Protecting Public Employees

Senior Counsel

Jeff serves as Senior Counsel to PEER, where he specializes in civil service, scientific integrity, and whistleblower protection issues. Jeff was PEER’s Executive Director from 1997 to 2019 and its Pacific Director from 2019 to 2025. Previously, he was the Policy Director and a staff attorney at the Government Accountability Project, representing whistleblowers from both the public and private sectors. Before coming to DC, Jeff worked in California state government for 17 years, mostly in the State Legislature as counsel to various committees where he drafted hundreds of laws on topics ranging from energy conservation to the rights of employed inventors. Jeff served stints as a deputy district attorney and an appellate court clerk. He is a graduate of the California Correctional Officers Academy.

COMMENTARY | Scientific Integrity’s Central Conundrum

by Jeff Ruch | February 9, 2022
The issues with Dr. Lander's tenure in the White House are a symptom of a large problem with scientific integrity and research in federal government ...

COMMENTARY | Being Bold on National Park Staffing

by Hudson Kingston | January 20, 2022
The National Park Service is suffering from a staffing crisis, bold action is needed to address climate, conservation and maintenance goals ...

PEERMail | Un-Silencing National Park Service Voices

by PEER | November 15, 2021
Park Service employees deserve work environments that are respectful, inclusive, and safe. Their voices should be heard ...

Park Service Shelved Employee Harassment Review

by PEER |
Elaborate Employee Outreach Effort Completed in 2018 but Not Distributed ...

EPA Illegally Destroying Internal Records

by PEER | August 26, 2021
Assessments and Comments Routinely Overwritten, Obliterating Drafts ...

EPA Scientists Should be Able to Consult with Colleagues

by PEER | August 10, 2021
Bans on Internal Communication Undercut Scientific Quality and Integrity ...