Gilberto Pinela

Gilberto Pinela serves as the director of the Office of New Americans in Mayor Cara Spencer's administration. In this capacity, he leads initiatives to establish St. Louis as a welcoming environment for foreign-born residents and their families. Established in 2023, the Office of New Americans serves as a critical partner for global talent, immigrants, and refugees, helping them navigate the city's services.

Under Mr. Pinela's leadership, the office plays an essential role in bridging the gap between the city government and direct service providers. Its mission focuses on fostering communication and collaboration, developing a welcoming strategy for both the city and the broader region, creating a comprehensive language-justice policy for city operations, and facilitating the integration of foreign-born entrepreneurs into the diverse opportunities available in St. Louis.

A proud Puerto Rican and a first-generation college graduate, Mr. Pinela brings extensive experience in communication and business to his role. He holds a master’s degree in communications and an MBA from Webster University. His professional background includes co-owning a landscaping design firm, serving as the president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis, and leading the communications office at Cortex Innovation District. Notably, he made history as the first Puerto Rican not born in Missouri to host Spanish-language programs such as "Ahora San Luis" and "Entérate," and to co-host the live show "Best of the STL."

As an ardent advocate for both foreign-born individuals and the LGBTQ+ community, Mr. Pinela serves on various civic boards, including the St. Louis City Commission for the Missouri History Museum Sub-Tax District, PROMO, and the Tower Grove Park Members Council. Furthermore, he is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and has lived in Tower Grove South since the early 1990s. Personal mantra: ¡Sí se puede!