National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials


The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials is the leadership organization of the nation's more than 6,000 Latino elected and appointed Latino public officials in the United States.

History

Founded in 1976 by U.S. Representative Edward R. Roybal, Harry Pachon, Robert Garcia, and others recognizing the need for a national network of Latino office-holders aimed at bringing together Hispanic and Latino Americans of all national origin groups, political affiliations, and levels of government. On September 29, 1976, the "National Association of Latino Democratic Officials" was incorporated. The group adopted its current name on May 11, 1978, to reflect the nonpartisan nature of the organization.
Congressman Edward R. Roybal served as NALEO president from 1976 to 1991, when the board of directors named him president emeritus.
NALEO develops and implements programs promoting the integration of Latino immigrants into American society, developing future leaders among Latino youth, providing assistance and training to Latino elected and appointed officials and by conducting research on issues important to the Latino population.