Employee Spotlight: Q&A with our new Director of Operations Megan Hunter Ruf

We’re thrilled to introduce the newest member of the Princeton Hydro team: Megan Hunter Ruf, Director of Operations!

We connected with Megan to talk about her new role, discuss her visions for the future, and learn more about who she is and what inspires her.

Q: What aspect of your new position excites you most?
A: Working with and getting to know all of the staff and the amazing projects that they are working on and strategic planning is what I am most excited about. Developing operational efficiencies to support growth will allow our staff to take on more projects and therefore continue to improve our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities, which is at the heart of the company’s vision.

Q: What makes Princeton Hydro different from other places you’ve worked?
A: Many companies talk about their vision and how they want to effect change but it takes true commitment from all staff to live by it. From internal company policies to external company wide work, Princeton Hydro lives this vision. We are passionate about our commitment to sustainability and stewardship; justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion; climate change and resilience; and health and safety.

Q: What’s on your wish list for the next year as Director of Operations?
A: I am excited to support the transition to the new headquarters in Trenton. This is a great opportunity for the company to increase its regional impact, be more centrally located, commit to bringing more jobs to Trenton, and work with local companies, nonprofits, and stakeholders in Trenton. This is also a great opportunity for us to practice our vision of sustainability by locating our offices at the historic Roebling Carpentry Shop.

Q: Describe a new strategy you’re excited to implement for Princeton Hydro.
A: I’m excited to work with each Practice Area to streamline their operations and improve efficiency. Creating project-based tracking systems for each department and managing project-based calendars that can flow between departments will allow staff to collaborate on work and share staff effectively.

Q: Before coming to Princeton Hydro, what are a few of your career path highlights?
A: I really enjoyed my time at the nonprofit Isles where I managed a host of environmental programs including brownfields job training; assessing low-income housing conditions and their impact on children’s health; lead safe housing policy reform; asthma education; green school; and community gardening. While I was there, I received the Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award for my work in public service.

Q: If you could give one piece of career advice, what would it be?
A: Never give up the opportunity to learn something new. No matter what stage of your career, there is always an opportunity to learn. Learning allows you to gain skills, become flexible in ever changing environments, think critically, offer new ways to relate to people, and spark new and creative ways to develop innovative solutions to problems.

Q: What gets you out of bed every morning?
A: The smell of fresh brewed coffee.

Q: What’s the #1 thing on your personal bucket list?
A: Visit Machu Picchu with my family.

Q: What’s your favorite way to get outside to enjoy nature?
A: Living in Lambertville, I have access to a host of outdoor opportunities that range from biking the D&R Canal Towpath, kayaking and fishing on the Delaware River, and hiking. My favorite way to get outside is to trail run or hike on local trails at Baldpate Mountain or Goat Hill Overlook.

Q: Which of Princeton Hydro’s initiatives are you most excited about?
A: I am most excited about the Sustainability and Stewardship initiative. Our move to Trenton’s historic Roebling building is a great example of our commitment to sustainability.

Q: What is one non-work-related fun fact everyone should know about you?
A: I had the opportunity to live with the Masi Tribe in Kenya.

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