Modesto 'Tico' Valle has been named Acting Executive Director of Horizons Community Services, effective immediately. He replaces Frank Oldham, who resigned several weeks ago to take a job offer in New York.
Valle has been Director of Development and Chief of Staff for Horizons for one year. Prior to that, he also served on the Horizons board.
Valle is most known in the community for founding the NAMES Project Chicago chapter. Test Positive Aware Network honored him last fall for his work on AIDS issues. He is board president of the NAMES Project and active on other HIV/AIDS causes, and he has spoken passionately about the need to continue prevention and education efforts about the disease.
Before joining Horizons, Valle was development director for Holy Trinity High School in Wicker Park.
'This organization and the community are extremely fortunate that Tico can step into this role with a thorough knowledge of the agency and the community, strong leadership skills, and credibility with both community members and funding sources,' said incoming Board President David Helverson.
The agency will now take the time for a 'careful and thorough assessment' of its staff leadership needs, Helverson said.
Denise Foy, immediate past president of the board, also gave her support to Valle, as did Lisa Tonna, Horizons director of advocacy and legislative affairs.
