The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago announced Luis Hernández Jr. as executive director of the Rauner Family YMCA effective May 16, 2011. Hernández joins the Y after serving as director of public relations for the Chicago White Sox. He also has served as a board member for the Rauner Family YMCA the past two years. “We are excited to welcome Luis to the Rauner Family YMCA team,” said Denise Lam, Group Vice President for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. “After serving two years on the Rauner Board, we know that his passion and dedication to the Y’s mission of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility will be an asset to the community.”

As the Chicago White Sox Director of Public Relations, Hernández was instrumental in organizing ethnic community outreach programs to increase fan attendance among the different ethnic groups in Chicago. Prior to joining the Chicago White Sox, he worked as a senior account executive and account director for Dig Communications. He has an extensive background in public relations and being fluent in Spanish has allowed him to develop specialized marketing campaigns to Latino communities. Hernández holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.