Hugo Cardona, president and chief executive officer of La Causa Inc., Milwaukee
Hugo Cardona, president and chief executive officer of La Causa Inc. came to Milwaukee to create a brighter future and to turn around Milwaukee’s "diamond in the rough" – La Causa Inc. After postponing his retirement for the fifth time, Cardona heeded the call of duty to save the organization that has made difference for so many families on Milwaukee’s south side. In 2003, more than 7,400 people were helped by La Causa. Today, that total has grown close to 13,000, said Gigi Gamboa, director of community affairs and fundraising development for La Causa. Now, more than four years later, Cardona is preparing for the next chapter of his life – retirement. "I have spent these last four-plus years with an incredible team who really rose to the occasion during some very challenging times." He plans to aide in the transition of the new president and CEO with his official retirement taking place next June.
Name: Hugo Cardona
Title: President & CEO
Company: La Causa Inc.
Company address: 136 W. Greenfield Ave., Milwaukee
Company web site: www.lacausa.org
Industry: Early and elementary education, child care and social services.
Education: Bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering, master of science degree in petrochemistry from Colombia Universities, MS-Industrial Engineering, and completed all work for a Ph.D. in operations research at the University of Massachusetts.
Family: Wife Gloria, and two grown children that live in New York.
Hobbies and interests: Reading, walking and traveling.
Favorite book and/or movie: Book – "Good to Great" by Jim Collins; movie – "La Famiglia."
Favorite musician/band: The Beatles
Favorite place to visit/vacation: Italy
Favorite local restaurant: Nanakusa
Words to live by: "I do my best, and then I try harder."
What is your core philosophy for doing business? "My staff – the final frontier."
Who is your role model and why? "My wife. She has made me who I am today."
What was the funniest thing that has ever happened to you? "Being tone deaf, I conducted the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra at our Charter School."
