Carla J Ruff – Vice Chair

Carla J Ruff was appointed the Director of the National Veterans Golden Age Games in July 2013.

The National Veterans Golden Age Games (NVGAG) provides Veterans opportunities to engage in rehabilitative sport and recreation opportunities.  It serves Veterans ages 55 years and older who are eligible for care in the VA Health Care System.  Participants learn to use the therapeutic value of sports, fitness and recreation through an active, healthy lifestyle by competing in sporting competitions. By participating in NVGAG, Veterans reach their full potential, improve their independence, achieve a healthier lifestyle and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Before her appointment, Ms. Ruff was the Deputy Director of Recreation Therapy Service.at the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Her responsibilities included the development of plans, policies, and procedures for recreation and creative arts therapist processes that effected VHA-wide programs.  She provided guidance and national training activities to VA therapists throughout VHA to ensure successful programs were in place at the facility level.

Ms. Ruff has worked in the field of recreational therapy for over 40 years. She began her career as a Recreation Therapist., since that time she has worked in the community and VA facilities in various capacities i.e., Recreation Therapist, Chief Recreation Therapy working with the following populations: geriatrics, oncology, mental health, and spinal cord injury.

Ms. Ruff is a graduate of New York University and holds a Degree in Therapeutic Recreation and is certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

Ms Ruff is a certified master level USA Track and Field official for youth, high school, college and Paralympic sports.   She is active in community activities and serves in various leadership capacities such National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification Board of Directors (2014 -2017, American Therapeutic Recreation Association Life Member Board of Director (2005 – 2008), Blacks in Government Life Member and Past President, Maryland Officials Club (2010 – 2012).