Elliot Hernandez Takes Over CEO Position At PRAC of Southern New Jersey
New Foundation Board Member Elliot Hernandez, PRAC of Southern New Jersey.
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
PENNS GROVE – Elliot Hernandez told Front Runner New Jersey this month about his mixed emotions taking over as the new CEO of the Puerto Rican Action Committee of Southern New Jersey.
Hernandez, who had a long career in law enforcement before he started working with PRAC last year, said he was humbled by the chance to lead such a venerable organization but heartbroken that he came with the loss of his good friend and former leader Ralph Padilla.
Padilla, the longtime CEO of PRAC and public servant, died from health complications in June.
READ: Ralph Padilla Leaves Behind Legacy of Service
The former Salem County Chief of Detectives was working as PRAC’s chief operating officer of compliance and programming before stepping into his new title this month.
During his time at PRAC, Hernandez assisted in the growth and development of Hispanic communities in Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties.
While in law enforcement, Hernandez rose to the ranks from patrolman to lieutenant at the Carneys Point Police Department. He served on the Salem County Working Group and on its Human Relations Advisory Board.
In April, Hernandez was named last week as a new trustee to the Inspira Health Foundation board of directors.
“Elliot’s community advocacy work, skill set and deep connections to stakeholders in our region will enhance the work of our foundation,” Robin Walton, senior vice president of external affairs and chief philanthropy officer for Inspira Health, said in a statement after his appointment.
PRAC is one of the most prominent nonprofits serving the Latino community in South Jersey. It was founded in 1971 by a group of Salem County agricultural workers for the purpose of advancing, promoting and enhancing social, economic, cultural and educational opportunities for Hispanic citizens.
Today, the organization is widely recognized throughout the region as a vital community service link for Latinos and others.
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