Speakers 2025
Al Ruiz, Director, Chicago Park District, City of Chicago
Alman Ruiz is currently the Director of Information Technology for the Chicago Park District. He previously held positions as the Chief Network Architect with the City of Chicago, and as the Managing Deputy Director of the 911 Center for the Chicago Office of Emergency Management & Communications.
He defined and initiated the City of Chicago’s first private fiber optic network design which was the foundation for CivicNet. He also designed and implemented a GPS-tracking solution for City vehicles in 2001, some part of this technology is still being used today.
He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management and has more than 26 years of experience within the private and public sector network operations including data center operations, fiber optics, wireless communications, and video surveillance systems.
In his current role, as the Director of Information Technology for the Chicago Park District, he recently completed the deployment of free public Wi-Fi and cost-effective wireless network technology in 80 of 240 fieldhouses located within 8,900 acres of Chicago Park District property. He leads the charge in harnessing technology to transform and optimize park operations. With a strategic focus on advancing public safety and free public internet access, he oversees the implementation of cutting-edge technologies that enhance network bandwidth and availability across the city's expansive network of parks and recreational facilities.
Although he believes that traditional fiber optics has been a solid solution when deploying communications, wireless fiber has become a viable game changer that meets today’s challenges in an urban setting.