El Buen Samaritano, a nonprofit and outreach ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rosamaria Murillo as its executive director starting July 15. Murillo is a recognized public health advocate who has vast experience in public policy, higher education, nonprofit and government management. 
“Dr. Murillo brings inspiration and wisdom developed in extensive work in governmental and private agencies. Her background makes her a unique fit for our mission,” said the Rt. Rev. Kathryn M. Ryan, board chair and bishop suffragan of the western region of the diocese. “We look forward to her energetic leadership as El Buen moves into the next season of service to our neighbors.”
As executive director of El Buen Samaritano, Murillo will oversee a 30-year-old organization that builds healthy, resilient and vibrant communities by offering high-quality and affordable education, food assistance and spiritual support to families and individuals who live in poverty.
In 2018, El Buen Samaritano served nearly 13,000 individuals. More than 1,200 individuals benefited from its adult education program and almost 5,000 individuals participated in the food pantry program.
On June 6, 2019, El Buen Samaritano announced its collaboration with Lone Star Circle of Care to create new opportunities to improve access to affordable, high-quality healthcare in Austin. Effective July 1, 2019, LSCC will operate the health clinic located on the El Buen campus. More information related to that effort can be found here.
“I consider my calling to serve as the Executive Director for El Buen Samaritano one of my greatest honors,” said Murillo. “I cannot think of a better place to give back than through my service at El Buen. El Buen plants seeds of hope and service for the dream of a stronger community and the wellbeing of others– and there is no better time than now to be here.”
Most recently, Murillo was an adjunct professor at The University of Texas at Austin. She taught graduate and undergraduate courses focusing on social justice and policy, administration, organizational leadership, nonprofit management and child welfare. For more than 25 years, she has led within different systems to develop, implement, and strengthen services for underserved communities.
She has led programs focusing on comprehensive women’s health, breast and cervical cancer prevention, HIV/AIDS testing and counseling in Texas Colonias, maternal, child, and adolescent health, community health worker collaboration initiatives, diabetes, and community organizing and advocacy. Over the span of her career, Murillo has brought to the state of Texas over 50 million dollars in funding focusing on creating access to care and services.
In addition, she has also taught at Texas State, and UT San Antonio. She holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from the School of Business at Our Lady of the Lake, a Master of Social Work degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from The University of Texas at Austin.
About El Buen Samaritano:
El Buen Samaritano is a nonprofit and outreach ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas committed to helping Latino and other families in Central Texas lead healthy, productive and secure lives through education and food assistance services. Since 1987, El Buen Samaritano has strengthened families in Central Texas by empowering individuals to improve their wellbeing and resilience by addressing needs that develop applicable life and work skills. For more information, visit www.elbuen.org or call 512.439.8900.
