SAN BERNARDINO>> Ciriaco “Cid” Pinedo, Ed.D., a highly respected executive and educator, human services advocate, and fundraiser with deep roots in the Inland Empire, today was named Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Fund.
Pinedo, 44, will guide the nonprofit organization in its mission of giving vulnerable children support, opportunity, and hope by breaking destructive cycles through his vast network of community partnerships.
He joins the Children’s Fund from the Hope through Housing Foundation, where he served as President. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer for National Community Renaissance and Associate Superintendent of Business Services and Economic Development for the Chaffey Community College District.
“Cid brings over 20 years of experience in the human services area and is highly respected for his innovation and community focus. We are thrilled to have him lead our dedicated staff in securing a bright future for every child,” said Neal Waner, Chairman of the Children’s Fund Board of Directors.
Children’s Fund was founded 30 years ago by Jack Brown, then Chairman and CEO of Stater Bros. Markets, and Patrick Morris, then presiding Judge of the San Bernardino County Juvenile Court, as a better way to deliver services to at-risk children. In that time, Children’s Fund has served more than 1.4 million children.
“Children’s Fund is an amazing organization, and I am honored to have this opportunity to serve and support the most vulnerable in our society,” Pinedo said. “It has been said that access without support is not opportunity, and I truly believe that holds true. Children who have experienced abuse, trauma, neglect, and disenfranchisement need our support and our advocacy.”
Pinedo grew up in El Monte, received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at St. John’s Seminary College in Camarillo, and his Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Management from the University of La Verne.
He later became Director of Development at the University of La Verne, before moving to Chaffey College, where he spent nearly 12 years.
He is Vice Chairman of the Board of the Los Angeles County Fair Association, and sits on the boards of the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, Southern California Edison’s Consumer Advisory Panel, and Bright Prospect. He is a past Chairman of the La Verne Planning Commission and Past Chairman of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
He will begin his new role at Children’s Fund on August 1, 2017.
“Growing up in an under-resourced community of poverty,” said Pinedo, “I learned that through hard work and commitment, we can be agents of change. Children’s Fund embodies that commitment, and I look forward to working with its great staff, board of directors, partners, and community advocates who positively impact children in need.”