José is a native of Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, and a seasoned leader, consultant and trainer focusing on the problems his area communities face. As a member of the Grant Professionals Association and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, he consults on program and organizational development for nonprofit organizations, fundraising, strategic prevention framework, and youth substance abuse prevention among Hispanic populations. He is a U.S. Army veteran whose background includes business and nonprofit organizations management, school teaching and community organizing. His current work includes serving as Project Director and Youth Advisor for the Sabana Grande Coalition for the Prevention of Drug Abuse (COMPASS). Pietri is a graduate from the CADCA National Coalition Academy and the Graduate Coalition Academy. Since Hurricane Maria’s impact, he has been serving as Area Director for the Disaster Case Management Program repairing homes for hurricane victims in Puerto Rico’s Southwest region.
As Executive President, Pietri leads the Sabana Grande Community and Economic Development Corporation (SACED) board of directors, and he is also a member of the Puerto Rico Administration of Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Advisory Council. He is fully bilingual, facilitating training in English and Spanish. His leadership and passion have been instrumental in the community coalitions building process in Puerto Rico, several of which he mentors.