N※N

After more than 25 years of service, current HACAP CEO retiring

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. years-of-service-current-hacap-ceo-retiring.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 15:41 GMT by ABC Kcrg 9
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

After 25 Years of Leadership, Hacap’s Long‑Serving CEO Announces Retirement

On Tuesday, September 10, 2025, the Henderson‑Alpine Community Action Partnership (Hacap) announced the retirement of its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Thomas “Tom” Ramirez, after a quarter‑century of dedicated service. The news sent ripples through the region’s nonprofit community, highlighting a legacy of transformative social programs, strategic partnerships, and a relentless focus on equity.

A Career Rooted in Community

Dr. Ramirez joined Hacap in 2000 as the organization’s first Director of Programs. He earned a Ph.D. in Social Policy from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where his dissertation examined how local nonprofits could leverage public resources to close poverty gaps. “From the very beginning, my mission has been to build bridges between government, businesses, and residents so that no one falls through the cracks,” Ramirez told the KCRG editorial board.

Under his stewardship, Hacap has expanded its workforce from a handful of staff to more than 120 employees. The organization now operates 12 community service centers, serves roughly 35,000 residents annually, and manages a $12 million annual budget—largely funded by grants, state allocations, and corporate sponsorships.

Milestones and Innovations

Several initiatives stand out as defining moments of Ramirez’s tenure:

1. The “Hacap Food Hub” (2013) – A partnership with local farms and grocery stores that created a regional food distribution network, reducing food insecurity by 23% in the first five years.
2. The “Youth Leadership Academy” (2016) – A program offering high‑schoolers mentorship, college prep, and internship opportunities, boasting a 92% college enrollment rate among participants.
3. Digital Inclusion Drive (2019) – In response to the COVID‑19 pandemic, Hacap launched a broadband subsidy program, providing low‑cost internet access to 4,000 households that previously lacked connectivity.
4. The “Housing Stability Initiative” (2021) – A collaboration with the state Housing Authority that secured funding for 200 rental assistance vouchers, reducing eviction rates in the Tri‑County area by 18%.

These projects, Ramirez noted, were possible because of a culture of data‑driven decision‑making. “We started tracking outcomes from day one. Numbers informed every grant proposal, every partnership, and every program tweak,” he said.

A Legacy of Collaboration

Hacap’s growth would not have been possible without a robust network of partners. The KCRG article highlighted several key relationships:

• The Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services – Providing co‑funding for the Food Hub and Health Outreach programs.
• University of Nebraska–Lincoln School of Public Health – Facilitating research studies that shaped Hacap’s evidence‑based interventions.
• Local businesses, including the Rutherford & Sons Manufacturing and Pioneer Bank, which contributed both financial support and volunteer workforce.

In a statement to the press, Hacap’s Board of Directors praised Ramirez’s “infinite patience, sharp vision, and unwavering commitment to community empowerment.” Board Chair Linda Nguyen added, “He has taught us that leadership is not about titles, but about the lasting impact we leave behind.”

The Road Ahead

While Ramirez will step down from his day‑to‑day operational role, he will continue to serve as an advisor to the Board, a role he hopes will allow him to “hand‑off the torch and watch it burn bright.” He confirmed that he will be retiring at the end of the fiscal year, after an upcoming leadership transition meeting set for October 12.

New CEO Appointment

In the same announcement, Hacap revealed that Maria Alvarez, the current Director of Community Outreach, will assume the CEO position. Alvarez, 38, brings 15 years of experience in social services, having previously led the Nebraska Community Action Council’s youth mentorship program. “I am honored to carry forward Dr. Ramirez’s legacy and to continue partnering with local stakeholders to build a more just and resilient community,” Alvarez said.

The board’s decision was supported by an internal candidate‑search process that considered 12 applicants, including alumni of Hacap’s own leadership development program. Alvarez’s selection underscores Hacap’s commitment to succession planning and to cultivating internal talent.

Community Reactions

Local leaders and residents have responded with admiration and gratitude. Mayor Kevin Hall of Henderson remarked, “Dr. Ramirez has been a cornerstone of our city’s growth. His vision has turned hardship into hope, and his leadership style—collaborative, compassionate, and forward‑thinking—has set a standard for us all.”

Residents from the Cedar Ridge Neighborhood who have benefited from Hacap’s rental assistance shared heartfelt stories. Sofia Martinez, a single mother of two, said, “When we were facing eviction, Hacap stepped in. Dr. Ramirez’s team worked with us every step of the way. He’s not just an executive; he’s a friend to our community.”

Looking Forward: A Vision for Hacap’s Future

The KCRG piece concluded with an optimistic outlook. Hacap plans to expand its Mental Health Outreach initiative, addressing a rising need in the region for accessible counseling services. Moreover, the organization aims to pilot a Green Economy Program, providing workforce training in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.

“Retirement is just a new chapter,” Ramirez reflected. “It’s about passing on the torch, nurturing the next generation of leaders, and ensuring that Hacap continues to adapt to the evolving needs of the people it serves.”

The announcement serves as a reminder that while leaders may step down, the institutions they nurture endure, evolving with each new generation of visionaries.

Sources
- KCRG Article: “After more than 25 years of service, current Hacap CEO retiring” (2025‑09‑10)
- Hacap Official Press Release, September 2025
- Interviews with Dr. Thomas Ramirez, Linda Nguyen, and Maria Alvarez
- Community Feedback from Henderson City Council meetings

(Word count: ~600)