While questions linger about what exactly happened that led Javier Palomarez to abruptly leave his position as President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce amid allegations of sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement, Palomarez posted the following public Facebook statement on Tuesday morning:
A farewell … with gratitude, acceptance and truth.
Since its founding, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been committed to ensuring that its organization is managed with dignity, respect, and a careful stewardship of its financial resources. Working with outside counsel and auditors over the past three months, and in response to allegations by a former board member as well as an ex-employee, the Board of Directors conducted a thorough review of allegations of financial and sexual misconduct by its President and CEO, Javier Palomarez. In the end, the Board has determined that there is no evidence of financial, workplace, or sexual misconduct, or impropriety.
“We are extremely grateful for Mr. Palomarez’s service to the organization. Under his stewardship, the USHCC has grown into one of the nation’s most influential advocacy groups for Hispanics and American small business. Nonetheless, after much deliberation and careful consideration for the future of the USHCC, Mr. Palomarez and the Board have mutually agreed to undergo a leadership transition for the organization”. Said USHCC Chairman of the Board, Don Salazar.
A Governance Committee has been appointed which will oversee leadership changes over the coming few weeks. In the meantime, an interim Chief Operating Officer will be selected to work with the USHCC Board of Directors, Mr. Palomarez and the Chambers’ staff to ensure a seamless transition and uninterrupted support and promotion of Hispanic entrepreneurs across America.
“I am extremely proud of my 9 year tenure, as the President & CEO of the USHCC. I will always value what we, as a team, have accomplished for America’s 4.4 million Hispanic-owned businesses and countless corporate executives. I know that representing those individuals is a mission too important for distractions and internal division, and so I look forward to working with the Board and staff over the coming weeks to put in place a leadership team that can inspire more in our community to build businesses and achieve the American dream.” Said Javier Palomarez.
And just like that… I’ll take my exit. But before I do, my sincere thanks to all those who were part of this amazing journey. I learned so much from you all… friend & foe. In my life, I concern myself with what is right… rather than who is right. And after so much division and acrimony, what is right is to walk away. So long for now… not sure what comes next, but more will.
The post also included two publicity photos of Palomarez:
Palomarez’s statement included portions of the Monday night statement from the USHCC that explained why the organization was parting ways, but unlike the USHCC statement, Palomarez included the line, “In the end, the Board has determined that there is no evidence of financial, workplace, or sexual misconduct, or impropriety.” The official USHCC statement did not address any of the allegations:
According to NBC News, one attorney familiar with the case said that “Mr. Palomarez is being investigated for financial improprieties. That is a fact.”
