Mr. Nieves-Ruiz became recognized as a fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners in 2022, an honor reserved for about two percent of planners with at least 15 years of industry experience
ORLANDO, FL, January 10, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Luis Nieves-Ruiz has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Nieves-Ruiz has established himself as a prominent figure in economic development and planning. Currently serving as the director of economic development at the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (ECFRPC) since 2013, he has been instrumental in providing technical assistance to local government organizations across eight counties in Florida. Mr. Nieves-Ruiz's expertise encompasses economic data analysis, economic modeling, and leading brownfield grants to facilitate environmental assessments. Additionally, he plays a pivotal role in the help and assistance planning program, focusing on using food production as a means of economic development.
In addition to his responsibilities with the council, Mr. Nieves-Ruiz has been an instructor at the University of Central Florida in the school of public administration since 2019, where he teaches Community and Economic Development. Before joining the ECFRPC, he honed his skills and expertise as a principal planner and senior planner in the research and economic development division with the Orange County Government from 2006 to 2013. Previously, Mr. Nieves-Ruiz contributed his planning acumen to the Martin County Board of County Commissioners as a senior associate and associate planner between 2004 and 2006. His career in urban planning was initiated with his position as a neighborhood planner for the City of Harlingen in 2003.
Known for his consistency and dedication to making a difference, Mr. Nieves-Ruiz has spent over a decade mentoring children and providing job coaching and training for underserved individuals in Orlando. He has also engaged in an abundance of community work as a member of the food systems finance advisory council for the Council of Development Finance Agencies since 2019, and as a member of the citizens review panel for human services for the Orange County Government since 2019. Furthermore, Mr. Nieves-Ruiz is lauded for his contributions as a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, the Florida Brownfields Association, and the Urban Land Institute. He looks forward to continuing his positive impact on the community, leveraging his social capital to empower others to make meaningful contributions to society.
The foundation for Mr. Nieves-Ruiz's success can be traced back to his academic pursuits. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in general education from the Universidad de Puerto Rico in 2000 and a Master of Regional Planning from Cornell University in 2002. He also received credentials as a certified planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Building upon his professional achievements, Mr. Nieves-Ruiz became recognized as a fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners in 2022, an honor reserved for about two percent of planners with at least 15 years of industry experience. He is also an active member of the American Planning Association.
Mr. Nieves-Ruiz attributes his success to a strong sense of purpose instilled by his family's values and lessons learned throughout life. Recognizing these achievements, he was awarded several professional and civic accolades, namely a Professional of the Year Don Quijote Award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and Prospera in 2022, a Big Brother of the Year Award from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida in 2018, several Innovation Awards from the National Association of Development Organizations, two different honors from Toastmasters International between 2012 and 2016, and a Jefferson Award for Public Service from the Orange County Board of County Commissioners in 2007. Apart from these recognitions, Mr. Nieves-Ruiz was part of the inaugural cohort of the Urban Land Institute's Health Leaders Network Program in 2017 and was recognized as part of the 2012 Next American Vanguard Class by Next American City.
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