Senior Advisor

Ruth Martinez Baenen brings over 30 years of experience in local government and economic development, specializing in crafting innovative programs that drive economic vitality and community growth. As a Senior Advisor at HdL Companies, she collaborates with municipalities and private developers to deliver strategic plans, market analyses, and fiscal studies that align with local economic goals. Ruth's expertise includes business retention and attraction, revenue optimization, and fostering collaborative relationships with key stakeholders. She has successfully designed and implemented multi-faceted economic development programs and navigated complex entitlement processes for high-profile projects, including Erewhon, Rusnak Automotive Group, and Volkswagen Pasadena.

Before joining HdL, Ruth served as the Economic Development Manager for the City of Pasadena, where she led transformative initiatives the successful development of auto dealership sites and high-impact marketing campaigns. Ruth is also a dedicated community leader, volunteering as Vice President of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, where she manages large-scale events, budgets, and thousands of attendees. She holds a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Biola University.