The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) announced the promotion of Alirio Pereira, MA, as its new Chief Program Officer (CPO), effective October 31, 2022. Pereira will oversee all MAPS programs and services and provide guidance, supervision, and professional development to MAPS program management staff.

Born and raised in Cabo Verde, Pereira moved to Brazil at 19 years old to pursue his academic career, earning a bachelor’s degree in Social Science and a master’s degree in Sociology from the Universidade Federal de Goiás. In 2007 he moved to the United States, joining MAPS the following year.

Over the past 14 years, Pereira held many crucial positions at MAPS, including Child and Family Counselor and Program Director overseeing Immigrant Integration, Elder Services, Intimate Partner Education and Prevention Program, and, most recently, the COVID-19 Vaccination project.

“My experience leading all these different programs has given me a unique insight into MAPS as an organization, the countless needs of our communities, and the importance of our work,” said Pereira. “I look forward to working closely with our CEO Paulo Pinto to guarantee that our programs continue to be effectively and appropriately delivered while looking to diversify our funding sources and make sure that we meet our strategic goals.”

“After many years of sustained organizational growth, we felt that creating our first-ever Chief Program Officer was essential to ensure effective program management,” said MAPS CEO Paulo Pinto, MPA. “As CPO, Alirio will play a crucial role in helping us accomplish our mission of building healthy lives and successful communities. His passion and strong knowledge of our programs and services and the health and human services sector have given him a solid foundation to succeed in this new critical leadership role.”

As MAPS CPO, Pereira is responsible for the implementation of MAPS’ many health and social services and programs, including Immigrant Integration, Citizenship Assistance, Elder Services, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Family Support, HIV/ STI Prevention and Screening, Mental Health Support, COVID-19 Vaccination, Driver Alcohol Education, Intimate Partner Education and Prevention, Employment and Career Assistance, and more.

“I am very grateful to our CEO Paulo Pinto for the incredible vote of confidence,” said Pereira. “MAPS has grown a lot over the past 14 years that I have been here, and I am excited to help shape the future of this wonderful organization as it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of our communities.”

MAPS has served the Portuguese-speaking communities of Massachusetts and others since 1970. The organization offers free health and social services through its six offices in Cambridge, Somerville, Brighton, Dorchester, Framingham, and Lowell. To learn more about MAPS, visit maps-inc.org.