Advisory Committee
Suzanne has been interested in dance and movement since early childhood, studying ballet and other systems of movement most of her life. Currently, her passion for this art is expressed through GYROTONIC®, which she practices and teaches as a hobby. As a result of this passion, she has long been a patron of the dance arts. Following many years of attending Sacramento Ballet performances, Suzanne wanted to do more to support and connect with the organization. Because she earns a living as a transactional business and intellectual property lawyer, she thought she could offer the organization a relevant legal perspective through a position on the Board.
Having completed nine years as a board member, 3 of those years as co-president, Suzanne has stepped down from the board but has agreed to continue on the advisory committee. She is proud of the progress the organization has made and thrilled about its plans for a bright future. She feels privileged to have served among so many exceptionally talented and bright Board members who are dedicated to seeing the very gifted and studied dancers and staff succeed.
As the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer for Western Health Advantage, Rita Ruecker has provided financial and operational leadership since 1997. Rita’s insightful direction has led Western Health Advantage to grow substantially over the past 20-plus years.
Ms. Ruecker has over 30 years of experience in healthcare. Before Western Health Advantage, she worked in public accounting in the healthcare division servicing health plans, hospital systems and various healthcare companies.
Ms. Ruecker was honored as Sacramento’s CFO of the Year in 2011 by the Sacramento Business Journal. She is proud to continue on the advisory committee after having served on the board of Sacramento Ballet in many capacities. She is an avid supporter of Sacramento Ballet and continues to see as many performances as she can.
Ms. Ruecker is a Certified Public Accountant and has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.