Efrain Escobedo Named New President & CEO of the Center for Nonprofit Management

Los Angeles, CA: Today, the Southern California Center for Nonprofit Management (CNM) named Efrain Escobedo as its new President & CEO, starting in early February. Escobedo’s deep experience working with government, philanthropy, civic leaders, and local communities will help shape CNM’s exciting next chapte­r. The announcement is the culmination of a year-long transition plan and executive search process, led by CNM’s board of directors.

Photo of Efrain Escobedo

“As an organization that helps other nonprofits navigate executive transitions, we were very intentional in our process and, as a result, are so glad to welcome Efrain to CNM’s leadership team,” said Alyson Sattler, CNM’s Board Chair. “His considerable experience working locally and nationally to strengthen both communities and the nonprofits that help them thrive dovetails perfectly with CNM’s mission. We’re excited about what the future holds for CNM with Efrain’s experience and organizational leadership at the helm.”

Supported by CNM’s board and staff, Efrain will lead its robust consulting practice, training and events programming, systems-change efforts, and its deep partnerships with the government, business, and philanthropic sectors to strengthen Southern California communities.

“For 45 years, CNM has been the leading organization supporting the organizational development and overall strength of our nonprofit sector, and I look forward to working with nonprofit partners, our dedicated board, talented staff, and supporters,” said Escobedo. “Working alongside CNM over the years, I’ve seen a deep commitment to helping build more resilient nonprofit organizations in Southern California, and I’m honored to partner with nonprofit leaders and multisector allies to carry the work forward in this role.” 

Escobedo comes to CNM having served as Vice President of Public Policy and Civic Engagement at the California Community Foundation. A longtime community leader with an extensive career dedicated to increasing the civic engagement of historically underserved and marginalized communities, Escobedo is committed to transforming systems through more human-centered approaches. For the past several years, he has been an active member of the Economic Resiliency Task Force, led by CNM, focused on advancing equity in LA County contracting.

“We are proud and excited to congratulate Efrain on his being selected as CNM’s new President & CEO,” said Antonia Hernández, President & CEO of the California Community Foundation. “We are thankful for his eight years of leadership and commitment to building a stronger Los Angeles for all. We look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role.”

Prior to joining CCF, Escobedo was Manager of Governmental and Legislative Affairs for the LA County Registrar of Voters and was Senior Director of Civic Engagement for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund. He holds an M.B.A. from the University of La Verne and a B.A. from the University of Southern California.

“I am excited about the choice of Efrain as CNM’s new leader,” said Regina Birdsell, CNM’s outgoing chief executive who served in the role for 16 years. “He brings tremendous skills and talents to this unique position, and I know that the organization and its partners are in terrific hands,” she added. 

Learn more about Efrain

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT:

The Southern California Center for Nonprofit Management (CNM) bridges the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to drive positive change. For 45 years, CNM has been the trusted nonprofit partner that Southern California’s impact sector turns to for help solving problems, responding to change, and elevating its leaders. CNM’s expert advisors, instructors, coaches, and specialists draw on decades of experience leading nonprofits to help organizations increase the impact of their work in the community. 

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Need expert advice? We’re only an email or phone call away. Use this form to get in touch or call the Nonprofit Answer Hotline at the number listed below.

You can also schedule a free, 15-minute appointment and we’ll match you with an in-house expert.








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