Adame out at Chicanos Por La Causa, interim leader named

An interim president has been named to lead Chicanos Por La Causa, a statewide community development organization based in Phoenix, and one of the most well-known and influential Latino advocacy groups in the Southwest.

Alicia Nuñez, the organization's chief financial officer, is now the acting president and CEO.

"We have full confidence that she will help lead CPLC into a new chapter of success," said Delma Herrera, CPLC's board chair, in a statement Wednesday.

The organization was previously led by David Adame. He joined CPLC in 2008 and became president and CEO in 2015.

CPLC Board President Delma Herrera said in a statement on Friday that CPLC's board of directors accepted Adame’s resignation upon the expiration of his existing contract.

Earlier Herrera had said that Adame resigned to "pursue other opportunities."

"David’s contributions to CPLC will continue to make a lasting impact on the organization and in the communities we serve for years to come. We appreciate his commitment to CPLC during his tenure and wish him continued success in all of his new endeavors," Herrera said in Friday's statement.

A search for a new executive will begin shortly, she said.

"We remain committed to CPLC’s vision of empowering lives in underserved communities across the country through its education, housing, health, economic development, and advocacy efforts," Herrera said.

Adame could not be reached for comment.

The organization was formed in 1969 to fight discrimination against the Mexican-American community and was inspired by civil rights leaders Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, according to its website.

The organization has offices in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas, and serves almost one million people a year, the website said. CPLC employs nearly 2,000 people.