New head of Mexican American Cultural Center named

Published: 2007-05-02

SAN ANTONIO (CNS) -- The board of directors of the Mexican American Cultural Center has accepted the resignation of Mercy Sister Maria Elena Gonzalez as president of the center and named Arturo Chavez, the center's director of programs, to succeed her, effective Aug. 1. In announcing the appointment, Bishop Michael D. Pfeiffer of San Angelo, board chairman, said, "Arturo firmly believes in MACC's mission. He possesses the foresight and leadership qualities needed to help MACC continue to be the national leading Catholic institute in Hispanic and multicultural ministries." Sister Maria Elena, who has headed the center in San Antonio for the past 14 years, said a recent accidental fall helped confirm to her that it was time to resign. When she was named president in 1993, she was the first woman religious to hold that post. Under her leadership the center increased its curriculum-based programs both on its campus and off-campus. She was instrumental in raising $6 million in a three-year capital campaign that paid for the construction of a new campus seven years ago. Chavez has been with the center for the past six years and served in several positions.

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