Last Day, First Day

Sonora, CA – It is a bitter sweet day at Sierra Senior Providers Center. There is a changing of the guard. Mike Ruggles has directed the center for the past four years as CEO of the Sierra Senior Providers, but retired today.

Ruggles says he is most proud of, “Putting together a wonderful team that really is dedicated to helping all of our seniors in Tuolumne County. So I walk away feeling humbled by the whole experience, but also everybody has touched my heart and I think that helps too.”

Ruggles is turning the reins over to a Sonora native, Leon Casas. He was parish administrator for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church until he was laid off in 2012.

New Sierra Senior Providers CEO Leon Casas says he plans to, “continue to create community awareness to of all the services and programs that are offered at the Senior Center. Enhance and expand all of the services and activities here, drawing more people to the center. Also, we want to provide opportunities for people to come and participate and utilize the facility.”

Ruggles is moving north to Grass Valley, California in mid-May.