Armando Camacho to Become President and CEO of Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation announced today the appointment of Armando Camacho as President and CEO, ushering in the next chapter for the longstanding Saint Paul nonprofit organization.
Camacho succeeds Interim President Brad Hewitt who stepped into the role following the transition of former President and CEO MayKao Y. Hang in October. Effective July 1, Camacho will become the seventh President in Wilder’s 114-year history, leading the organization’s work to provide services to support mental health, housing stability, early childhood development, and healthy aging for thousands of people each year throughout the Greater Saint Paul community.
“Armando is the leader Wilder needs in these unprecedented times,” says Wilder Board Chair Julie Brunner. “His track record of building teams, establishing partnerships, and increasing organizational impact will be even more important as we go forward to heal and strengthen our community.”
Camacho comes to Wilder with a wealth of experience leading mission-driven organizations. For the past six years, he has served as President and CEO of Opportunity Partners, one of Minnesota’s largest nonprofit organizations providing job training, employment and residential support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Prior to his role at Opportunity Partners, Camacho served as President of Neighborhood House where he led a strategic redesign and expansion of programs to better support the housing, education, wellness and basic needs of the Saint Paul community. He began his career in education and has held multiple leadership roles in both the Saint Paul and Minneapolis Public School districts.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to join Wilder and propel its critical mission,” says Camacho. “Saint Paul faces many challenges that will magnify if we don’t take decisive action now. Wilder needs to play a leading role in taking action while building on the strengths and talents of this community.”
Camacho was born in Puerto Rico and came to St. Paul’s historic West Side at the age of six. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a bachelor’s degree in special education and earned a master’s degree in education from St. Mary’s University. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce listed Armando among the top 25 Latinos on the Rise, and he earned awards from St. Cloud State University for excellence in teaching and from the Minneapolis School District for outstanding leadership. His current board service includes the Bush and Mardag Foundations, Regions Hospital and Friends of the St. Paul Public Libraries. His past non-profit board service has included: Greater Twin Cities United Way, MAP for Non-Profits, Children’s Theatre Company, Charities Review Council, and Academia Cesar Chavez, among others. Camacho lives in Mounds View with his wife, Angela, and their two children.
About Wilder
The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation combines knowledge, compassion and action to improve lives today and for generations to come. Wilder creates lasting, positive change rooted in people through direct services, research and community building. For more information visit www.wilder.org.