Eliezer Vélez

Eliezer Vélez is the Chief Operating Officer of the Latin American Association (LAA), where he has served in leadership roles since 2002. He works closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to implement the organization’s strategic vision, strengthen operations, and ensure high-quality, client-centered services. Vélez oversees daily operations, facilities management, customer experience systems, financial performance monitoring, and organizational infrastructure to support LAA’s continued growth and impact.

Over the past two decades, he has held several key positions at LAA, including Vice President of Operations, Managing Director of Academic Achievement, Director of Youth Services, and Director of Housing Services. He has led the development of culturally inclusive, evidence-based programs serving Latino youth and families and has built strong partnerships across the education and nonprofit sectors.

Before joining LAA, Vélez spent more than 13 years in the corporate and social services sectors. A native of Puerto Rico, he holds bachelor’s degrees in industrial management and human resources from the University of Puerto Rico and lives in Atlanta with his wife and two children.