Dr. Carlos Azcoitia was chosen by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to serve as a member of the Chicago Board of Education. A former teacher, principal and administrator, Azcoitia brings over 30 years of experience in schools to the role. “With his extensive experience as an educator, Carlos will be an excellent addition to the Board and we welcome this appointment,” said David Vitale, president of the Chicago Board of Education.

Additionally, Rodrigo Sierra was appointed to be a member of the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Board of Commissioners to replace long-time member Carlos Ponce. Ponce is stepping down after serving for over ten years as a member of the CHA Board of Commissioners and interim CHA CEO. “I welcome Rodrigo into this position and am confident that his experience developing innovative solutions for large organizations, leading companies through times of change and his commitment to Chicago will serve him well in this role,” said the Mayor.

About Dr. Carlos Azcoitia
Dr. Azcoitia currently serves as Distinguished Professor of Practice in Educational Leadership at National Louis University. From 2011-2012, he oversaw and supported thirty-six schools in his role as Interim Chief of Midway Network in Chicago Public Schools. Previously, from 2003-2007, Azcoitia served as the founding principal of John Spry Elementary Community School in the Little Village community, which is the first school in Chicago to include a pre-kindergarten through high school program in one building and sets high goals for student success; in 2011, 65 percent of Spry graduates enrolled in college.

About Rodrigo Sierra
Currently, Sierra is the senior vice president and chief communications and marketing officer of the American Medical Association (AMA), where he is helping to lead the transformation of the 165 year old organization to reclaim a leadership position in shaping the evolving national healthcare system. Prior to his position at AMA, Sierra served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Johnson Publishing Company. Before then, Sierra spent ten years at Integrys Energy Group and its predecessor, Peoples Energy, where he served in a variety of roles including Manager of Public Relations, Vice President of Corporate Communications, and Vice President of Public Affairs.