Jerry Hernandez, the current deputy director for Integrated Community, will assume the position of executive director for the nonprofit on Feb. 1.

Hernandez’s hiring will replace the outgoing director, Nelly Navarro, who announced in October that she would be leaving her post at the end of the year to return with her husband and daughter to their home in South America. 

“I am deeply honored and humbled to lead an organization that is a pillar of support for immigrants in a community I cherish,” Hernandez said in a Friday news release. “The dedication of our team and the legacy of our previous leaders inspire me daily. As executive director, I am committed to advancing our mission of empowering immigrants, recognizing the profound trust and responsibility this role entails. Together, we will continue to make a meaningful impact in the community we serve.”

According to the nonprofit, Hernandez has worked at Integrated Community for over five years in different positions, including running cultural sensitivity and diversity, equity and inclusion trainings for organizations in Northwest Colorado.

He is also a board member of the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, and his background running educational programs in Central America, as well as his sales and business experience working for technology and banking firms, have been an asset to Integrated Community.

“We are so pleased that Jerry will be taking the helm at Integrated Community,” said Robin Schepper, Integrated Community board president. “Jerry’s long tenure with the CIIC, his stellar public speaking skills, his business acumen, and his reputation in the community led us to believe he would be the best executive director moving forward.”

Integrated Community helps immigrants and their families become self-sufficient and independent to contribute to the Northwest Colorado community. The nonprofit has offices in Craig and Steamboat Springs. For more, CIICcolorado.org.