TRENTON, New Jersey – Martin Perez, Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Delegates of the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey, announced today that Paul Perez Barroso has been selected as the organization’s next president of this leading statewide civil rights, public policy and advocacy organization effective July 13, 2019.

The appointment was made through a unanimous decision by the Board of Delegates. Perez Barroso currently serves as president and CEO of Pz Energy and Electric, LLC and The Partnerships for Trenton, a 501 (c) (3) community non-profit based in Trenton, NJ. He succeeds Mr. Nestor Montilla, who recently left to dedicate more time to his Doctoral studies in New York after 2 years of service as President.

“ Paul’s experience as a senior executive of a large government organization, his deep knowledge of the needs of our statewide Latino population, and his experience as a businessman coupled with his political savvy make him exactly the right choice to be our President at this time,” said Martin Perez.

“Paul’s passion and vision for creating a better Trenton through his unwavering community service align seamlessly with The Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey’s mission of advocacy for our Latino population. We are confident in Paul’s ability to lead LLANJ as the organization ready’s for this new and necessary strategic and transformative change and journey into the 21st century.”

“I am extremely grateful and appreciative of this great opportunity and challenge to lead the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey in this most important and historic time for all Latinos of America. I am grateful for the vote of confidence by the members of LLANJ and look forward to leading this outstanding organization into the 21st Century,” stated Perez.

“This is a superb opportunity to increase the profile of the organization and illuminate further the challenges faced by Latinos throughout the State of New Jersey. Challenges are not limited to the obvious of Political or Legislative Representation; but of educational opportunities, housing and jobs.” Before entering into New Jersey public life, Paul served as a member of the Senior Executive Service as the Division Director, Division of Administrative Services, National Science Foundation (NSF) Arlington, VA where he received the Directors Award for Collaborative Integration, and the Directors Commendation for Dedicated Service – Visionary Leadership.

Paul’s previous assignments within the federal government include Protection Security Advisor, Department of Homeland Security in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Director of Personnel Security and Access Control for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Director, Division of Administrative Services at the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

“My short term goal for the organization is to align services and communication with the times of social media outreach and to create a cadre of volunteer professionals readily available to mobilize and represent our community. I would like to increase the Latino political participation and develop a well-informed community that votes and participates in the political process. We cannot expect any changes that can benefit our community if Latinos do not show up at the polls,” indicated Perez.

Paul indicated that “just by the sheer numbers Latinos have the capability to tilt or significantly alter the outcomes in any local, state and national election. In reality the expectations have always been enormous, but our collective performance has been below par.”

Paul Perez is a Trenton native and product of the Trenton Public Schools System, who retired from the United States Army after 20 years of service and is a veteran of Operation Just Cause, and Operations Desert Shield/Storm. Perez added, “The Latino Leadership Alliance will continue to be non-partisan and have an impact throughout New Jersey to advocate for those key issues that are important for our community.”

“Latinos are not a one issue community. Neither Republicans nor Democrats understand our diverse background and heterogeneity,” he added. “We will demand our seat at the table and make our voices be heard.”

Paul holds a B.A. from Excelsior College and completed the Key Executive Program at American University and the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Fellows Program. Paul has dedicated his life to his family, wife Janet, two sons Paul Jr and Steven and has four beautiful grandchildren.

About LLANJ

The Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey is the largest and only statewide non-partisan non-profit organization composed of local, regional and state community-based organizations, leaders and professionals advocating for the socio-economic and political development of New Jersey diverse communities.