Media Contact

Danielle Bell

Associate Director of Narrative Strategy

media@greenlining.org danielle.bell@greenlining.org

(Oakland) Tuesday, September 9, 2025–Today, The Greenlining Institute’s Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Max Vargas as President and CEO, effective September 15, 2025. Vargas will take over from Olga Talamante who was appointed in February 2025 by Greenlining’s Board of Directors as Interim President and CEO.

Vargas most recently served as the Vice President of Economic Justice at the Latino Community Foundation, where he developed a portfolio to unlock the economic power of Latinos through entrepreneurship, worker advancement, cooperatives, and climate justice. His previous leadership roles include serving as Deputy Director at First 5 California, Senior Policy Advisor to Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, and positions within the California State Legislature, local workforce and transportation agencies, and the National Council of La Raza (now UnidosUS). He is an innovative leader and strategic advocate deeply committed to equity and justice. His personal journey — as a former unaccompanied minor from Peru, political asylee, and naturalized citizen — has shaped a lifelong commitment to centering redlined and underserved communities.

Statement from the Greenlining Board of Directors Co-Chairs Noemí Gallardo and Tunua Thrash-Ntuk:

Max embodies the very spirit of Greenlining. His vision, lived experience, and record of bold, strategic leadership will ensure communities of color are not only at the table but leading the solutions for racial, economic, and climate justice. 

For over three decades, Greenlining has gone beyond simply resisting redlining to charting a just future—one that brings investment, prosperity, and power into our communities. At a time when systemic racism, economic exclusion, and environmental injustice are intensifying, with Max at the helm, Greenlining is uniquely positioned to redefine how justice and equity are the drivers of systemic change. 

We thank Olga Talamante for her steady leadership in this interim period, while the Board held an exhaustive national search for its next leader. We are grateful that Olga will return to continue serving on the Board of Directors once Max starts. And above all, we applaud the staff for advancing our mission with unwavering purpose.

We are thrilled to welcome Max as he guides Greenlining into its next chapter: building a future where communities of color thrive.

Statement from Max Vargas, incoming President and CEO of The Greenlining Institute:

I am humbled and excited for the opportunity to grow The Greenlining Institute’s legacy of racial, economic, and environmental justice. It is an honor to join a team of community champions whose work is matching policy with action. I am certain that, while the challenges our communities face are great, our commitment to community and the investments they deserve is greater.