Edgar Ruiz

Edgar Ruiz is Director of The Council of State Governments West (CSG West), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization serving legislators and legislative staff from 13 western states, three Pacific territories, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. He carries out the organization’s strategic vision and oversees the programs, services, and leadership training that give lawmakers a trusted forum to exchange information, identify solutions, and build skills.

Under Edgar’s leadership, CSG West has broadened its policy work and deepened legislative engagement across the region. He has advanced signature initiatives, led international delegations, and launched projects that connect lawmakers with one another and with key experts. He directs a dedicated team that delivers policy forums, leadership development, and regional committee exchanges on a wide range of issues, including agriculture and water, energy, health, housing, technology, wildfire and disaster preparedness, workforce development, and Colorado and Columbia River basin governance.

Edgar joined CSG West in 2002, directing its U.S.–Mexico cross-border legislative programs and serving as Deputy Director before becoming Director in 2011. He has more than 30 years of public and nonprofit experience and deep insight into local, regional, national, and international policy. His earlier roles include legislative staff in the California State Legislature, Management Analyst for the City of Lake Forest, California, and the San Diego County Probation Department.

Edgar holds a Juris Doctor from Lincoln Law School of Sacramento, and a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from San Diego State University.