Although he started his professional career as a kindergarten teacher, Wally eventually segued into public health work after seeing first-hand the effects that inequality, inaccessibility, and poverty can have on health and wellbeing. His work with colonias and HIV/AIDS in the 1990s, professional education and training, and life-experience continue to frame and support a multi-disciplinary approach to fight for marginalized, stigmatized, and/or victimized populations.
He joined VAC in 2012 as AETC (AIDS Education and Training Center) Coordinator and later that year added Director of Quality Assurance to his duties. As Director of Quality Assurance, he leads the quality improvement process and guides the quality management plan. This includes ensuring compliance with standards of care according to US Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration HIV/AIDS Bureau expectations for Ryan White and all other funding sources.
In 2014, Wally added the duties of Director of Finance where he will be able to use his training and experience in fund raising, budgeting, grants management and public health program development to help Valley AIDS Council continue to grow and to improve services. As Director of Finance, Wally supervises the department and provides direction on budget management, cost benefit analysis, forecasting needs and securing new funding.
In 2016, Wally became the Executive Director of Valley AIDS Council. He currently oversees the growth of the agency and ensures that the clinic is in line with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy released by the White House.
He has successfully developed and managed program budgets; supervised, managed and developed education and wellness programs; and strengthened and expanded organizational reach and stability through successful fund raising and grants programs. Before returning to south Texas and joining VAC, he worked at hospitals, health clinics, schools, and non-profit organizations in Austin, Washington DC and New York. Wally received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin and early childhood education certification from the University of Texas at Brownsville.
His skills and experience support his personal vision to speak on behalf of those unable to speak, to empower those who can be empowered, and to help all reach their full potential
Wally Cantu
Executive Director
Phone:
956-507-4880
E-mail:
[email protected]
