WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund announced the election of its new chair, Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Pauline Medrano along with new board members. The chair and board leadership were elected at the organization's board of directors meeting on November 16 in Washington DC during the organization's 9th Biennial NALEO National Institute for Newly Elected Officials. Medrano assumes the leadership position from Fla., Representative Juan Carlos Zapata.

"Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Pauline Medrano's notable accomplishments and distinguished leadership makes her a welcome addition to the Board of Directors," Zapata stated. "Our entire board knows that she will excel as chair, because of her passion for our mission.  We welcome and congratulate Pauline in her new role."

Zapata went on to state, "I am excited about continuing to work with Pauline and the NALEO Educational Fund as I continue serving as a member of the board.  I look forward and am privileged to be serving the Hispanic community in an ongoing capacity."

The NALEO Educational Fund Board of Directors unanimously elected Medrano to serve as chair of the organization. Medrano began her career as a Congressional aide to former U.S. Representative Martin Frost. She has also worked as the District Director for the Texas Department of Agriculture. More recently she served as the District Sales Manager for GTECH Corporation. Medrano has also worked as an ESL instructor for the Dallas Independent School District in the Adult Basic Education Department.  She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and is a graduate of Leadership Dallas. 

"Having served as a member of the board for the past three years I am excited to have an opportunity to further our mission to engage Latinos and empower them to be a part of the political process," said Medrano. "I am inspired by the exceptional work that NALEO Educational Fund does each and every day.  It is an honor to serve as chair of the NALEO Educational Fund Board of Directors."

Medrano went on to say, "I want to thank Juan for his tireless efforts on behalf of the organization. I look forward to working with him and the rest of our membership in my new role."

The board also elected two new members during its meeting in Washington DC. Monica Talan, senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations for Univision Communications, Inc. (N.Y.) and Lorraine Cortes-Vasquez, executive vice president for multicultural markets and engagement for AARP (DC).  In addition, NALEO president California State Senator Alex Padilla and Texas State Representative-elect Justin Rodriguez will also serve one year terms on the NALEO Educational Fund Board of Directors as NALEO board representatives. 

"We look forward to working with and learning from these respected professionals," said Arturo Vargas, executive director of NALEO Educational Fund.  "Their commitment to furthering NALEO Educational Fund's mission is evident in their respective goals and achievements."

About NALEO Educational Fund

The NALEO Educational Fund is the nation's leading nonprofit organization that facilitates the full participation of Latinos in the American political process, from citizenship to public service.

Contact: Paula Valle Castanon, pvalle@naleo.org
(213) 747-7606 ext. 4414, (323) 253-6431 (cell)

Amanda Bosquez, abosquez@naleo.org
(202) 546-2536, ext. 12, (361) 548-6989 (cell)

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