SACNAS Announces New Executive Director, Juan Amador, FASAE, CAE

PRESS RELEASE 

For immediate release: October 13, 2022 

Contact: Natalie Chamberlain – SACNAS Senior Manager, Communications & Marketing 

natalie@sacnas.org, Tel: 831-296-4220 

SACNAS Board of Directors Appoints Executive Director 

Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science has selected Juan Amador, FASAE, CAE, after an extensive national search as its next executive director for the country's largest multicultural and multidisciplinary STEM diversity organization. 

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – Dr. Pamela Padilla, president of Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) recently announced that association executive Juan Amador, FASAE, CAE will join SACNAS as executive director. He will be responsible for leading the country’s largest multicultural and multidisciplinary STEM diversity organization. He will assume the executive director role on October 18, 2022. 

“We are excited to have Juan Amador join the SACNAS community and team. He brings expertise in the operations of nonprofit membership associations, commitment to SACNAS mission and values, and admirable leadership qualities. Join me in welcoming our new SACNAS Executive Director,” said Dr. Pamela Padilla, SACNAS President.  

Amador, currently director of Constituent Engagement at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), leads national leadership and professional development initiatives for the advancement of learners, faculty members, and administrators and strategic planning for initiatives that support diverse communities in medical education, research, clinical care, and community engagement. He brings 20 years of significant leadership experience in implementing initiatives, programs, and services in academic medicine, non-profit, and for-profit environments. Prior to joining the AAMC, he worked for the National Prevention Information Network (NPIN) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with public health experts and professionals. His professional experiences reflect extensive knowledge, practical application, and commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

“Through the development of strategic partnerships, educational programs, and leadership opportunities, I aim to further SACNAS’ mission, the career and professional growth of individuals, from college students to professionals, and address system factors that impact the representation and engagement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in STEM,” shares Juan Amador. 

Amador is adept at developing strategic partnerships and collaborations and championing strategic efforts within broader organizational goals and priorities. He is an effective motivational, consensus building team leader and team player. He received the AAMC Kat Turner Spirit of Excellence Award and AAMC Group on Diversity and Inclusion Special Recognition Award. Amador is a Fellow for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Chair-elect for the ASAE’s Certified Association Executive (CAE) Commission, leads the ASAE’s Hispanic Association Executives Community, and the 2022 recipient of the prestigious ASAE Professional Performance Award. 

His expertise and passion for association management focuses on building the capacity of organizations to better serve communities that are historically underrepresented and underserved. Amador received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in Health Science and Policy with a concentration in Community and Public Health and his CAE credential from ASAE. He lives in Maryland with his partner and daughter. 

About SACNAS   

For almost 50 years, SACNAS has served as an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanics & Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership within STEM. 

Today, the organization serves nearly 9,000 members and 133 student and professional chapters throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. SACNAS influences a larger STEM community of over 25,000 through outreach, advocacy, and production of  The National Diversity in STEM Conference. 

For the latest information and updates, follow SACNAS on Facebook or Twitter.