Jorge Avellana

Jorge Avellana was born in Havana, Cuba, on November 25, 1951, left Cuba on November 29, 1965, resided for one year in Mexico, and arrived in the USA on August 29, 1966.  

Graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1974 with a BS in accounting/Management, Jorge worked at IBM from June 1974 to December 1988 in accounting, manufacturing and scheduling for new products.  He had a very successful career with many promotions.  When IBM moved from Boca Raton, Florida, Jorge left the company because of the love of the Florida life style.

At the invitation of his friend, Luciano Martinez, who was the founder and Executive Director of Hispanic Human Resources Council, Inc., (HHRC), he joined HHRC as its Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer.  Together they saw growth in the agency and in the Hispanic community in Palm Beach County.  

After the death of Mr. Luciano Martinez in 2004, Jorge becamethe Executive Director of HHRC.  

Jorge has served and is serving the Community in many capacities:  He served on the Board of Directors of the Cuban American Club of PBC (Vice President, Treasurer),  HISPAC, South Florida Fair Board (Member), Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County (Member of the Executive Committee), West Palm Beach Ethics Commission, American Cancer Society, PBC Education Commission, the Forum Club, Good Samaritan Hospital , P. B. C. Food Bank.  He is not only a leader in the Hispanic community, but a leader in Palm Beach County as a whole.

Former Associations

• Community Relations Board of Palm Beach County (member)
• Minority/Women Business Development Board (member and Chair for PBC School Bd.)
• ABC Committee of the PBC School Board (member)
• Healthy Start (founding member)
• Head Start Policy Council (Board Member)
• PBC Center Director Association (member)
• Latin American Chamber of Commerce of PBC (Treasurer
• Inter American Businessmen Association (Treasurer)
• Active participant in political campaigns for the offices of City Commissioner, Mayor of West Palm Beach, PBCo.Commissioner, and other county, state, and national elections.
• Latin Fest (Vice President)
• Relevo por La Vida (American Cancer Society Relay for Life (Chairman)

Jorge has worked all his life for equality, freedom, and opportunity for all men & women.