Ruth Hoffman

Treasurer

Specialty Seals and Accessories
Chief Executive Officer

   Ruth Hoffman, born in Key West, Florida, was one of 10 children of Comdr. Robert and Ruth May.  Ruth graduated from San Diego High School in 1967 and San Diego State University with a BA Business Degree in 1972.  After working as Office Manager for Trevellyn Oldsmobile for 13 years, Ruth retired to start her own mail-order business.  The Cat House, which Ruth sold in 1987, provided a 64-page catalog on Sailboat parts related to the sport of multi-hull sailboat racing.  In partnership with her husband, Ruth started Specialty Seals & Accessories, Inc., in 1985; RAM Industrial Supply in 1994; and Company Ninety-eight, a fine art publishing company, in 1998. 

Ruth has been a collector of fine art for 30 years. In 1991, she discovered the San Diego Art Institute while treating out-of-town guests to the beauty of San Diego’s Balboa Park. As an avid collector and promoter of art, she became involved with SDAI as a patron.  In 1996 Ruth was involved with the capital campaign and joined the Advisory Board.  She is currently Treasurer of the SDAI Board.