Key Staff

Jeff Ruster - Deputy Director, Office of Economic Development /Executive Director, work2future Program

Jeff's Professional Biography: Jeff is responsible for the oversight and management of work2future Jeff works closely with local governments, communities and businesses that impact economic development in Silicon Valley. Jeff relocated to San Jose from Alexandria, Virginia, where he worked at the World Bank in Washington DC. As the Lead Community Finance Specialist, he provided policy, management, and financial advisory services to government and private sector counterparts regarding economic development, housing, urban and private infrastructure initiatives. Jeff also completed a two-year assignment with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he supervised a $5.5B portfolio of loan and grant programs, supporting economic development and housing in low-income urban and rural communities, including the Colonias along the U.S.- Mexico border. Prior to joining the World Bank, Jeff directed the Project Finance Division of the Banco Nacional De Mexico in Mexico City for four years. During that time, he helped found the Mexican Association for Community Development. A native of San Jose, Jeff is proud to contribute both locally and statewide on workforce policy. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance Management from UCLA. He is fluent in written and spoken Spanish. To Top

Chris Donnelly - Assistant Director, work2future Program

To City of San Jose Office of Economic Development   Assistant Director - San Jose/ work2future :   Responsible for the overall management and operations of the San Jose/Silicon Valley  work2future.   Implement and oversee policies set by the Workforce  Investment Board and the Director of Office of Economic Development to align with the  organization?s vision, goals and objectives. City of San Jose Office of Economic Development   Senior Development Officer/Operations Manager San Jose/Silicon Valley  work2future :  Responsible for negotiation of WIA intensive service provider contracts and WIA  performance measurements and outcomes. Developed and maintained working  partnerships with mandated One Stop Partners as well as coordination between One  Stop facilities in the cities of San Jose, Campbell and Gilroy.  Acted as staff liaison to WIB  Operations Committee and Youth Council. To Top

Angela Cipperly - Operations Manager

Before joining work2future , Angela was a Branch Manager with StarMed Medical Staffing Group, a High Tech Recruiter with Master Team Staffing, Placement Director for Computer Training Academy, Marketing Communication Coordinator with Syva Diagnostics and a Research Medical Technologist With Syntex Pharmaceuticals Inc. Angela has been with the City of San Jose for 4 years, working for OED/ work2future . She started as the Business Outreach Analyst, and then as acting Operations Manager. Currently she is the work2future One Stop Manager for all three locations. Angela can be reached at (408) 277-3035 To Top

Ray McDonald - Special Projects Manager

Ray is responsible for integration of partners & services within the four (San Jose, Campbell, Morgan Hill & Gilroy) One-Stops. His other responsibilities include grants, special projects development, and coordination of research studies related to targeted industry sectors. Ray has over twenty years of experience in the Workforce System and has managed workforce operations at various levels, including statewide responsibilities with the State Administrative Entity. As Program Manager for work2future Rapid Response, his team has received regional, state, and national recognition. Ray is instrumental for the development of numerous projects that have been replicated by others throughout the State. Finally, he has a history of developing professional staff in preparation for management positions. Ray is a graduate of Boston University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with numerous credentials and professional certificates in Workforce, Management, and Community Development. Ray is active in his local community and serves on various community and civic advisory groups. In addition, he is a member of the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury, which provides citizen oversight of county government.   Ray can be reached at (408) 277-3103 To Top

Betty J. Sims - Business Services Manager

For the last 27 years BJ has been with the State of California in the Employment Development Department working in a variety of programs and positions.  She has worked extensively in Unemployment Insurance programs, Work Incentive program for clients on welfare, Employment Services for the job seekers and Employer Service Representative assisting the business community with employment needs. BJ was involved in the pilot Target Jobs for Tax Credit Program, worked with General Motors and Ford Plant Closures and monitored JTPA training performance contracts for Displaced Ford workers. B.J. has been working with work2future for two years promoting the OED/ work2future services to businesses. BJ can be reached at (408) 277-3159 To Top

Joy Salandanan - Sr. Accountant / Finance  Manager

Joy comes to work2future with over 10 years of accounting and auditing experience. Prior to becoming the Senior Accountant with work2future Joy had served as work2future 's Accountant II. Joy also worked with the City of San Jose's Treasury Department/Administrative Citation Section. Prior to working with the City of San Jose, Joy was a Senior Accountant for the Alum Rock Union School District and an Accounting Manager for KTEH TV Foundation. Joy can be reached at (408) 277-3135 To Top

Suzanne Wolf - Youth Services Manager

Suzanne develops workforce readiness and occupational training programs for at-risk youth ages 14-21. Her efforts have linked youth to high-wage, high-growth industries that result in sustainable employment. Suzanne previously served as the Community Services Supervisor managing after school programs for the City of San José, California. She managed and consulted regularly with the key administrators, principals, and teachers from the nineteen school districts in San Jose. Suzanne has also served as the project manager in developing a comprehensive twenty-year Strategic Plan for parks, community facilities and programs for the City of San José. She was a team member in the development of Measure P, a $227 million dollar voter approved bond measure to improve parks and community facilities. She has researched family and child issues and assisted community efforts in the state of Washington prior to her work in San Jose. Suzanne’s undergraduate degree is from the University of California at Berkeley and her Master’s degree in Public Administration in Urban Affairs is from the University of Washington. Suzanne can be reached at (408) 277-3157 To Top