About Rachael Ruelas
Biography
Rachael Ruelas (she/her) is a Senior Portfolio Energy and Sustainability Manager for JLL supporting the Work Dynamics healthcare vertical. Rachael is dedicated to a non-profit regional healthcare system that includes over 440 sites and serves more than one hundred communities. In this role she works with the client to develop and implement energy and sustainability strategies, plan and execute projects, drive operation efficiency, manage data, and measure and report on energy consumption. She works closely with cross-functional teams that include client partners, vendors, and third-party service providers.
In her prior role as Manager of Energy and Sustainability at PetSmart she procured energy supply, orchestrated efficiency projects, managed the utility budget, and kept the lights on and registers ringing at over 1650 retail stores. Rachael was well schooled in the unique needs of a large multi-site retailer. Two of her larger initiatives included championing LED lighting retrofits and directing an extensive Energy Management System upgrade. Rachael was responsible for a successful energy procurement program and her prudent decisions saved millions of dollars in utility spend annually.
Acknowledged for her optimism and teamwork, Rachael is a strong communicator who develops positive relationships across teams and with vendor partners. She builds community and a shared sense of purpose by treating business partners with respect and setting clear expectations for mutual success.
Rachael holds an AA in Humanities from Columbus State Community College and a BS in Communication with a minor in Sustainability from Arizona State University. While she is very grateful to be done with classes, she is a lifelong learner and will never stop being curious and seeking new knowledge. Rachael loves to explore, and she can’t wait to visit all the countries on her global bucket list. Rachael is an avid knitter, a voracious reader, and the proud steward of a Little Free Library. She lives in Phoenix, AZ with her spouse Jacob, their child Bee, and two cats Nacho & Steven, who (because they're cats) believe they own the place.
Skill summary
Purposeful energy and sustainability professional with expertise in risk management, long-term vision, and strategic thinking. Naturally curious, continuously seeking to understand the drivers behind new data. Skilled in planning and systems thinking. Talent for public speaking and writing and thrives in environments where communication is critical. Fluent in the language of the energy industry, while able to translate complicated concepts into easy-to-understand decision points to share with business partners and leaders. Emotionally intelligent, culturally competent, and adept at teambuilding and cross-functional collaboration. Demonstrated history of strategic sourcing, skilled negotiation, and decisive action. Proficient in data analysis, with practical experience and academic knowledge of net zero, renewable energy, carbon markets, and conduction of materiality assessments. Experienced in energy auditing, water analysis, waste management analysis, and environmental regulations.
Professional Goals
I strive to create a meaningful and enduring change in the way businesses approach sustainability. My goal is to leverage my skills and experience to help organizations save money and decrease energy consumption while making a positive, meaningful impact on climate, water usage, and waste reduction. I aim to educate and inspire my colleagues, highlighting that sustainability is a critical tool for effectively managing expense and mitigating risk. Strong sustainability programs allow good organizations to recruit top talent and increase overall brand value. Careful resource management and stewardship drive financial results.