Elmer G. Roldan

Elmer G. Roldan joined CISLA in November 2019, becoming the first Executive Director-of color to lead the organization in its 17-year history. He brings 30 years of youth and community organizing experience and marks a new era of leadership at Communities In Schools of Los Angeles (CISLA). In his role, Mr. Roldan is responsible for overseeing the implementation of CISLA’s strategic direction and annual goals. He collaborates with the Board of Directors and Senior Leadership to ensure CISLA’s success; raising the annual operating budget; and managing the organization’s programs, budget, finances, advocacy efforts, and external partnerships. 

In December 2022, LA City Mayor Karen Bass appointed Mr. Roldan to her transition team to advise on her policy priorities. In January 2023, the Mayor appointed him to the City’s Commission on Community & Family Services to advise on the needs, concerns, and interests of children, youth, and their families. He became President of that Commission in February 2024. 

Previously, Mr. Roldan served both as Director of Civic Engagement in the Office of LAUSD Superintendent, Austin Beutner, and Community Affairs Deputy for then School Board President, Monica Garcia. At United Way of Greater LA, he led strategies to increase LA County graduation rates as Director of Education, Programs, and Policy. At Brothers, Sons, Selves Coalition, he worked to improve outcomes for boys and young men-of-color by advocating for positive alternatives to punitive discipline. As a teen in the 90's, he found his voice as a youth leader and later Youth Organizer at Community Coalition, where he dedicated 17 years and ultimately led as Director of Education Programs.   

Mr. Roldan grew up in South Central Los Angeles after immigrating from Guatemala in the ‘80’s. He still resides in South Central LA with his two sons and three dogs. He brings personal insights as an LAUSD graduate and parent. Mr. Roldan earned his B.S. in Public Administration from CSU, Dominguez Hills.