On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire staff at Make Way for Books, we are delighted to share that Marc Acuña has joined Make Way for Books as our new Chief Executive Officer!
Marc is a mission-driven leader and lifelong educator whose career has been defined by a deep belief in the transformative power of learning. He brings to this role a heart for children, families, and communities and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every child has access to the opportunities that education makes possible. Above all, Marc is an educator at heart.
Our team is particularly inspired by the alignment between Marc’s personal philosophy and our organizational mission:
Marc began his career in the classroom, where he discovered his calling as an educator. Those early experiences shaped his leadership philosophy: meet people where they are, believe in their potential, and create systems that help them thrive. For Marc, education has never been just a profession; it is a lifelong commitment to service.
His leadership is grounded in the conviction that literacy is not just about books, but about dignity, equity, and unlocking human potential.
Throughout his career, Marc has led large-scale engagement and fundraising efforts. This includes 15 years in senior leadership at the University of Arizona, where he oversaw initiatives for a community of 350,000 alumni, and his recent tenure as Executive Director of the American Heart Association of Southern Arizona, where he led record-breaking fundraising efforts.
The Search Committee and the Board unanimously believe that Marc possesses the leadership experience, fundraising acumen, and relational strengths necessary to build on the strong foundation established over Make Way for Books’ past 28 years. His collaborative and empowering leadership style has already generated immense enthusiasm among our staff.
Marc’s leadership is marked by vision, compassion, and an unwavering belief that education is the foundation for stronger communities. Whether in a classroom, a boardroom, or a community center, he leads with the same purpose: to create pathways of opportunity and to inspire the next generation of leaders.
We are honored to welcome Marc to Make Way for Books and look forward to the momentum his energy and expertise will bring to our mission. Read more about Marc’s background and leadership vision in this article from Tucson Weekly.