David Ruller was hired as Kent’s City Manager in 2005 after 16 years in city government with Alexandria, Virginia and Kingsport, Tennessee. David believes local governments have an obligation to operate with the competitive efficiency of a business. He copies, adapts and applies from the business world and continuously strives for excellence and innovation in city services. City governments serve and lead through well executed strategies that build momentum, pushing a community towards prosperity.
David is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Hobart College and holds a master’s degree in administration from Alfred University. He graduated from the University of Virginia's Senior Executive Institute.
David has 5 years of experience in Malcolm Baldrige Quality Assessment training and has been a featured speaker at national and international conferences on the deployment of quality practices in public sector organizations.
David has been honored by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, the City of Alexandria and Kingsport for leadership excellence. He is a former chapter president for the American Public Works Association (APWA) and a member of Rotary International.