James Aldrete has assumed the role of board president of the Center for Public Policy Priorities, following a successful two-year term by Veletta Forsythe Lill.
James is the owner of Message Audience Presentation, Inc. (MAP), a political communication company in Austin. MAP’s creative and strategic work has been recognized in Campaigns & Elections Magazine, as well as the Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Slate Magazine, among other media outlets.
“I have always admired the credibility and passion of the advocates at CPPP, and I’m honored to help advance this organization’s reach and influence across the state,” Aldrete said. “We have a dynamic board of directors, representing Texans from different backgrounds, sectors and political parties across the state.”
CPPP’s board of directors consists of 16 volunteers that support our values — grounded in equity and justice — and our vision and mission, providing critical leadership in helping make sure Texans all backgrounds are healthy, well-educated and financially secure.
Ken Janda of Houston will serve as the Chair-Elect & Governance Chair. John-Michael Vincent Cortez of Austin will be the new Treasurer & Financial Chair, and Anette Carlisle of Amarillo will be the new Secretary.
Ken Janda 
John-Michael Vincent Cortez 
Anette Carlisle
“We are grateful to have such an influential and dedicated board of directors as we go into an exciting year for our organization,” said Ann Beeson, CEO of the Center for Public Policy Priorities. “In 2020 we will celebrate our 35th anniversary, roll out some big changes and lean heavily on the skills and connections of our dedicated board members.”
CPPP is also excited to welcome a new member to its board of directors: C. LeRoy Cavazos-Reyna, the Senior Manager of Public Affairs and Communications for Arca Continental, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. C. LeRoy is a native of Mission, Texas, and is strongly committed to service, community development, diplomacy, and political activism. He was formerly the Vice President of Government Affairs for the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, America’s first Hispanic business organization founded in 1929.
“Businesses like the ones I have been a part of use facts and data to make decisions, and I value CPPP as a group working to make sure more state leaders adopt data-driven policies,” Cavazos-Reyna said. “I am excited to join this distinguished board of directors and look forward to helping leverage my skills and relationships to advance the CPPP mission.”
CPPP thanks outgoing board member David Chappell of Fort Worth for his eight consecutive years of service on the board.