CHICAGO — Mayor Rahm Emanuel and members of the City Council adopted a resolution Wednesday congratulating AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) President/CEO David Ernesto Munar for being recognized as a "Champion of Change" by the White House.
In June — which marked the 30th year of the HIV/AIDS epidemic — President Barack Obama recognized Munar as one of nine "Champions of Change" in the battle to defeat a disease which has claimed the lives of more than 25 million people worldwide, including 600,000 Americans. "Champions of Change" is a weekly White House initiative that profiles ordinary Americans whose extraordinary contributions to the community are helping the nation meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Munar was named a "Champion of Change" for his outstanding work in formulating innovative responses to the HIV/AIDS crisis and in managing AFC's $16 million portfolio of care, prevention, and policy programs and services. As an honoree, Munar was invited to blog about the future of the HIV/AIDS sector. (A copy of the City Council resolution, which includes milestones in Munar's career to date, is enclosed with this release.)
A graduate of Northwestern University, Munar has worked at AFC since 1991. In February 2011, he was appointed president and chief executive officer.
"I am truly honored by this recognition and humbled by the many challenges our city and nation face to improve the health and lives of the millions affected by the HIV crisis," Munar said.
Throughout this career, Munar has devoted his energies to ending AIDS. In 2007, Munar helped found the Coalition for a National AIDS Strategy, which mobilized thousands of individuals and organizations to advocate for a national plan of action against HIV/AIDS. Thanks in large part to this grassroots effort, President Obama unveiled in 2010 the nation's first-ever National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Munar and colleagues are now working with government officials to ensure its full implementation.
Beyond his professional experience, Munar draws on his perspectives as a bilingual ColombianAmerican and gay man living with HIV. He is an avid runner and is currently training to complete five endurance events in 2011: Chicago Half Marathon, Chicago Triathlon, Chicago Marathon, New York Marathon, and Honolulu Marathon.
