Paul J. Luna Promoted To President and Chief Executive Officer
After just over a year as president of Helios Education Foundation, Paul J. Luna is assuming the role of CEO as well. Along with a new title, Mr. Luna takes on an additional set of duties, including providing visionary leadership to the Foundation as it strategically invests its human and financial resources across the education continuum.
He will continue to lead the organization as it works to increase the number of young adults successfully completing postsecondary education with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete in a global economy. His short-term priorities include managing the successful expansion and growth of the Foundation to fulfill that vision.
“Over the past year, Paul has shown tremendous vision and leadership and has helped Helios chart a path that will not only be successful for the Foundation, but one that will impact the lives of individuals across the education continuum,” said the Foundation’s Chairman Vince Roig. “With Paul’s contributions, we are truly looking forward to achieving new milestones for years to come.”
Mr. Luna has served as President of Helios Education Foundation since November 2006. His initial duties included developing a framework for strategically investing the Foundation’s human and financial resources to impact Early Childhood Education, the Transition Years (grades 5-12) and Postsecondary Scholarships; developing a comprehensive brand strategy for the organization; defining an organizational structure and recruiting impact area experts; and creating a multi-year growth plan.
“I am honored to lead this organization and appreciate the support of the Board as we work to strengthen our communities through education.” said Paul Luna. “Our vision is for every individual in Arizona and Florida to have the opportunity to attend and succeed in postsecondary education, and my goal is to advance that agenda in every way possible.”
Mr. Luna has more than 22 years of public and private professional experience. Prior to his role at Helios Education Foundation he served as President of Valley of the Sun United Way in Phoenix. Mr. Luna’s corporate experience spans nearly 10 years in sales and marketing with Pepsi Cola and IBM.
In addition to his professional experience, he currently serves on the Arizona Early Childhood Development & Health Board, the Governor’s P-20 Education Council, and the Center for the Future of Arizona Board. Mr. Luna is a graduate of Stanford University and holds a degree in Civil Engineering.