Safety and Health Specialist, Kansas Dept. of Transportation
Garden City, Kansas

Mr. Cruz is a safety and health specialist for the Kansas Department of Transportation. He served on the Garden City Commission from 1995–2003. In two elections he received more votes than any other candidate, a distinction that resulted in his twice being selected by his commission colleagues to serve as mayor. Mr. Cruz is presently active on the board of several organizations, including the Kansas Children’s Cabinet, the Kansas Historical Society, the Kansas Alliance for Education, the American Red Cross and the Commerce Bank Hispanic Advisory Board. He previously served on the boards of the March of Dimes, Finney County United Way, Garden City Chamber of Commerce and St. Catherine Hospital. Mr. Cruz participated in the 2001 National Hispanic Leadership Summit. In 1995, the Garden City chamber presented him with its Award of Merit in recognition of his distinguished service to both the business community and the community at large. In 2002, Mr. Cruz was one of 12 Sears employees selected for the company’s National Community Hero Award. And in 2003, he was inducted into the Garden City High School Hall of Fame.