AAMA announces Leadership Changes

rob@redpupmedia.com AAMA News

AAMA Welcomes Interim CEO While Celebrating Growth and Performance

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Dateline: Houston, TX––AAMA, the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans, announces senior leadership promotions while celebrating elevated performance at AAMA's George I. Sanchez Charter Schools. Daisy Morales will serve as interim CEO, while Adolfo Melara becomes President and Superintendent, and Debbie Ortiz has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer while retaining her duties as Chief Development Officer.

“The Board is pleased that Daisy Morales has accepted a pivotal role as our interim CEO starting in December,” said AAMA Board Chair Benjamin Hernandez. “Daisy shares our vision for a future that invests in education while continuing to strengthen our communities. Daisy will lead an empowered team that continues to grow and excel for our students, our mission, and stakeholders.”

Daisy Morales, a longtime Vice President of Community Affairs at a regional Texas nonprofit, brings extensive community relationships and a history of educational innovation and vocational preparation to her new role as AAMA’s interim CEO.

“I’m excited to work with Adolfo, Debbie, Benjamin, and the entire AAMA team as we build forward for our students and our larger communities,” said Morales. “I believe in our team, and I see the road ahead for how we will build greater success and meaningful opportunities for Latino communities in the Houston area.”

Morales, Melara and Ortiz are assuming their new roles as the George I. Sanchez Charter Schools, a vital part of AAMA’s mission, have earned higher state scores under Melara’s first year as Superintendent. With today’s announcement, AAMA board members celebrate the progress Melara and Ortiz have achieved. Ortiz has created new strategic partnerships and relationships, brought in new donors, increased AAMA’s revenue, brand and presence, and stepped up to serve as interim CEO over the past six months. Melara’s rigorous “turn-around” strategy brought state ratings up strongly and has positioned the school district and students for future success.

“Adolfo and Debbie have been a key part of our growth and educational improvements during the last year,” said Hernandez. “The Board is recognizing not only their accomplishments, but also their ongoing capacity for high performance in the future. Having a nonprofit executive and community leader like Daisy gives our organization a wise and trusted interim senior leader over the next year as Adolfo transitions his Superintendent duties to become AAMA’s President and CEO, while Debbie continues to focus on business development and streamlining operations.”

Hernandez and the AAMA Board Chair Elect Telisa Shead announced the trio’s new roles at the Illumine Gala on Friday, October 28, 2022. AAMA serves 10,000 people each year, including nearly 1,000 students at two Sanchez charter schools, 6.000 individuals who are recovering from substance use disorders or at risk of communicable diseases including HIV, 1,000 more who participate in ESL and HSE classes, as well as others in workforce development, certifications and career pathways, and Early Childhood.