Brian S. Colón Elected NALEO Board President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2026

CONTACT:
Media Team, [email protected]

Brian S. Colón Elected NALEO Board

President for 2026-2027 Term

New Board Leadership Focused on Equipping

Latino Officials to Serve Their Communities

Los Angeles, CA - The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) today announced the election of Brian S. Colón as Board President for the 2026-2027 term and confirmed its slate of Vice Presidents, following a meeting of its Board of Directors on April 20, 2026.

Colón, a lifelong New Mexican and law partner at Singleton Schreiber, LLP who is widely known as a veteran public official and community servant, will lead the Board as NALEO continues to focus on equipping its members - Latino elected and appointed officials in nearly 40 states - with the information, resources, connections, and timely tools they need to help their communities thrive.

The NALEO Board Officers for the 2026-2027 term are:

• President , New Mexico Commission of Public Records Member Brian S. Colón (D)

• First Vice President , Texas State Senator César Blanco (D)

• Second Vice President , Coconino County Treasurer, AZ Sarah Benatar (D)

"I am honored to serve as NALEO Board President and look forward to working with CEO Erica-Bernal Martinez, our outstanding staff, and fellow board members," said Newly Elected NALEO Board President Brian S. Colón . "NALEO members are doing critically important work every day - in city halls, school boards, statehouses, and county offices - and my goal is to make sure NALEO is delivering for them: the data, policy insights, peer connections, and practical tools they need to lead effectively and serve their communities well."

Colón brings more than three decades of experience across law, public service, and civic leadership. He currently serves as Managing Partner of Singleton Schreiber's New Mexico offices and previously was elected statewide to serve as New Mexico State Auditor, where he led major efforts to strengthen government accountability and recover tens of millions in public funds.

Senator Blanco has represented El Paso and the Big Bend region in the Texas Senate since 2021, building a record focused on healthcare, workforce development, and border communities. A Navy veteran, he previously served in the Texas House and as Secretary of the NALEO Educational Fund Board.

Treasurer Benatar has served as Coconino County Treasurer since 2014 - the youngest person to hold that office in Arizona history - and is a nationally recognized expert in public finance and government investment management. She was elected to serve another term as Second Vice President of the NALEO Board.

"Colón, Blanco, and Benatar bring exactly the kind of experience and commitment our members need from their board leadership," said NALEO CEO Erica Bernal-Martinez . "As we head into our 50 ^th year, NALEO's focus remains squarely on our members - making sure they have the resources, connections, and information to lead effectively and deliver for their communities."

City of Downey Mayor Claudia M. Frometa concluded her term as NALEO Board President at the April 20 Board meeting. NALEO thanks her for her service to the organization.

Board Members Reappointed for a Second Term (Class of 2026):

• Illinois State Senator Omar Aquino (D)

• Texas State Senator César Blanco (D) (also serving as First Vice President)

• Manor ISD Board Trustee Ana Cortez (D)

• Rhode Island State General Treasurer James Diossa (D)

• Yorba Linda Water District President Gene Hernandez (R)

• Lawrence City Council President Jeovanny Rodriguez (D)

Elections for NALEO Board Secretary and Treasurer will take place at an upcoming meeting, anticipated to coincide with the NALEO 43 ^rd Annual Conference in July.

The new Board leadership will be formally recognized at the Annual Conference, taking place July 14-16, 2026 , in Los Angeles at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. Marking NALEO's 50 ^th Anniversary and returning to the city where the organization was founded, this year's conference is expected to draw more than 1,000 Latino elected and appointed officials and their supporters for policy sessions, professional development, and networking opportunities. Registration is now open at www.naleo.org/naleoLA .

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About NALEO
The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials is the non-partisan leadership organization of the nation's more than 7,700 Latino elected and appointed officials. To learn more or become a member, visit naleoinc.org .