Mr. Ruple joined USDG in June 2014 and became Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2017. Mr. Ruple is responsible for all operations and project development activities in support of USDG’s commercial development vision, mission and tactical growth strategies. Previously, he served as Vice President, Project Development. Prior to joining USDG, Mr. Ruple held various executive management positions in the commercial and industrial construction industry, with engineering and environmental consultancies, as well as with the BNSF Railway. Throughout his professional career, he has acquired vast practical leadership experience and holds many management and technical certifications. Mr. Ruple received a BS in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Utah and is an active member of both professional and public community organizations.