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Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Selects Mario Salgado As Executive Director

Posted on: Friday, 13 July 2007, 15:08 CDT

The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) today announced that Mario Salgado has been named to the post of Executive Director, effective September 17, 2007.

"Mario Salgado brings to LAFLA a unique combination of passion to bring equal justice to our city's disadvantaged residents, and successful experience managing organizations dedicated to public service," said Glenn Pomerantz, president of LAFLA's board of directors.

"I am honored to assume the leadership of such an experienced and dedicated staff, and of an organization which for more than three quarters of a century has been in the forefront of promoting access to justice, fighting discrimination, strengthening our communities and effecting systemic change," said Mr. Salgado.

As a young immigrant from Colombia, Mr. Salgado worked as an organizer for the Farmworkers Union in the mid-1970s. This sparked an interest in a career in law, and his enrollment in People's College of Law.

After earning his degree he worked for the San Fernando Valley Neighborhood Legal Service as an immigrants rights attorney. In 1987 he was appointed Executive Director of La Raza Centro Legal, in San Francisco, which under his leadership substantially expanded its services, budget and physical facilities. He also created and oversaw the development of Centro Del Pueblo, a multi-service community center in San Francisco's mission district.

From La Raza Centro Legal he joined the National Economic Development Center, where he was in charge of a national program, funded by the Ford Foundation, that provided training to legal aid attorneys in New Jersey, Indiana and Arkansas.

In 1998 he joined the Vanguard Public Foundation in San Francisco as vice president, managing grants aimed at promoting civil rights, gender equality and community empowerment.

Since 2000 he has operated a consulting firm, Salgado and Associates, working with community organizations and philanthropic institutions whose activities focus on justice issues, community development, health, education and environmental issues.

The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles is the frontline law firm for low-income people in Los Angeles. Since its founding in 1929 LAFLA has been committed to supporting families and the community through programs that ensure safe, affordable housing; maintaining economic stability; promoting safety, security, and health; serving populations with special vulnerabilities; fighting discrimination and protecting human and civil rights.

LAFLA serves over 13,000 clients annually, and assists 36,000 others through referrals, education and other services. LAFLA's 160 attorneys, paralegals, and support staff advocate for clients, represent community based organizations and provide education through workshops and seminars. More than 500 volunteer attorneys, law students, clerks, externs, interns, and community volunteers contribute more than 15,000 hours of work each year in support of LAFLA's activities.

 Press Contact: Alexander Auerbach Auerbach & Co., Inc. 800-871-2583 Email Contact  [Note: Auerbach & Co. provides public relations support to LAFLA on a pro bono basis.]  

SOURCE: Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

Source: MARKET WIRE

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