LOCAL NEWS lorenzo

---

For more than a decade, Lorenzo Rios has dedicated much of his professional life to serving veterans, supporting military families and helping build stronger community connections throughout the Central Valley.  

As Chief Executive Officer of the Clovis Veterans Memorial District (CVMD), Rios leads an organization focused on honoring military service while creating programs and opportunities that benefit both veterans and the broader community.

Since becoming CEO in 2015, Rios has worked alongside a team of professionals committed to advancing the district’s mission of service, remembrance, and community engagement. Under his leadership, CVMD has continued developing programs and partnerships intended to provide meaningful support to veterans and create spaces where military service and sacrifice can be recognized and appreciated.

Rios describes the work as deeply personal and mission-driven.

“I lead a dynamic team of professionals that provide services and programs to honor and support veterans and the community,” he says.

During his tenure, he has overseen initiatives designed to strengthen organizational creativity, productivity, morale, safety, and inclusiveness while building relationships with local, state, and federal stakeholders. These partnerships have helped expand the district’s reach and reinforce its role as a gathering place where veterans and civilians alike can connect.

The Clovis Veterans Memorial District serves as more than a facility. It functions as a community hub where ceremonies, educational programs, leadership events, and veteran-centered activities bring people together around shared values of service and civic responsibility.

Rios’ leadership extends beyond his executive responsibilities. He also serves as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, a role that allows him to advise and support Army leaders on issues related to national security, defense matters, and military affairs. The appointment reflects his ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships between military institutions and the communities they serve.

His background includes experience in international relations, government relations, strategic planning, and leadership development. He is also pursuing doctoral studies in leadership through Gonzaga University, reflecting a continued focus on learning and professional growth.

One area that Rios frequently emphasizes is preparing future leaders.

He has often spoken about the importance of mentoring and investing in the next generation, believing that leadership is not simply about management but about creating opportunities for others to grow and serve.

That broader commitment to public service also recently earned statewide recognition.

The California Special Districts Association announced Rios as its elected Board President, a role that places him in leadership among organizations providing local services across California.

Following the association’s first board meeting of 2026, Rios noted:

“Special districts are the most local and specialized form of governance in our country, delivering essential services that families and businesses rely on every day.”

For Rios, the focus remains centered on service — service to veterans, service to communities, and service to future generations.

Those who work alongside him often describe his approach as collaborative and mission-oriented, with a strong belief that honoring veterans means not only remembering the past but continuing to build opportunities that strengthen communities today.

At the center of that work remains a simple goal: supporting those who served while helping create lasting impact for the communities they call home.   

The Foundation@FCOE 1111 Van Ness, Third Floor Fresno, CA 93721 Phone: 559.497.3770           www.fcoefoundation.org