The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) recently appointed David Peña Jr. as its new national executive director.

He takes over from interim executive director Zita Arocha, who stepped into the role in June 2021, following the departure of Alberto B. Mendoza, who left to become the managing director of the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford. 

Peña Jr. is a national association and nonprofit leader from San Antonio, Texas.

In a statement following the announcement, Peña Jr. noted how honored he is to take on the new role, while working with NAHJ members, leaders, partners and sponsors. 

He also laid out his plan of “building on its strong history while creating opportunities for Latinos to be represented at all levels and in visible and impactful roles,” said Peña Jr.

Prior to this current new role, Peña Jr. has served in a number of different organizations, including the National Hispanic Business Association, the Hispanic Dental Association, President for College & Universities at ALPFA National, and The Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce. 

He also has served on a number of boards at the local, regional and national levels for numerous cultural, business, service and health organizations that serve the general public, Asian, Hispanic and LGTBQ+ communities. 

Throughout his 20-plus year career, Peña Jr. has had a tremendous impact, creating numerous programs, scholarships, mentorships and connections. He is also well-known for helping launch the careers of thousands of emerging Latino leaders in business, finance, accounting, dentistry, entrepreneurship and other diverse industries. 

“The national board is extremely pleased that David Peña Jr. will join the NAHJ as Executive Director,” said NAHJ Board President Nora López in a statement. “We are confident that David’s diverse experience and knowledge of member relations will benefit members and partners, making him a valuable asset in this critical position.” 

Peña Jr. is a first-generation college graduate, earning his degree in political science from St. Edward’s University. After graduating from St. Edwards, Peña became an Alfred P. Sloan Fellow at the Graduate School of Political Management in New York City, now part of George Washington University, and received a certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio. 

He’s a former migrant worker, and ran for political office at the age of 23. He began his career in the insurance industry, and then transitioned to business ownership in the healthcare industry before becoming the notable nonprofit leader he’s known as today. 

“It is an immense privilege for me to join the thousands of members and allies whose commitment to truth and advocacy for freedom of the press are at the core of their livelihoods,” Peña Jr. said of his newest role leading NAHJ. 

Established in April 1984, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists is the largest organization of Latino journalists in the United States and dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. Its mission is to increase the number of Latinos in the newsroom and work toward fair and accurate representation of Latinos in the news media by creating a national voice and unified vision for all Hispanic journalists.