Fernando's fusion of practical approaches to surprising business development, innovative fundraising techniques, and inspiring servant leadership values has made him an architect of change. His success formula for excellence in execution is 80% Execution (do it) | 15% Position (stick to it) | 5% Strategy (plan it).
With well over two decades of executive, corporate development, major nonprofit fundraising, and most importantly, real-life, in-the-trenches business experience, his view is radically different. Fernando appreciates, and shares with clients, that leadership is a moment-to-moment choice and not about title, tenure or position.
Leadership is for everyone, every day. It's how we should live our life. Fernando Aguirre, sometimes referred to as the "matchmaker" for his ability to boldly drive projects to full fruition with an innate skill that brings out the best in people, is known for his practical, street-savvy and cosmopolitan style.
As the Vice Chairman for DHS, Fernando Aguirre works constantly to manage all the group's operations; lead the liaison panel between DHS' leadership and our stakeholders; oversee all activities related to local, national, and international governmental affairs on behalf of our clients’ interests; and head a talented team of top legislative experts to advance key initiatives that allow venture operations to move forward in foreign countries.
Born with a fierce go-getter spirit, Fernando specializes in advocacy campaigns in support of a variety of industries including defense, healthcare, technology, nonprofits, and entertainment, and is a lifetime advocate of quality education and corporate philanthropy.
Before joining DHS Fernando Aguirre served as the Executive Vice President of Global Corporate Philanthropy for Blockbuster Entertainment, LLC and played a vital role in establishing Reinventing Education, a strategic partnership with 21 states and school districts aiming to eliminate barriers to school reforms and improve student performance. He was instrumental in managing a $74 million dollars per year of allowable funds for nonprofits.
Before joining DHS Fernando Aguirre served as the Executive Vice President of Global Corporate Philanthropy for Blockbuster Entertainment, LLC and played a vital role in establishing Reinventing Education, a strategic partnership with 21 states and school districts aiming to eliminate barriers to school reforms and improve student performance. He was instrumental in managing a $74 million dollars per year of allowable funds for nonprofits.
In an effort to battle the teaching crisis in America, he joined The Teaching Commission where he worked as an adviser to develop policy recommendations, and then went on to advise the co-chair of Achieve, an organization created by U.S. Governors and business leaders to drive high academic standards for public schools nationwide.
With years of experience in public affairs, and corporate leadership and philanthropy, Fernando has worked as a major strategic and fundraising consultant for a variety of organizations, and was an invaluable asset to the political campaign teams of various Republican gubernatorial and presidential campaigns.
Fernando Aguirre’s combination of skills, experience and multi-industry acumen proved to be priceless while he served as International Liaison to officials on border relations issues, represented them before the International NAFTA Council and worked as a Senior Adviser for International Affairs as a key interlocutor between the U.S. Interests and Mexico’s Chancellery for Foreign Affairs Council, regularly collaborating with industrialists in the U.S.
He lives with his wife and can be found exceeding expectations at work, leading teams and ambitious projects to success, or – in his scarce free time – traveling to exotic places, meeting new cultures or supporting causes he cares about, such as education, animal welfare, social justice and human rights.
Fernando Aguirre contributes to his desire to live in a world where poverty, terrorism, and the disparity in access to education and technology can be eradicated– a strong vision that has guided his career for decades.