Latino Network Announces New Executive Director

Portland, OR - Latino Network has chosen Tony DeFalco as its next executive director. DeFalco follows outgoing longtime Executive Director and Commissioner-Elect Carmen Rubio, who assumes her seat on Portland City Council in January. DeFalco was selected after an extensive national and statewide search process.

A community leader at heart, DeFalco has held strategic leadership roles for more than a decade, most recently as the executive director of Verde and as current board chair of the Coalition of Communities of Color. He brings decades of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, advocacy and coalition building across diverse sectors in the region and state, coupled with a deep understanding of the issues facing Latinx and communities of color.

His expertise in social entrepreneurship, economic development and environmental justice offer exciting strategic opportunities for Latino Network to explore, while continuing to build on our commitment and strong track record of positively transforming the lives of Latino youth, communities and families.

“It is truly the honor of my life to humbly step into this role and build on the decades of work of our Latinx communities, leaders and Latino Network to build power, stability and wealth in our communities. I look forward to supporting the incredible staff at Latino Network who are giving families and young people the support they need in the midst of multiple crises that are disproportionately impacting our communities,” said DeFalco.

DeFalco will officially join Latino Network in February 2021. David Martinez, Latino Network’s deputy director of internal operations, will serve as Interim executive director until then.

Outgoing Executive Director Carmen Rubio applauded the selection of her successor. “I could not be happier to welcome Tony to the Latino Network familia. Tony and Verde have been longtime partners of ours, and I am confident that he will continue our work to advocate on behalf of Latinx youth, families and communities across the state.

"Latino Network is in good hands.”

“Tony DeFalco is the right leader for Latino Network at this time. Carmen leaves a thriving organization poised for growth and Tony’s vision, high energy and collaborative style are very complimentary with our team. His skills and expertise are exactly what we need as we launch a capital campaign to expand our Rockwood Campus and grow our education, advocacy and workforce development programs to continue meeting community needs,” said Board Chair Maria Elena Campisteguy.

Latino Network is a Latino-led education organization, grounded in culturally-specific practices and services, that lifts up youth and families to reach their full potential.