Gaddi H. Vasquez is a native of Carrizo Springs, Texas and is the descendant of migrant farm workers who instilled in him a strong work ethic and the value and reward of serving others.  He was the first member of his family to earn a college degree and has been a lifelong advocate against world hunger, disease and poverty.  He has been recognized for his advocacy and support of the underserved both at home and abroad.

From 2006 to 2009, Gaddi H. Vasquez served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Organizations in Rome, Italy. His effective and decisive leadership prompted the Director of the World Food Programme to name Ambassador Vasquez as a Champion Against World Hunger.  He led major reform efforts at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization resulting in the adoption of some of the most sweeping changes in the organization’s history. 

From 2002 to 2006, Ambassador Vasquez served as Director of the United States Peace Corps and became the third longest serving Director in the Peace Corps’ 49-year history.  Under his leadership, the Peace Corps realized the highest enrollment of volunteers in the field in 30 years, and achieved increased Congressional appropriations for the Peace Corps for three consecutive years.  During his tenure, the Peace Corps established the Peace Corps Global AIDS Program which has resulted in the development of new country programs with a focus on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.  He also led the opening of the first Peace Corps in Mexico and directed the entry or re-entry into 21 Peace Corps countries.

Ambassador Vasquez’ public service includes service at the city, county, state and federal levels of government. He began his 28-year career in public service as a police officer in Orange, California, has served as an appointee of three former California governors, and was appointed by former President George H. W. Bush to two federal commissions.

Ambassador Vasquez has been recognized for leadership and service and is the recipient of the Marine Corps Scholarship Fund Globe and Anchor Award, the Outstanding Alumni Award by the American Association of Community Colleges, the Jewish National Fund Tree of Life, the William H. Booth Award by the Salvation Army, and the Humanitarian of the Year Award by the National Conference for Community and Justice. He has also been named one of Hispanic Business Magazine’s top 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the United States numerous times.

Ambassador Vasquez serves on the national advisory board of the Salvation Army as well as on the boards of KOCE TV Foundation, Project Concern International, and the Orangewood Children’s Foundation. He has served on the board of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials and the American Council of Young Political Leaders.

The Ambassador is a graduate of the University of Redlands and has served as a trustee professor at Chapman University.  He is the recipient of four honorary doctorate degrees and has completed executive coursework at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He is currently Vice President of Public Affairs for the Southern California Edison Company, one of the nation’s largest investor owned utilities.