Oakland native, Chris Iglesias, is a visionary leader who has dedicated his career to executing a social equity agenda through innovative and strategic public-private partnerships. As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Unity Council (TUC), he leads one of East Oakland’s most vital community assets—a 55-year-old social equity development organization devoted to improving the quality life for the residents of the largest Latino neighborhood in the Bay Area—Oakland’s Fruitvale District—through a place-based economic and intergenerational equity agenda.
As CEO, Iglesias is responsible for leading the organization’s 300 dedicated staff and $23 million annual budget, providing holistic support services to over 8,000 individuals and families, including high-quality early education, pioneering youth programming, robust senior citizen services and financial and career empowerment. In addition, he oversees assets in excess of over $125 million, including the management of major affordable housing and community real estate like the Fruitvale Transit Village—a nationally recognized transit-oriented development project.
Chris Iglesias commitment to low-income and immigrant families in Oakland is extraordinary. His everyday work reflects the values of the organization and brings The Unity Council closer to fulfilling its vision for a joyful, united, and engaged community where people have the power to shape their lives. His leadership inspires The Unity Council’s dedicated staff to continue the fight against poverty and displacement to preserve the rich cultural identity and diversity of Oakland. Prior to joining TUC, he served as San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom’s Senior Advisor on Jobs and Contracting Programs. He also served as the Executive Director of San Francisco’s Human Rights Commission and the Founding Director of CityBuild—San Francisco’s nationally recognized construction workforce program aimed at training residents for public and private construction projects.
Iglesias currently serves on the Bay Area Council, Economic Institute, SPUR Oakland & Executive Boards, and mostly recently joined the board of the Nonprofit Finance Fund, as well as on the Oakland Thrives Leadership Council. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from San Jose State University. He is a dedicated husband and a father to two boys.