Ernesto Cortes, Jr. is the Southwest Regional Director of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF). Between 1969 and 1972, Cortes served as deputy director in charge of economic development and housing for the Mexican American Unity Council in San Antonio. During this period he was also on the Board of Managers of the Bexar County Hospital District. In 1974, Cortes organized the San Antonio Communities Organized for Public Services. In 1977, he worked in Los Angeles where he organized the United Neighborhood Organization. Cortes moved to Houston in 1978 and founded The Metropolitan Organization. In 1982 he founded Valley Interfaith in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas and was instrumental in founding and supervising many other organizations. His work has been highlighted in numerous books, magazines and other publications.