First Things First, Yuma Regional Office

Rudy J. Ortiz, M.A., CPM
Rudy has over 25 years of experience in education and early childhood leadership. Rudy has his Masters in the Art of Teaching/Early Childhood Education and holds a Credential in Certified Public Management from Arizona State University. Once a preschool teacher, he was the first preschool teacher to receive the honor of Teacher of the Year for the entire San Diego Unified School District. Recently, he was named Arizona's Western College's Teacher of the Year.  He’s currently the First Things First Yuma Regional Director and Adjunct Faculty at Arizona Western College. Rudy serves on numerous committees including the Yuma Education Advocacy Council. He is passionately committed to supporting, enhancing and ensuring the early childhood system is a top priority in Yuma County.