Our Team

Joy M. Ruff, AICP
Executive Director
Joy has more than 23 years of experience in municipal planning, community development, and public involvement that spans public, private, and non-profit sectors. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a M.A. in Communication Studies from California University of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and has led planning and community engagement efforts across Pennsylvania focusing on issues of importance to local governments.
Conner Plunkett
Program Manager
Christian is a graduate from Duquesne University with a degree in Digital Media Arts. He has joined Local Government Academy as Community Projects Assistant focusing on brand cohesiveness and social media marketing. This position is an inter-organizational partnership with Local Government Academy and Allegheny League of Municipalities (ALOM) developed to heighten organizational awareness and provide on-the-ground support to municipalities across the region. Working together, the Academy and ALOM seek to enhance resources to municipal stakeholders to promote our common goal of good governance in Southwestern Pennsylvania. In his free time, Christian can be found attending concerts or walking at the local park.
Christian LeClaire
Community Projects Assistant
Christian is a graduate from Duquesne University with a degree in Digital Media Arts. He has joined Local Government Academy as Community Projects Assistant focusing on brand cohesiveness and social media marketing. This position is an inter-organizational partnership with Local Government Academy and Allegheny League of Municipalities (ALOM) developed to heighten organizational awareness and provide on-the-ground support to municipalities across the region. Working together, the Academy and ALOM seek to enhance resources to municipal stakeholders to promote our common goal of good governance in Southwestern Pennsylvania. In his free time, Christian can be found attending concerts or walking at the local park.
Olivia Policicchio
Program Coordinator
Olivia is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned a degree in Public Policy. She has joined the Local Government Academy as a Program Coordinator. With previous experience in AmeriCorps, Olivia is dedicated to making a positive impact in her community. In her new role, she will organize and facilitate programs such as the Municipal Intern Program and the Newly Elected Officials course. In her spare time, Olivia loves exploring the outdoors and enjoying ice cream.
Faith Turamye
Customer Relationship Management Software Intern
Faith Turamye, an international student from Rwanda, is pursuing dual degrees in Management Information Systems and Management, with a minor in Marketing, at La Roche University. Currently, she is interning with Local Government Academy, where she focuses on building and optimizing a constituent database to enhance organizational efficiency. Faith is mapping out and implementing a plan to make the transferred data from a previous CRM system fully usable, collaborating with staff to meet the organization's needs.