Cristo Rey Community Center Names Executive Director: Joe Garcia

oe Garcia was named as the new Executive Director of Cristo Rey Community Center and quickly was hailed by many of the 125 people in attendance as a positive presence and a step in the right direction for a Center whose recent past has been hit hard by the economy. Mr. Garcia spoke of the need to “streamline operations and create efficiencies” and citing his experience with marketing, finances and promotion, he sees many non-profits in the same boat with the “need to do more with less”. The Center was filled with a “Whose Who” of Latino leaders from the business, education, and non-profit communities. A very united front was evident from the crowd which offered plenty of support for Mr. Garcia and despite the Center’s recent troubles which included a near merger with St. Vincent Catholic Charities, excitement filled the air as many recall the Center as a Cornerstone to the Hispanic Community. The hope that one day soon under the guidance of Mr. Garcia it will be once again was summed up when Noel Garcia (no relation) who chairs the Center’s Board of Directors issued the words: ““We’ll get back those programs we lost, and we’ll get some more.” Meet Joseph Garcia Former Director of MBA Career Services at Michigan State University Regional Supervisor for the Telmon Corporation (focuses on needs of migrant workers) Former volunteer at Cristo Rey Community Center Dual Bachelor’s Degree (Communications/Spanish) from Western Michigan University MBA from Northwood University Franchisee~ Snap Fitness For more information about Cristo Rey Community Center and the programs it offers including its highly regarded clinic please call 517-372-4700.