Luis Granados named to Blue Shield of California Foundation Board of Trustees

Granados to enhance Foundation’s expertise in strengthening Californians’ economic security and mobility in pursuit of health equity 

SAN FRANCISCO (March 2, 2023) – Luis Granados, who leads the Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA), a San Francisco-based community development organization, has been appointed to the Blue Shield of California Foundation Board of Trustees. Granados brings extensive experience serving on boards of local and national organizations that seek to improve economic and health outcomes for Latinos and Californians. His work improving the economic base of the Latino community in California will bolster the Foundation’s strategies centered around economic security and mobility for people of color with low incomes.

“Luis is a visionary leader who has brought about extensive systems change to support the economic stability and growth of communities in California, which is essential for health and well-being,” said Debbie I. Chang, MPH, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “When families are economically secure, they can meet their basic needs, like living in safe and stable housing, keeping food on the table, and caregiving for one another when needed. Ultimately, this security leads to healthier individuals, families, and communities, and can help prevent domestic violence and promote health equity.”

Granados, as MEDA’s executive director and CEO for more than 20 years, has transformed a $300,000 organization into a $23 million enterprise that builds Latino prosperity, community ownership, and civic power. Under Granados’ leadership, the organization established Fondo Adelante, the only Latino-focused certified community development financial institution in the Bay Area, and raised $9 million to build a 21,000-square-foot neighborhood center. The organization has also developed a portfolio of more than 2,200 units of affordable housing. These accomplishments work to address root causes of inequities often faced by people of color with low incomes, by removing barriers to establishing economic security.

In addition, the nonprofit group worked with the city of San Francisco to distribute more than $13 million in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds directly to community members, putting money into the hands of those who needed it most.

“Luis’ deep knowledge and extensive experience in supporting local communities’ economic mobility and prosperity will make an important contribution to the Foundation’s mission to make California the healthiest state and end domestic violence,” said Foundation Board chair Kim Belshé. “Improving the health of Californians, which includes the prevention of domestic violence, requires that families and communities have the opportunity to thrive economically. Luis knows this well and will strengthen the Foundation’s work at the intersection of systems that can strengthen economic stability and equity-centered policy. We are honored to welcome him to the Board of Trustees.”

Granados is currently board chair of UnidosUS, the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the nation. He also serves on the boards of the National Association of Latino Community Asset Builders and Raza Development Fund. Additionally, he serves on community advisory boards for both JP Morgan Chase & Co. and PNC Bank.

“I am honored to take this position on the Blue Shield of California Foundation Board,” Granados said. “I see it as an extension of the community-based work I’ve done for so many years that has transformed the Mission District into an economic and cultural hub for the Latino immigrant community in the Bay Area. Working with the Foundation offers the opportunity to expand my work statewide, address the root causes of economic inequities, and remove barriers to help improve health and prevent domestic violence.”

Prior to leading MEDA, Granados helped manage grants at the Evelyn & Walter Haas Jr. Fund and served as project manager and planner for organizations involved in economic development, environmental management, and community development. He has a Master of Science in city and regional planning from University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management from University of California, Davis.

Blue Shield of California Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that is funded entirely by Blue Shield of California. Learn more about Blue Shield of California Foundation and its Board of Trustees here.

About Blue Shield of California Foundation

Blue Shield of California Foundation supports lasting and equitable solutions to make California the healthiest state and end domestic violence. When we work together to remove the barriers to health and well-being, especially for Californians most affected, we can create a more just and equitable future. For more information, sign up for our newsletter Intersections, and please join us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.