Ruthi Critton is a fifth-generation Eatonville native. A proud descendant of town founder Joseph Clark, Ruthi’s family has established generational roots in the Town of Eatonville, Florida. As a child, Ruthi participated in many town programs and initiatives, including EKO, AGAPE, and Career Choices. She worshiped at Eatonville’s Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, where her father served as an associate minister for many years. She attended Lake Sybelia Elementary School, Maitland Middle School, and Edgewater High School. After graduating, she attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida, where she studied philosophy, religion, and criminal justice. She then moved back to her hometown and soon became involved in the community. Ruthi spent a considerable part of her post-academic career working in financial services, legal, and real estate. She currently serves on the Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors and as treasurer for the nonprofit eSTEAMED Learning, Inc.

Ruthi’s passionate desire to see Eatonville thrive fuels her commitment to her community. She is committed to advocating for all community voices and to building relationships that bring resources and programs to meet community needs—the foundation of her service. Equally paramount to her call to service is highlighting history and heritage to encourage unity across differences and to collectively envision Eatonville’s future. With a strong sense of gratitude, Ruthi believes in educating and motivating the younger generation to be civically active to ensure the longevity of Eatonville. She believes that investing now will yield returns that benefit the Town.