Ruth Andresen named "woman of the year"

In recognition of Women's History Month, State Senator Anthony Canella has selected former Monterey County Board of Education Ruth Andresen as th 12th Senate District Woman of the Year.

“Ruth Andresen is a truly remarkable woman. From her service to our country during World War II to the almost half-century dedicated to the students of Monterey County, Ms. Andresen is more than deserving of the 12th District’s Woman of the Year,” Cannella said in a statement. “She has been a role-model to generations of Monterey County residents.”

Andresen served on the Monterey County Board of Education from 1963 to 2011, the longest serving member in the history of the county. I had the chance to profile her in December, when I was regaled to her sense of humor and other charms.

“I am pleased to hear Ruth Andresen has been bestowed this honor,” said Monterey County Board of Education President Byrl Smith. “Ruth’s impact on Monterey County is immeasurable. She remains a pillar of our community, and I am proud to have worked beside her.”

Andresen will be feted in May at a luncheon held by IMPOWER in Salinas. Formed in 2008 under the Salinas Chamber of Commerce Foundation, IMPOWER’s mission is to Inspire, Motivate, Prepare, and Organize Women to Engage and Reinvest.