NALEO Elects New President and Board Leadership

WASHINGTON, June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) announced the election of its new president, California State Senator Alex Padilla, officers and board members. The president and board leadership were elected at the organization's board of directors meeting on June 24 in Orlando, FL, following the group's 29th Annual Conference.

The NALEO Board of Directors unanimously elected California State Senator Alex Padilla to serve as president of the organization. Other board officers elected during the meeting include City of Aventura (FL) Commissioner Luz Urbaez-Weinberg as vice president; Gila (AZ) Regional Partnership Council member Fernando Shipley as treasurer; and Edinburg (TX) School Board Member Robert Pena as secretary.

"I am humbled and honored that my colleagues have chosen me to lead this organization during such an exciting and historic time for our community," said newly elected NALEO President Alex Padilla. "I thank President Sylvia Garcia for her tireless efforts on behalf of the organization. I look forward to working with her and the rest of our membership as the Latino community prepares to play a decisive role this November."

"I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to serve the members of our organization and the Latino community during my time in office," said outgoing President of NALEO Sylvia R. Garcia. "I look forward to continuing to work with the organization and Senator Padilla to help further our mission and empower the Latino community in this country."

The board also elected two new members during its meeting in Orlando. Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez, a member of the Board of Education of the Azusa Unified School District (CA), will serve a single three-year term on the NALEO Board of Directors. Trustee for the Village of Freeport (NY) Carmen Pineyro will also join the board for a three-year term.

About NALEO

The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials is the leadership organization of the nation's more than 6,000 Latino elected and appointed officials.

CONTACT: Amanda Bosquez, [email protected]
(202) 546-2536 ext. 12

SOURCE National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO)