BARBOUR COUNTY, W.Va. — Eric Ruf, CEO of Barbour Community Health Association has been appointed as President of the West Virginia Primary Care Association, a private, non-profit membership association that represents safety-net health care providers. He is succeeding John Schultz, CEO of New River Health Association.

When asked about his new role, Ruf said, “I’m very honored to be serving in this role for the next 2 years. Community health centers serve 1 in 4 West Virginians across the state and provide a full range of health services to all ages from all walks of life. Working closely with my peers, we wish to continue growing and spreading the message that everyone deserves quality health care in our home communities so that our friends and families can live long, productive lives.”

Prior to his current employment at Barbour Community Health Association, Ruf worked at Alderson-Broaddus College, where he served as director of admissions and director of alumni relations for fourteen years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Alderson-Broaddus College and a Master of Arts degree in educational leadership studies from West Virginia University.

Professionally, he is a member of the following organizations: National Assembly on School Based Health, National Association of Community Health Centers, Barbour Healthy Communities Collaborative, North Central WV Community Health Collaborative, and serves on the board of directors of the West Virginia Primary Care Association.

Locally, Ruf is involved in many community organizations. He is a member of the Barbour County Chamber of Commerce and serves as secretary/treasurer of the Mountain Living Community Board and recently joined the Board of Directors for the Tygart Valley United Way. He is an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church, where he serves as choir director and the Philip Barbour High School band boosters. He is a member of the Belington Masonic Lodge AF & AM #125, Philippi Chapter #41 Order of the Eastern Star, and the Sons of the American Revolution. 

In his spare time, Ruf enjoys singing and performing locally with his family. He and his wife, Jana, reside in Belington, and have one daughter, Anna, who attends Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, WVa.