Ruth Shikada is an experienced public sector leader currently serving as the Head of Government & External Affairs for the Bay Area Host Committee since January 2024. Previously, Ruth held the position of Assistant City Manager for the City of Santa Clara from April 2012 to January 2024 and served as Asset Development Manager for the County of Santa Clara from October 2010 to April 2012. Ruth's earlier roles include Economic Development for the City of Mountain View, Director of Transportation & Strategic Planning, and Director of Transactions at the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, where significant mixed-use developments were managed. Ruth began their career at the City of Long Beach as Bureau Manager of Property Services, focusing on public/private development projects and collaboration with educational institutions. Ruth earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from UC Irvine.