Meet Dave
Dave Ruff is the CEO and Chair of the Board for Coffman Engineers. In this role, Dave leads all facets of the company and has helped drive Coffman’s significant yet strategic growth during the last few years. Dave has decades of engineering experience and a true passion for leadership. He is committed to high functioning teamwork so each team member can thrive and bring their best to the service of our clients. Dave encourages all of Coffman’s managers to embrace a servant leadership philosophy and a holistic approach to peoples’ success. Even with the significant operational responsibilities that come with leading the company, Dave stays grounded on the engineering side by continuing to advise clients and project managers and strategize for project pursuits.
Starting with Coffman in 1995 as an entry level engineer, Dave grew through the ranks into a project manager, department manager, principal mechanical engineer, Spokane office General Manager, President, and now CEO and Chair of the Board.
As a mechanical engineer, Dave focused on large capital projects for hydroelectric dams, aluminum rolling mills, cement plants, and natural gas distribution. Much of his experience involved custom equipment and facilities that are one-of-a-kind designs, including equipment for fish passage projects, material handling, metals processing, and nuclear waste remediation.
Outside of Coffman, Dave enjoys downhill skiing in the winter and motorcycle touring and adventure riding as soon as the snow clears.