THE UNITY COUNCIL SELECTS NEW CEO
CHRIS IGLESIAS
Twenty-Five Year Public Service Veteran Joins Premier Community Development Organization
( OAKLAND , Calif. - October 22, 2012) THE UNITY COUNCIL, a national model for the non-profit community development sector, announced the selection of Chris Iglesias as Unity Council's Chief Executive Officer beginning in 2013. Mr. Iglesias' selection comes as a result of a 2-year CEO succession plan launched in 2010. Chris brings nearly 25 years of relevant experience to his new role having previously served as Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission as well as the Director of Regional Workforce Initiatives at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Mr. Iglesias will succeed Gilda Gonzales , the Unity Council's current CEO, who has served since 2004.
"We welcome Chris's experience and leadership to the Unity Council community," said Rosy Davalos, Unity Council's Board Chair. "In his new role as CEO, he will be responsible for delivering against our updated 2013 Strategic Plan, strengthening our fundraising efforts, and furthering our mission. His results-oriented approach and keen strategic thinking will play a pivotal role in extending our track record of community service."
"I am proud of the many accomplishments achieved by the Unity Council during my eight year tenure. The organization has grown and is now better prepared to continue delivering high quality and much needed services to our community. I celebrate the appointment of Chris Iglesias as the new CEO. He brings the right combination of leadership, vision and heart to our work," said Gilda Gonzales .
Mr. Iglesias started his career in 1988 with Technical Data Corporation, a small Bay Area based consulting firm, and moved to the public sector in 1990 as a staff level contract compliance officer with the City of Oakland . In 1993 he moved to the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency until he was asked to lead CityBuild by then Mayor Gavin Newsome. He was selected as the Executive Director of the City's Human Rights Commission (HRC) in November 2007. Currently, Mr. Iglesias is serving as the Director of Regional Workforce Initiatives at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.
Ms. Gonzales will continue serving as CEO through the remainder of the year. Mr. Iglesias will assume full time CEO duties on January 2, 2013 and is looking forward to continuing to build and enhance strong relationships with supporters, stakeholders, constituents, and community partners.
"I want to thank the Board of Directors of the Unity Council for their trust in me to lead the Unity Council as its next CEO," said Chris Iglesias. "I want to thank Gilda Gonzales for her leadership and amazing work at the Council over the past eight years and wish her continued success in her next endeavor."
"I am thrilled to hear that the Board of Directors of the Unity Council has selected Chris Iglesias to become their next CEO. Chris was an impact player within my administration and was able to help us launch CityBuild and the CityBuild Academy . I expect Chris to continue his good work to serve the Unity Council and the residents and businesses of Oakland ," said Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom.
About Unity Council
The Unity Council is a non-profit community development corporation committed to enriching the quality of life of families primarily in the Fruitvale District of Oakland. Founded in 1964 as a means to bring together Latinos and create a powerful and cohesive voice, the Unity Council's mission is to help families and individuals build wealth and assets through comprehensive programs of sustainable economic, social and neighborhood development.
Visit www.unitycouncil.org for more information.
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