Alvaro Macias has spent most of his professional life working to empower communities that are traditionally underrepresented in Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa. As Vice President of Community Development at Ascentra Credit Union, he leads their multicultural outreach, community development efforts, financial wellness activities, employer partnerships, and is involved in credit union advocacy. His work has earned the credit union three Marketing and Business Development Council Diamond Awards in the “Segmented Marketing” category.
Alvaro has been a featured speaker and panelist at schools, colleges, churches, community gatherings, and credit union conferences. He earned his associate’s degree from Black Hawk College and his bachelor’s degree from St. Ambrose University. Alvaro holds two industry certifications: the Credit Union Business Development Professional (CBDP) and the Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) designations. In 2017, he was selected as a Credit Union Times "Trailblazers 40 Below" honoree and was featured in the trade magazine.
Alvaro resides in Moline, Illinois, where he serves on the city council. He also serves on the boards of the Quad Cities Chamber, Economic Growth Corporation (a CDFI), and the Quad Cities Community Foundation’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence Committee. He has been a Junior Achievement classroom volunteer since 2014 and was inducted into the local affiliate’s Business Hall of Fame in 2023.
Alvaro has served on various other boards and committees and is active with organizations that promote culture, leadership, and entrepreneurship.