Staff Profile: Raoul OrtegaNovember 3, 2008 |
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 Raoul Ortega, First 5 LA's financial manager, participates in recommending fund and investment strategies to First 5 LA Commission leaders and Executive Director Evelyn Martinez. Starting as a School Readiness Initiative senior staff accountant in 2004, Raoul quickly moved into a management position that oversees the yearly allocation of approximately $10.9 million in operating costs and $180 million in provider grants. Raoul grew up in Burbank in a family of five children including a twin brother, Alberto. As a youngster, he always looked up to his father's twin brother, Issain, who worked in business management, which inspired Raoul to follow in his footsteps. Graduating with an associate of arts degree in accounting from L.A. Mission College, he then pursued a B.A. degree in business management at Angelo State University — a member of the Texas Tech University system — in San Angelo, Texas. While at Angelo State, Raoul began his involvement with federal and state funded programs by working as a financial analyst and accountant at nearby Howard College. After graduating, Raoul moved back to California to work as a senior financial analyst at Children's Institute International (CII). He analyzed all aspects of CII's grants totaling some $19 million. He also originated, underwrote and negotiated new grant proposals. After four years at CII, Raoul joined First 5 LA. In addition to changing jobs, Raoul also married Jen, and the couple, who reside in Claremont, recently had a son named James. Click below to hear First 5 LA's interview with Raoul and how he views philanthropy and federal dollars' impact on children and families.
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