Ruta Thomas

As Senior Vice President and Southern California Regional Director, Ruta provides leadership and strategic vision for six offices, including 100+ employee-owners, and is responsible for the region’s operational and financial management, executing strategic growth, driving regional business development, recruiting, and overall team development. She brings scientific rigor to the projects on which she works, and with demonstrated expertise in writing and negotiation, she effectively communicates and collaborates with agencies and colleagues to successfully achieve her clients’ goals.

Ruta has 25 years of experience directing and managing projects involving new land development, urban redevelopment, institutional plans, and large-scale urban and regional plans and policies. She is known for strategically addressing complex technical and political issues for her clients, often serving as a skilled facilitator of public engagement programs. She is dedicated to advancing leadership and developing creative, sustainable solutions for environmental and long-range planning projects.

Ruta earned a Master of Art in Environmental Studies from Brown University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Economics from Lehigh University. She is a member of the California Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP), the American Planning Association (APA), and the Urban Land Institute (ULI), including participation in the ULI Leadership Council, and ESA’s Board of Directors.