David R. Ruth, Jr. is a 5th generation Deadwood resident currently serving his first term as mayor for the City of Deadwood. Dave has been engaged with community service for many years serving as City Commission since 2014. Dave also was a member of the Historic Preservation Commission from 1999 to 2001. In 2002, Dave was the Executive Director of the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.
Dave is a past Potentate of NAJA Shriners, past Master of Deadwood Golden Star Lodge #7, former Chairman of Deadwood Jam and currently is an Officer of Deadwood Elks #508.
After graduating from the Lead-Deadwood High School, Dave enlisted in the United States Army serving as Korean Language Intelligence Analysts for 3 years. He and his wife, Kerry, have two sons, Tanner and Jachin.