After the resignation of its president and executive director for nine years, Javier Palomarez, earlier this week, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has appointed Fernand "Fern" Fernandez as executive director and interim president.

According to a document made public by the organization, Mr. Fernandez, former vice president of Global Marketing for American Airlines, "received unanimous support to assume this position on an interim basis."

"I’m honored by this opportunity and look forward to working with the talented staff, partners and chambers that tirelessly promote Hispanic development," said the executive. "The camera is moving forward and intends to be stronger than ever while building trust among our members."

Fernandez arrives at the direction of this organization after a delicate moment in its management and reputation, when several accusations were made public against its former director for alleged sexual harassment and embezzlement.

In this regard, Fernandez assured that "as an organization, we will be inclusive, transparent and will not tolerate sexual misconduct or financial mismanagement. The Board and staff of the USHCC are committed to strengthening our partnership with local chambers and our members, as well as promoting unity in the communities we serve."

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a nationwide organization that serves more than 4.4 million Hispanic businesses and, in their own words, "is the voice of the Hispanic business community."

That is why its next director must be chosen in a transparent and trustworthy process, in order to solve the inherited damages and maintain the profile of this magnificent organization.

"Our goal is to carry out a transparent and methodical process to ensure that the new President and CEO is representative of the countless Hispanic owned businesses and local chambers that the USHCC represents," said Fernandez.

In the same way, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Don Salazar, thanked the support of members and sponsors of the Chamber, recognizing "the importance of moving swiftly to safeguard the credibility and integrity of our organization."