Mario Paredes will join New Futures as its new executive director on June 1.

A longtime, community leader in Washington state, Paredes is currently the executive director of Consejo Counseling and Referral Service, an award-winning agency that provides culturally competent services to underserved Latino communities, especially families with children.

Under Paredes' leadership over the past 12 years, Consejo has grown from a local agency with a $2.2 million annual budget to a statewide agency with a $6 million annual budget. In addition, Paredes has led two successful multi-million-dollar capital campaigns during his tenure there.

As a result, Consejo has been able to greatly expand its programming and extend its reach to better serve hundreds of low-income, immigrant families in our region.

Paredes and Consejo have received numerous honors. He currently serves on the boards of the Minority Executive Directors Coalition, Washington Community Action Network, and the Casa de Esperanza National Advisory Board, and is a former board president of the King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence. He earned a masters degree in Non-Profit Management from Seattle University and a bachelor's degree in Human Services from Western Washington University.

As an immigrant to the United States from El Salvador, Mario brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing the children, youth and families in New Futures' programs, according to New Futures board members.

Paredas will be introduced at the group's Get Inspired! Benefit Breakfast on May 5, at the Washington State Convention Center.
New Futures conducts programs for low-income youth and their families in several Highline apartment complexes.