Mariela Ruiz-Angel brings her experience from both the mental and behavioral health industry and local government to the role of Director of the Albuquerque Community Safety Department. Ruiz-Angel has an extensive background in social work, program development, and corporate customer relations and management.

Ruiz-Angel’s has served two Albuquerque Mayors in multiple start up programs including AmeriCorps and youth workforce development. She spent 5 years creating and managing the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs before becoming the founding Director of the Community Safety Department in June 2020. In her new role leading the third branch of public safety, Ruiz-Angel is working to ensure that the department follows through with its mission of advocating and promoting a citywide culture that values the voices of all residents.

Ruiz-Angel holds a Master of Social Work in Leadership and Administration, and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources from New Mexico Highlands University.