Deacon Charlie was born in Hollywood, CA to immigrant parents from Colombia. He lived abroad for much of his youth in Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, and the US Virgin Islands, before finally settling in South Florida where he finished schooling and graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and minor in Film & Television Production. He returned to Los Angeles to begin his career in media and has remained there for over 20 years.
Deacon Charlie is married to his wife Jessica of more than 20 years and is a biological, adoptive, foster, sponsor and spiritual father as well as a stepfather, Godfather, father-in-law and grandfather! He was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in 2017 by Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, and his ministerial efforts include media, evangelization, apologetics, adult formation, homelessness, pro-life & Latino ministries.
He’s been featured on EWTN & EWTN Español, Our Sunday Visitor, MAX Studios, ESNE, Catholic Answers and Redeemer Radio among others.
He is assigned to Saint Mark Parish in Venice, CA.
BOARD MEMBER
Catholic Answers
Vice Chairman Emeritus of largest apologetics & evangelization media company in the world.
Tepeyac Leadership Initiative
A civic leadership and faith organization founded by Bishop Thomas Olmstead.
Non-profit founded by Jessica Echeverry that accompanies and serves homeless families.
CALL (Catholic Association for Latino Leadership)
A professional association of Christian leaders founded by Archbishop Jose Gomez and Archbishop Charles Chaput.
Sent Ventures
An incubation and acceleration platform focused on entrepreneurs of faith.
Audio-focused media apostolate that is the Spanish voice of Catholics in Southern California.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Founder & CEO
Black//Brown
A strategic advisory and impact studio which uses culture-forward business strategies to help companies uncover new markets and grow share.
Executive Vice President
Univision Communications
The largest Spanish-language media company in the US. Led the interactive team, overseeing the advertising business and managing offices across all markets, as well as the support departments dedicated to the group. Member of Univision’s Executive Council – a small group of senior leaders - who steered enterprise-wide initiatives.
Chief Revenue Officer
Mitú
The nation’s leading media brand for Latino youth. Led all aspects of revenue generation, including global advertising, content licensing, and direct-to-consumer businesses. Oversaw the sales, strategic alliance, licensing, business development, account management, sales marketing and revenue operations departments and was part of the company’s executive team.
Vice President, Disney Online
The Walt Disney Company
Focused on emerging markets & platforms and managed sales offices for beloved blue-chip global media brand. Active member of the Disney Multicultural Council, Retail Council, Global Taskforce as well as a member of Disney’s Idea Lab, and recipient of Leadership Award on multiple occasions.
Director of Sales
AOL
Part of the group that developed and grew a nascent digital advertising industry for an online pioneer.