They also highlighted his background in science centers as an asset for making complex climate information accessible and actionable.

As he settles into the role, Ruby plans to listen to community priorities, coordinate with regional allies, and focus on initiatives that deliver measurable results—whether advancing clean energy and efficiency, supporting nature-based solutions, or advocating for policies that align with the latest climate science.

With the leadership transition underway, SOCAN says it remains committed to equipping Southern Oregonians with the knowledge and tools to navigate a warming world—while working toward a healthier, more resilient future for the Rogue Valley and beyond.