Ru Weerakoon was born and raised in Sri Lankahas. Moving to San José in 1985, Ru joined the San José Redevelopment Agency in 1989.

In her capacity as Director of Industrial Development, she managed economic development programs and redevelopment projects in five technology parks that house over 2,500 multinational companies employing over 80,000 people. Corporate retention and attraction efforts are a critical component of the Agency’s industrial work program.

The Industrial Development Division of the Redevelopment Agency was also tasked with initiating and facilitating strategic programs related to emerging technologies and ensuring the continued economic health of San José’s technology parks.

Ru served as the Agency’s representative in the preparation of the City’s Economic Development Strategy, the North San José Vision 2030 Area Development Policy Update and the Edenvale Area Development Policy. In addition to overseeing a $100 million capital improvement program over the past 15 years, Ru managed the City’s incubator program which includes a $20 million redevelopment investment in small business development.

Ru graduated from Holy Convent High School in Sri Lanka. She received both her B.S. and Masters degrees in Economics from San José State. Ru and her husband Richard Keit live in San José where they are raising their son, Ryan.