MILWAUKEE — La Causa, Inc. Board Chair announces the retirement of President and CEO, George A. Torres. After 14 years with the organization, Torres will retire in early Q1 of 2023.
“Leading La Causa for the past decade and a half has been an incredible honor, and the decision to retire was a difficult one,” said Torres. “I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am thankful for the continued support of our Board of Directors, donors, wonderful employees and volunteers who continue to make La Causa an indispensable part of our community. It has been a privilege to be part of the 50 years of service that La Causa has provided including support, education, care, treatment, resources and encouragement to those in need, and I have high hopes and dreams for the organization as it continues to deliver on its mission.”
Under Torres’ leadership, the organization has helped solidify La Causa’s position as a resource to the greater Milwaukee area and southeast Wisconsin. Among his accomplishments, La Causa celebrates his many contributions including:
- Increased La Causa’s Charter School attendance from 400 students to reaching near full capacity of 800 students. The school values and incorporates rich Hispanic heritage throughout its school culture, and achieved “Exceeding Expectations” in the Wisconsin State Report Card.
- Restructured and negotiated the agency’s financial debt to reduce long and short-term debt, reduced interest expense, and positioned the agency in a great place for financial success for years to come.
- Secured the top “Five Star” Quality rating for the Early Education & Care Center from the State’s YoungStar program.
- Managed the design and construction of the agency’s new headquarters located in the heart of Walker’s Point.
- Helped the agency successfully reach 50 years of serving the community (1972-2022).
“George’s leadership, vision and passion for La Causa has guided our organization through various challenges and many great accomplishments,” said Robert Kotecki, La Causa Board Chair. “We’re thankful for his dedication and leading La Causa into the best position it has ever been in as we enter our 51st year of service to the community.”
Building on Torres’ accomplishments, La Causa’s Board of Directors and leadership teams are committed to expanding the organization’s success across each area of service offered. La Causa’s Executive Committee of the Board has recommended Mr. Luis Ayala to succeed Torres as the next President and CEO, and was confirmed by the Board in December 2022. Ayala has ties to the organization through his involvement as a Board member, Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, and a department manager, and he is currently La Causa’s Chief Administrative Officer. Prior to returning to the agency, Ayala most recently served as the Vice President of Finance for Visit Milwaukee. He will officially step into the role in early 2023. More information will be released in the coming weeks regarding the transition.
