September 23, 2026—Southern Oregon Climate Action Now is delighted to announce that Dan Ruby will be joining our team as Executive Director, beginning October 1, 2026. Dan brings a deep understanding of climate and environmental issues, Southern Oregon and non-profits throughout the region. Southern Oregonians may recall Dan from his days as CEO of ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum in Ashland and his 2024 candidacy to represent Oregonians in Congressional District 2. Before relocating to Southern Oregon, Dan was Executive Director at the Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center, at the University of Nevada, Reno. In 2020, Dan founded Ruby Strategies, where he served as Principal Consultant advising non-profits on fundraising and community engagement. During the intervening years Dan has served as consultant to Firebrand Resiliency Collective and Geos Institute, Senior Director at Rogue Community Health, and Executive Director of the Rogue Community College Foundation. Dan earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media/Communications and an M.S. in Secondary Education, both from the University of Nevada, Reno. After Dan accepted the Board’s offer, SOCAN Board President, Hogan Sherrow said, “We are excited to welcome Dan to the SOCAN team. His experience in non-profits and his understanding of, and commitment to climate action throughout Oregon, and around the world will help move us into a new chapter as an organization.”

Meanwhile, in accepting the Offer, Ruby said: “I’m thrilled to be joining SOCAN. It brings together so much of what I care about—science, education, community, and turning good ideas into action for Southern Oregon and beyond.”