Noted In Passing: Pete Garcia

Valley leaders mourn passing of community leader Pete Garcia

Steven TottenReporterPhoenix Business Journal

Phoenix Business Journal

May 4, 2017, 3:04pm MST

Valley community leader Pete Garcia died May 4.

Garcia was best known for his work with Chicanos Por La Causa, the largest nonprofit community organization in Arizona. He first joined the organization as economic development specialist, then returned to lead the organization as president and CEO from 1984 to 2008.

 

During his tenure, Garcia brought the organization’s asset base from $15 million to more than $155 million and established CPLC Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards, the only Latino teachers award in the Southwest.

“Pete’s selfless commitment to the community, amplified by his love for all people, will profoundly impact the lives of countless individuals for generations to come,” said David Adame, current president and CEO of CPLC.

Garcia had also worked for Valle del Sol and started the The Victoria Foundation, the first community foundation that focused on the Latino/a community.

“Arizona lost a giant of our community this week. Pete Garcia, a past president of Chicanos por La Causa, had a profound influence on our state, and especially its Latino communities. His life was devoted to making Arizona a better place for all Arizonans," said Gonzalo de la Melena Jr., Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president and CEO.

 

"On behalf of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the countless people whose lives were touched and improved by his efforts, we extend our deepest condolences to Pete’s family and friends, and every Arizonan who is better off today because of community service.”In 2005, Garcia was one of 25 leaders throughout the nation recognized by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation in Washington, D.C for his contribution to community development and commitment to disadvantaged populations.

In 2007, he received the National Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Award for Leadership from the National Hispanic American Educational Fund and the Raul Yzaguirre Community Leadership Award from Valle del Sol.

In 2008, Garcia was selected as one of 10 recipients of the AARP “Inspire Award.”

In 2009, he received the Arizona State University Medal of Excellence.