AUSTIN, TX – [Sept. 12, 2023] – TexProtects, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect across Texas, is pleased to announce Adrianna Cuéllar Rojas as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective Sept. 11, 2023.
Cuéllar Rojas brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success in building systems change in the Texas child wellbeing landscape.
“We are thrilled to welcome Adrianna to lead TexProtects into its next era,” said Susan Hoff, Chair of TexProtects’ Board of Directors. “Her heartfelt dedication to children’s wellbeing, coupled with her vast experience and inspiring vision in the nonprofit sector, is a perfect match for our mission. We’re confident her leadership will be a cornerstone in our pursuit of new horizons and our enduring commitment to protect the children of Texas.”
From 2014 to 2021, Cuéllar Rojas served as the President & CEO of United Ways of Texas, leading a network of 60+ local independent United Ways. During her tenure, she significantly increased the operating budget, led statewide services and initiatives, and created a cohesive public policy agenda prioritizing key issues such as public education, health, financial stability, and the nonprofit sector.
Most recently, Cuéllar Rojas held the position of Senior Program Officer at The Hector & Gloria López Foundation, a philanthropic foundation committed to expanding post-secondary educational opportunities for Latino students in Texas. She was instrumental in launching its grantmaking efforts, contributing her extensive knowledge and experience in philanthropy.
“As I step into the CEO role at TexProtects, I’m both humbled and invigorated to be part of an organization that has been at the forefront of child protection for nearly two decades,” said Cuéllar Rojas. “As we approach our 20th anniversary, I’m committed to both honoring our past and driving the organization’s vision into its next era. Alongside our talented team and network of partners, we will continue to bring meaningful change to the lives of children and families across Texas.”
Cuéllar Rojas has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to child welfare in her personal and professional life. She volunteered as a trained, court-appointed special advocate for several children in North Texas through Dallas CASA, where she also served on the Board of Directors before moving to Austin. She has held additional positions on boards and committees, such as Chair of the Foundation Communities Board of Directors, member of the Texas Nonprofit Council (an appointment by Gov. Greg Abbott), and member of the Prenatal to Three Texas (PN3) Steering Committee, among others. Her complete resume is available here.
Cuéllar Rojas holds a Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and French from Trinity University, San Antonio.
TexProtects was founded in 2004 by Madeline McClure to drive large-scale, systems-wide change in child abuse and neglect prevention in Texas. Cuéllar Rojas follows the tenure of Sophie Phillips, who led the organization from 2018 to 2022.
About TexProtects
Established in 2004, TexProtects is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization in Texas dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. As the Texas chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, we help build strong, safe childhoods for Texas children and families by developing and driving solutions to child abuse and neglect. By advocating for strong policy, conducting research, partnering with allies and raising public awareness, we get results for children and families. We know that when children thrive – so does Texas.
Media Contact
Meggie Abendschein
Vice President of PR & Marketing
Email: meggie@texprotects.org
Phone: 512-423-5888
www.texprotects.org
