June 11, 2010

The Housing Authority of the City of El Paso, Texas, (HACEP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Patrick Ortega, SPHR to the position of Director of Human Resources. Mr. Ortega will be responsible for the strategic leadership and talent deployment of 450+ employees who provide affordable housing to the 40,000 El Pasoanos who participate in HACEP’s Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, Low Income Housing Tax Credit and Non-ACC programs.

“Mr. Ortega has an outstanding background of leadership for human resources teams that go well beyond daily HR compliance and administration,” said Gerald Cichon, Chief Executive Officer. “His extensive experience in implementing cultural change, retraining management, and driving dramatically improved customer service will be a great asset for HACEP.”

Mr. Ortega’s professional experience includes working as the Regional Center Manager for Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande in El Paso, Director of the HR Business Partner-Smartshore SBU with ADP, Senior Human Resources Manager of the Western Region for the Dish Network, Employee Relations Manager with Coca Cola Enterprises in El Paso, Director of Employee Relations with Pinnacle Logistics/Safeway Supermarkets in Pleasanton, Calif., and as Administrative Officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Los Angeles. He received the Upper Rio Grande “Elite Award” multiple times for having demonstrated service that is above and beyond to both internal and external customers within the region

Mr. Ortega obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix in Santa Teresa, NM, obtained his Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certificate from the HR Certification Institute and is in process of pursuing his Master’s in Professional Studies-Human Resources and Employee Relations from Penn State University.

“I look forward to transforming our HR Department into a modern full-service, customer-centric environment in which all employees will feel comfortable,” said Mr. Ortega. “Our focus on talent-driven performance metrics will help HACEP meet the visionary objectives of our affordable housing programs.”

ABOUT HACEP
The Housing Authority of the City of El Paso, Texas (HACEP) provides safe, decent and affordable housing to assisted families at or below 80 percent of the area median income. HACEP is one of the 20th largest public housing authorities in the United States and provides high-quality housing assistance to 40,000 El Pasoans through its Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, Tax Credit, Non-Subsidized and New Construction programs. HACEP operates an $80 million annual budget and is regulated and primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Shane Griffith - Public Information Officer
sgriffith@hacep.org
(915) 849-3710