Gerardo Lara

Gerardo Lara is an international development leader who specializes in the creation and management of high-performing teams. He currently serves as the Senior Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health Access and Equity at PAI. With 20 years of experience, he previously managed and monitored programs for different donors and international organizations, including at Plan International and the Global Fund Project in El Salvador for HIV prevention in high-risk communities. As a country director, he influenced public policy and led complex programs to achieve high-impact results in a variety of social justice topics, including combating stigma and discrimination against people vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, contributing to the reduction of gender-based violence, empowering youth and promoting the sexual and reproductive health andrights of women and girls in Central America.

An important part of his career is promoting women’s health and rights by increasing access and availability of key services and products for family planning. Gerardo prioritizes working with civil society and strengthening local organizations’ technical, administrative and financial capacities. He also brings a wealth of experience in the development of social marketing initiatives, including the development of brands and franchises that promote sustainable services.

Gerardo also led Plan Nicaragua’s emergency response to COVID-19 and disaster relief for hurricanes Eta and Iota. He has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Dr. José Matías Delgado University in El Salvador.