Mari Hernandez | New President and CEO National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures
The National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC) has announced the appointment of Mari Hernandez as the organization’s new President and CEO. Hernandez, who joined NALAC in 2022 and most recently served as Deputy Director, steps into the role following the retirement of longtime leader María López De León, who guided the organization for more than 25 years.
“I am excited and deeply honored to lead the organization from this new position,” said Hernandez. “I look forward to working with our staff and partners to continue and strengthen NALAC’s legacy of investing in the critical work of Latinx/e artists and organizations. The arts and culture landscape is in a pivotal moment. Together, we will navigate the complexities facing us and continue to advance our collective impact across this country to build a more just and vibrant arts ecosystem.”
The NALAC Board Chair, Charles Rice-González, praised the appointment, noting Hernandez’s deep connection to the organization and the community it serves.
“The board is proud and pleased to announce Mari’s appointment. She is a steadfast leader, community builder, and a strong visionary in these urgent times,” said Rice-González. “After a nationwide search, it is so wonderful that the perfect candidate was a NALAC-grown leader who is an alum of our Leadership and Advocacy Institutes and who has already been leading the organization since Maria’s retirement. Mari has our full confidence, and we look forward to the new opportunities for growth and possibilities at NALAC as we transition into the next phase of the organization and lead through this challenging time in our country.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Artistic Practice
Hernandez brings more than 25 years of artistic practice and arts administration experience to her new role. During her time as NALAC’s Program Manager of Leadership Institutes & Convenings, she oversaw the planning and production of the organization’s professional development programs, including the NALAC Leadership Institute (NLI), NALAC Advocacy Institute (ALI), and NALAC’s participation in the Intercultural Leadership Institute (ILI).
Before joining NALAC, Hernandez served as Education Manager at the Contemporary at Blue Star, where she led strategic growth for the education department. She also previously served as Program Manager at San Anto Cultural Arts, directing programs that fostered human and community growth through the arts.
As an artist, Hernandez has been widely recognized for her work. She was a finalist in the 2022 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition at the National Portrait Gallery and has exhibited her art locally, nationally, and internationally. She is also an alum of NALAC’s own Leadership and Advocacy Institutes, embodying the organization’s commitment to cultivating leaders from within the arts community.
About NALAC
Founded in 1989, the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC) is the nation’s premier nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to promoting, advancing, and developing the Latino arts field. NALAC provides critical support, resources, and advocacy for Latinx/e artists, cultural workers, and organizations across the country.
For more information, visit www.nalac.org
More Stories
