Virginia Ruiz Albacete, a former offshore wind executive, joined the Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Commission in November, according to her city profile.
Her term runs through Oct. 31, 2029. The seven-member commission advises the City Council on parks, open space, golf and recreation.
Ruiz Albacete previously served as co-chief executive for the United Kingdom and Ireland at Copenhagen Offshore Partners. Her renewable energy career spans more than a decade and includes developing projects, planning commercial expansion and securing environmental approvals, according to the city.
The company announced her appointment alongside Holly Cartwright on March 18, 2025. They were appointed to oversee a 5-gigawatt offshore wind portfolio that included projects in Scotland, Ireland and England.
Ruiz Albacete moved from London to Palo Alto with her family. Her city biography describes frequent family visits to local parks and open spaces.
She serves on the board of GeoKids, her children’s preschool, and participates in local volunteering focused on families and the environment.
The city profile also lists previous board service with the Offshore Wind Industry Council and recognition through Santander’s Top 50 Women in Leadership in 2025. It identifies her as a member of the Women’s Engineering Society’s London Council and an ambassador for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
According to the commission’s webpage, its priorities include making recreation and parks more accessible and inclusive, protecting biodiversity and preparing for climate change. Julie Lythcott-Haims is the council liaison.
The commission’s regular meeting schedule is the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
