La Luz names Perez to boardof directors

La Luz Center has named John Perez to its board of directors.

Bringing expertise in technology and finance to the board, and a passion to make a difference, Perez said, “As a second-generation Mexican-American, I am a direct beneficiary of the opportunities that this country offers immigrants to achieve their dreams. I am very aware that without the many helping hands opening doors for me as I have gone through life, I might not have had access to these opportunities. I hope by working with the La Luz board and staff that I might be able to open some doors for others.”

Perez and his wife, Mary, moved to Sonoma from the Seattle area three years ago. Prior to moving to Sonoma, Perez had spent the last 20 years as a senior executive managing turnaround companies in the healthcare and manufacturing markets.

Earlier in his career, he worked for several successful startups in the healthcare industry as a software developer, software architect and product line executive.

Perez studied architecture and music at the Catholic University of America and enjoyed a peripatetic upbringing as a military dependent, moving all around the world and attending 12 different schools before graduating high school. He currently divides his time between playing tennis, performing as part of classical guitar duo and working in community service. Perez has served on the Quality Committee for Sonoma Valley Hospital and is currently an active member of Rotary.