WASHINGTON, DC — The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund released the following statement regarding the passing of Founder and former Executive Director and Chairman Dr. Harry P. Pachon:

“The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund joins the country’s Latino community in mourning the loss of its Founder and former Executive Director and Chairman, Dr. Harry P. Pachón.

“A true visionary and pioneer, Dr. Pachón worked tirelessly to ensure the full integration and empowerment of Latinos in our nation’s democracy. Under his leadership as Executive Director in 1981-1993 and Chair in 1994-1999, the NALEO Educational Fund launched its nationally acclaimed U.S. citizenship promotion and assistance program, which has today helped hundreds of thousands of eligible immigrants navigate the naturalization process to become full participants in our country’s civic life. In 2000 the organization designated its naturalization assistance and civic participation programs the Harry P. Pachon Civic Engagement Program.

“While leading the organization, Dr. Pachón helped lay the foundation for several of the NALEO Educational Fund’s membership programs, including those aimed at providing Latino elected and appointed officials with the critical skills and tools necessary to effectively advocate for the interests of the Latino community.

“Dr. Pachón also oversaw the release of the organization’s inaugural compilation of the National Directory of Latino Elected Officials during his tenure. Now in its 27th year of publication, the document cemented the NALEO Educational Fund’s role as the preeminent resource for information and data relating to Latino elected officials in the United States today.

“Though his leadership will surely be missed, Dr. Pachón’s legacy will continue on through the NALEO Educational Fund and the work of countless individuals whose lives he impacted. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”