The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) announces the appointment of Luis Maldonado to its new position of Chief Advocacy Officer (CAO), effective February 28, 2014. He brings nearly 20 years of combined experience in government relations and advocacy efforts both in the non-profit and corporate sector.
Maldonado's career background includes serving in a legislative affairs capacity on behalf of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in a former position with HACU in 2002-05.
He has also held senior advocacy positions with the Council on Foundations and the American Diabetes Association. His government relations experience includes serving with TOSCO Corp. and Laureate Education. Maldonado’s experience in policy includes service at The George Washington University Medical Center and in the Washington, D.C., office of the governor of Puerto Rico.
“One of HACU’s top priorities has been to find an individual for our Washington D.C. office to continue and deepen our Congressional and Federal relations efforts,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “We are thrilled to appoint someone who is already well-versed in HACU’s mission and has the experience necessary to represent the association as part of our government relations team. I am delighted to welcome Luis Maldonado back as HACU’s Chief Advocacy Officer,” said Flores.
Maldonado will aid the President and CEO of HACU in directing and coordinating activities that advance the mission of the association and will be the senior official responsible for HACU’s Washington, D.C., office.
The CAO will have a significant role in addressing, developing and evaluating legislation affecting Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Hispanic higher education, as well as serving as HACU's direct liaison with government officials, federal agencies and other educational organizations to develop policies and positions that support the educational success of Hispanic students.
Maldonado earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland at College Park and a master's degree from the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus.
About HACU
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) represents approximately 450 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America and Spain. The association is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, and has regional offices in Sacramento, Calif., and Washington, D.C. HACU is the only national educational association that represents Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). More information is available at www.hacu.net.
