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Former Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO to Lead one of the State’s Top Health Non-Profits Serving Children and Adults with Disabilities

PHOENIX, June 8, 2010 – Signaling its commitment to strengthen fundraising efforts and develop new alliances, United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona (UCP) has appointed longtime Valley business leader Armando Contreras executive director. Contreras, who served this past year as president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, begins his new post June 21, leading one of the state’s largest nonprofit health and human services organizations.

“It is a true honor to be selected as executive director for United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona,” said Contreras. “I look forward to joining an organization already well known for bringing hope and promise to many with disabilities. My goal in the coming years will be to support UCP's core mission by leading and expanding the organization's efforts to build and maintain enduring partnerships aimed at enhancing its future and ongoing programs and initiatives.”

UCP, whose mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities, provides comprehensive programming annually to more than 3,000 children and adults throughout Arizona with a range of disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, developmental delays and learning disabilities.

“Armando is one of the Valley’s real treasures,” said UCP Board Chairman Terry Morrison. “His proven business expertise and fundraising skills combined with an extraordinary record of benevolent leadership will enable United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona to continue to grow and expand our ability to provide vitally needed services to thousands of children and adults with disabilities across the state.”

Serving Arizona’s fastest growing consumer and business sector, the Hispanic Chamber hired Contreras as their president and CEO last June. He previously served under former Gov. Napolitano as director of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Contreras also held the position of executive director for the Governor’s Council on Small Business and was designated the Arizona Small Business Advocate. He also served as executive director of the National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry for more than 10 years.

Contreras earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from the University of Southern California and holds a Master’s Degree in Theology from the University of San Francisco. He has also attended the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. In the community, Contreras serves on the Board of Trustees for St. Luke’s Medical Center, the Board of Directors of the Arizona Latino Research Enterprise (ALRE), and the Board of Trustees for the Phoenix Boys Choir.

About United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona
United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona is an affiliate of one of the nation’s largest health charities. Since 1952, the nonprofit health and human services organization has served children and adults with disabilities through therapies, independent living services, inclusive and integrated educational based programs, innovative social opportunities and basic research. UCP of Central Arizona, whose mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities, provides comprehensive programming annually to more than 3,000 children and adults with a range of disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, developmental delays and learning disabilities.

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CONTACT: David Cooper, Barclay Communications
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