WASHINGTON, DC–Emilio Alonso-Mendoza, a lawyer whose extensive experience in leading non-profit organizations includes nine years as CEO of the National Parkinson Foundation, has been appointed chief executive officer of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) effective April 1.
Most recently, Alonso-Mendoza was president and CEO of Take Stock in Children, a statewide initiative in Florida that enables motivated low-income students to earn a college degree by providing them with scholarships and a volunteer adults mentor.
In announcing the appointment, Donald M. Goldberg, PhD, president of AG Bell, said of the new CEO, “His comprehensive experience, proven leadership track record, and deep passion for positive change will help AG Bell move forward in its mission to advance listening and spoken language for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing.”
Alonso-Mendoza, who was described by AG Bell as “an innovative and results-oriented leader,” received his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law and also holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from that university. He is credentialed as a Certified Fundraising Executive by CFRE International.
During his tenure from 1991 to 2000 at the Parkinson Foundation, the organization opened and funded 52 centers for research throughout the United States, Europe, South America and Asia, as well as 36 chapters and over 900 patient support groups throughout the U.S. Alonso-Mendoza also worked with advocates and state legislators to fund the creation of five Parkinson’s diagnostic and treatment clinics.
Before that, he was president for six years of the Catholic Community Foundation, a $120 million foundation.
AG Bell’s new CEO said, “I look forward to supporting the organization’s mission, which has never been more relevant. We will build upon AG Bell’s long and distinguished historic work to inform families, build communities, prepare professionals, and raise awareness that people with hearing loss can listen and talk.”
Alonso-Mendoza, who is fluent in Spanish, serves on several boards of directors, including those of the Children’s Home Society Foundation, Leadership Learning Center, St. Vincent de Paul Seminary, and the League Against Cancer.
