National Hispanic Construction Association Elects Corrales as Chair

The National Hispanic Construction Association (NHCA) has elected Maria Patricia Corrales as chair of the group for the next two years.

The new 2012 Executive Board it is now composed of: Maria Patricia Corrales, chairwoman, Patricia Gorman, vice chair, Dallas, Texas; Peter Granillo, secretary, Tucson, Ariz.; and Victor Seijas Jr., treasurer, Miami, Fla.

Corrales says she hopes that her election will help NHCA become nationally recognized as one of the most influential Latino professional organizations. "Being located at the nation’s capital will allow me to represent NHCA at all levels especially to an extensive construction industry network based here, as well as key people from the political, economic and social arenas," she says.

Corrales also is VP of Capital Construction as well as the founder and president of the DC Hispanic Contractors Association. She also is well known for her work as the president of Fiesta DC, the largest Latino festival in the Metro DC Area.

"We are pleased that we now have in chairwoman Corrales one of the most dynamic leaders from our industry and from our community, representing us in the nation's capital, where so many of our national policies are made and so many important industry leaders are based," says Peter Fontanes, outgoing chair and one of the founding members. "We know that Ms. Corrales and our new board of directors will represent the Hispanic American and migrant construction community well as we approach a new era in our group's history."

A formal swearing-in ceremony will take place during the Luncheon Ceremony at the NHCA annual Legislative Symposium April 26, 2012, in Washington, D.C. The event will include keynote speeches by key congressional leaders and agency heads. The Cesar Chavez Construction Industry Award also will be presented to a legislator who has demonstrated leadership in the development of the Hispanic American and migrant construction business industry.