New York, NY, June 26, 2026: The Hispanic Scholars Program (HSP) and its Governing Board are honored to share important leadership news that ensures HSP’s mission continues to grow.
As part of a deliberate, months-long national search grounded in HSP’s mission and values, the Governing Board has elected Jorge Juan Rodríguez V, Ph.D., as the organization’s next Executive Director, effective August 1, 2026. He succeeds the Rev. Dr. Daisy L. Machado, Ph.D., who will retire on July 31, 2026, following thirteen years of distinguished leadership that carried HSP through a season of remarkable transformation and growth.
Dr. Rodríguez currently serves as HSP’s Deputy Executive Director, where he has spent over a decade helping shape the organization’s strategic vision, public voice, and operational strength. His election marks not a break with HSP’s legacy, but a continuation of it — built on years of shared leadership, trust, and shared labor.
“With my elders and ancestors who were propelled by the gospel call in Matthew 25 and elsewhere to care for the ‘least of these,’ I dream of a world where everyone has access to housing, education, food, water, and healthcare,” said Dr. Rodríguez. “For that world to be possible, we need faith leaders committed to the Latine community who have the tools to think theologically with the wisdom of abuelas, tias, and siblings; learn from the histories of Latine religious activists who used pulpit and prayer to bring social change; read the signs of the times through the ethical traditions of the global south; and engage the critical skills of accompanying faith communities in the quotidian realities of life and lucha. I’m excited to build on the legacy of the HSP’s former directors—Justo González, Ismael García, José Irizarry, Otto Maduro, and Daisy L. Machado—who also believed the Hispanic Scholars Program was fertile ground for this kind of theological education.”
Reflecting on the appointment, Francisco Lozada, Jr., Ph.D., Chair of the Hispanic Scholars Program Governing Board, shared: “Dr. Jorge Juan Rodríguez V is uniquely equipped to lead the Hispanic Scholars Program at this important moment in our history. His commitment to academic theological excellence, leadership development, and the flourishing of Hispanic/Latine communities reflects the values upon which HSP was founded. He understands and honors the rich tradition of HSP while possessing the creativity and vision needed to lead us into the future and advance theological education writ large. The Governing Board is excited to work alongside him as we imagine and build the future of HSP together.”
The Rev. Dr. Daisy L. Machado, Ph.D., outgoing Executive Director, offered her own reflection on the transition: “This is a pivotal moment for HSP to move boldly into the future as it continues to faithfully serve as an organization of theological education to a broad spectrum of Latine and non-Latine seminary students. I believe that Dr. Rodríguez has the capacity to continue to move HSP forward into its next level of service, expanding its organizational impact and reach. Blessings to Dr. Rodríguez as he takes on this leadership role. ¡Adelante!”
Over the next month, Machado, Rodríguez, and the Executive Committee of the Governing Board will work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
For more information visit https://hispanicscholarsprogram.org