Recently, Project Open Hand announced Alberto Cortés as the new Interim Vice President of Fund-Development and Community Affairs.
Cortés, former CEO of San Diego nonprofit Mama’s Kitchen for the last twenty-one years, joins to strengthen community relationships, donor development, and communications at Project Open Hand. Under his leadership, Cortés led the expansion of Mama's Kitchen from serving only clients living with HIV/AIDS to community members with critical illnesses. Cortés officially retired from his role in Mama’s Kitchen in January.
“My friends say I missed the point of retirement,” says Cortés, laughing. “But I’m thrilled to be joining such a wonderful and historic organization, and to be a part of Project Open Hand’s growth.”
New York-born and raised in Puerto Rico, Alberto brings over three decades of professional experience in nonprofits, including efforts to address the impact of HIV/AIDS in the Latinx communities of San Diego County. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy Submarine Force, and holds a Master of Business Administration from San Diego State University.
“Alberto is incredibly well-known in the California Food is Medicine space. It’s rare that you find someone who understands the full scope of what we do. We know he’s going to be a tremendous asset to support our growing base of clients and increasing community engagement at Project Open Hand,” says Project Open Hand CEO Paul Hepfer.
Cortés will hold the position of Interim Vice President starting in April 2024.