San Antonio Aids Foundation announces new president

Cynthia Nelson to lead SAAF

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Aids Foundation has announced Cynthia Nelson as its new president.

Nelson will take over the organization on Tuesday when interim President Jack Downey steps down.

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SAAF said in a press release that Nelson brings more than 30 years of health care management, fundraising and financial experience to the 29-year-old organization.

Nelson's career includes time at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where she was involved in work related to the specialized field of HIV/AIDS research, treatment and care, according to SAAF.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cynthia to SAAF and we know she is going to be instrumental in guiding the organization as it continues to grow and serve the needs of the San Antonio community,” Anne Marie Simmons, chair of the SAAF board of directors, said in a statement.

Click here to read more about Nelson and SAAF.

Nelson was selected by a special committee of SAAF board members and community leaders following a nationwide search.

“My entire career has been in mission-focused settings and I am dedicated to honest, clear communication and aggressive fundraising in the fight against HIV and AIDS," Nelson said in a statement.

Before her selection, Nelson was serving as executive director of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc. in Kendalia, Texas.