LOS ANGELES – MALDEF mourns the recent passing of Donald L. Pierce, 78. A dedicated supporter of MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund), he served as a board member for nearly two decades from the late 1980s until the early 2000s. Pierce was the second non-Latino to lead MALDEF’s board of directors when he served as chair in the late 1990s. He died on September 9, 2022. MALDEF extends its deepest sympathy to Pierce’s loving family.
Please attribute the following statement to MALDEF President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz:
“Don Pierce was a corporate leader with a deep commitment to civil rights. He publicly supported important issues, such as the rights of undocumented immigrants, at a time when other corporate leaders viewed those issues as too controversial. We mourn the loss of his courageous voice and his strong commitment.”
Please attribute the following statement to Ambassador Vilma Martinez, who served as president and general counsel of MALDEF from 1973 to 1982:
“Don was a very dedicated board member. He deeply cared about our issues. We will miss his voice. We send condolences to his family on this loss.”
Please attribute the following statement to Antonia Hernández, president and general counsel of MALDEF from 1985 to 2004:
“Don’s commitment to the Latino community was extraordinary. As board chair, he stewarded MALDEF through a strategic process. His extensive experience in governance and institution building helped shepherd the organization through challenging times.”