A New CEO & A New Chapter of Growth

Update from Jenny Desmond, Interim Executive Director

After almost a year as the Interim Executive Director, I am pleased to share that John Lopez, PhD, has been selected by the Intercambio Board of Directors to lead us in the next chapter of Intercambio’s growth. While strengthening our Boulder County program, we are eager to scale our reach to better support the 36 million adults across the U.S. who would benefit from Intercambio’s materials, trainings, and our CC English program.

“John not only has a strong leadership track record but also has lived experience as an immigrant. He is the right person to take this already strong organization to new heights. We, the board, are pleased to welcome him!”

– Jane McConnell, Intercambio Board Member & Philanthropist

A resident of Broomfield, Colorado, John brings a wealth of experience in education, business, and nonprofit leadership, and has led organizations through important growth milestones. He is also the published author of the book An Immigrant in the C-Suite: From the Journey, Lessons for the Business Community.

John was born in Belize and raised on the tenets of Belizean society: humility, education, and spirituality. In the 1970’s, his mother brought John and seven of his siblings to the U.S. Today, despite holding dual citizenship, John shared that at times he’s felt like an outsider in both countries. He says he really identifies with our English learners who describe the “otherness” of being an immigrant integrating in a new culture.  

John says, “I have a deep passion for organizational leadership and development and increasing the centrality of education for underserved populations. I’m honored to be part of that work through Intercambio.”

We look forward to the next chapter of Intercambio’s growth, and as the outgoing Interim ED, I’m thrilled for the fresh perspective John brings to help us scale this inclusive, community-building work nationally.

Jenny Desmond
Interim Executive Director

Nov. 29th – Register at bit.ly/BTS-11-29
Dec. 15th – Register at bit.ly/BTS-12-15