Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Jay Ruckelshaus is an experienced entrepreneur, policy expert, and thought leader, currently serving as the Co-Founder and Head of Partnerships & Policy at Gravity, a technology startup based in Indianapolis, Indiana. With a diverse background spanning the public, private, and non-profit sectors, Ruckelshaus brings a unique blend of strategic vision, policy acumen, and operational expertise to drive innovation and social impact.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Co-Founder and Head of Partnerships & Policy at Gravity, Ruckelshaus is responsible for leading the company's strategic partnerships, policy initiatives, and stakeholder engagement efforts. In this role, he leverages his deep understanding of the policy landscape and his extensive network to forge meaningful collaborations with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry partners. Ruckelshaus' contributions have been instrumental in shaping Gravity's product development, regulatory compliance, and market expansion strategies.
Career Progression
Prior to co-founding Gravity, Ruckelshaus held various roles that have honed his expertise in policy analysis, research, and stakeholder engagement. He served as a Policy Analyst at the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, where he contributed to the development of regional economic and workforce strategies. He also held research positions at the World Bank and the American Bar Foundation, where he contributed to policy-oriented research and analysis.
Ruckelshaus' entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his founding and leadership of Ramp Less Traveled, a social enterprise focused on improving accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. As the Founder and CEO, he has driven the organization's growth and impact, while also serving as a thought leader and columnist for Howey Politics Indiana.
Academic Background
Ruckelshaus holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Duke University and has completed postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, where he served as an Instructor.
Areas of Expertise
- Public policy and regulatory affairs
- Strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement
- Entrepreneurship and social enterprise development
- Accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities
- Qualitative and quantitative research methods
Professional Impact
Ruckelshaus has made significant contributions to the policy landscape and the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Indiana. He currently serves on the Board of Indiana Humanities, where he leverages his expertise to support initiatives that promote the humanities and civic engagement. Through his roles at Gravity, Ramp Less Traveled, and as a columnist, Ruckelshaus has demonstrated a strong commitment to driving innovation, fostering inclusive communities, and shaping public discourse on critical policy issues.
Conclusion
With his diverse background, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to social impact, Jay Ruckelshaus is poised to continue making meaningful contributions to the tech industry, the policy landscape, and the communities he serves. His strategic vision, collaborative approach, and proven track record of success make him a valuable asset to any organization or initiative focused on driving positive change.
