President & Founder. César is the youngest son of the legendary César Concepción and a seasoned pharmaceutical executive with extensive experience in leading diverse, multicultural teams. He currently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer for Asia, the Middle East and Africa at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, based in Singapore. Throughout his career, César has held senior leadership roles in some of the most complex and strategic markets, including Switzerland, Spain, China, the United States, Brazil, Thailand, and Puerto Rico. As a visionary leader, César has successfully driven large-scale strategies, inspired high-performing teams, and delivered impactful results in multicultural and global organizations.

Beyond his professional achievements, he is deeply passionate about honoring the legacy of his father, a pioneer of Latin music, through initiatives that celebrate and preserve his cultural contributions. He has B.S. from the University of Maryland and has completed numerous Executive programs at prestigious universities such as Harvard, INSEAD and Columbia University. He has four children (Cesar, Fernando, Mia and Nina) and spends his time between Puerto Rico, Barcelona, Spain and Singapore.

Vice President. Kenneth William Ortiz is a highly accomplished educator, musician, and cultural advocate whose distinguished career spans nearly four decades. As a professor at the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey Campus, from 1972 to 2010, he left an indelible mark on the academic and artistic community, mentoring countless students while also teaching at various universities and schools across Puerto Rico. His commitment to the arts led him to found the Escuela de Bellas Artes Municipal de Cayey, where he nurtured local talent, and he played a pivotal role in establishing the Escuela Especializada en Bellas Artes Miguel A. Juliá de Cayey, an institution dedicated to fostering artistic excellence.

In addition to his contributions to education, Kenneth is an accomplished trumpeter who was a member of the César Concepción Orchestra, a testament to his exceptional musical talent and dedication to preserving Puerto Rican cultural heritage. His dual legacy as an educator and musician underscores his unwavering passion for elevating the arts and inspiring future generations.

Director. Dr. Rafael Aragunde is a professor at the Metro Campus of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, and a distinguished scholar and a leader in academia and public service. Aragunde previously served as Rector of the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey from 2002 to 2005, where he championed intellectual growth and institutional excellence. From 2005 to 2008, he was the Secretary of Education of Puerto Rico, driving initiatives to enhance the island’s educational landscape.

Rafael’s groundbreaking work has left a mark on Puerto Rican literature and education. In 2018, he earned the First Prize for Literature in the Research and Criticism Category from the Puerto Rican Institute of Literature for his profound and thought-provoking book, El desconsuelo de la filosofía. His literary contributions extend beyond this achievement, with acclaimed works such as Sobre lo universitario y la Universidad de Puerto Rico,Hostos, ideólogo inofensivo, moralista problemático, and La educación como salvación, ¿en tiempos de disolución?

Director. Edgardo is an Attorney at Law and Partner at Morell Cartagena & Dapena, a law firm in San Juan, Puerto Rico since 2009, where he is Co-Chair of the Litigation Department. Prior to this, he was a partner in two other major law firms in San Juan, where he also chaired the Litigation departments. Edgardo is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, The United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, and the United States Court of International Trade. He is also a member of the Roster of Arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association.

He has over 35 years of experience as a litigator, mediator, and arbitrator, practicing on both sides of diverse complex civil, corporate, and commercial litigation, in federal and local courts and arbitration panels. As part of his practice throughout the years, Edgardo has served as counsel in the music and entertainment industry, and as a member of boards of directors related to non-profit work in the industry. His friendship with the family, admiration for the work of Cesar Concepción and his love for Puerto Rico’s music tradition, drive his commitment to the cause of the Fundación César Concepción.

Director. Dr. Benigno Varela, MD, is a highly experienced Hematologist / Oncologist based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with an impressive 49 years of medical expertise. A proud graduate of the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in 1976, Dr. Varela completed his residency at the University of Rochester, honing his skills in patient care and medical research. Hailing from Cayey, the hometown of César Concepción, Dr. Varela shares a deep connection to Puerto Rican heritage and culture.

In addition to his medical career, Dr. Varela is an accomplished pianist and a dedicated student at the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico, where he continues to refine his musical talents. His passion for both medicine and music reflects a profound commitment to the well-being and cultural enrichment of his community.

Director. Ebelmar Concepción, the youngest daughter of César Concepción, has dedicated her career to both education and community service. She holds a B.A. in Education from the University of Puerto Rico and has excelled in leadership roles, including serving as the principal of Commonwealth-Parkville High School, directing the Sagrada Familia Elementary School, and working with underprivileged communities in New York City and Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is now involved in real estate in the greater San Juan metro area.

In addition to her professional achievements, Ebelmar is passionately committed to preserving her father’s legacy. Together with her brother, she works tirelessly to honor César Concepción’s contributions to Puerto Rican culture and ensure that his timeless music continues to inspire future generations. Her efforts reflect not only her deep respect for her father’s artistry but also her devotion to celebrating Puerto Rican heritage. She has six children and five grandchildren.

Secretary. Rene, nephew of the legendary César Concepción, carries forward a deep-rooted connection to Puerto Rico’s musical and cultural heritage. From 1966 to 1974, he was a dedicated member of the César Concepción Orchestra, performing at prestigious venues such as Club del Oro and Cocolobo at the Hotel Flamboyán. His experience as a musician reflects a lifelong appreciation for the arts and a commitment to preserving the legacy of his uncle’s timeless music.

Beyond his musical endeavors, Rene built a distinguished career in corporate and public administration, holding key leadership roles in both the private and government sectors. He worked for the Shell Oil Company and United Technologies (a division of Otis Elevator Company), later serving as General Manager of Central Soya Trinidad. His expertise in financial and administrative management led him to the Teachers Retirement System of Puerto Rico and the Retirement System of the University of Puerto Rico. Now retired, he remains deeply connected to the legacy of Puerto Rican music, ensuring that its rich traditions continue to inspire future generations.

Treasurer. Arnaldo is a Certified Public Accountant with a distinguished career in financial management, tax strategy, and litigation support. With over 30 years of experience, he is recognized for his ability to simplify complex financial and legal matters, and has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor to individuals and businesses across various industries, including healthcare and corporate enterprises. His strategic approach, analytical expertise, and commitment to financial clarity make him an invaluable resource for those navigating intricate financial landscapes.

Beyond his professional achievements, Arnaldo has a deep passion for music and cultural enrichment, believing in the transformative power of the arts. He actively supports initiatives that foster artistic talent and help elevate Puerto Rican music on a global stage. An advocate for balance in all aspects of life, he integrates his love for health, sports, and mindfulness into his daily routine, ensuring a holistic approach to both his personal and professional endeavors.

Director. William Guzmán serves as the Director of Sales at Ballester Hermanos, Inc., one of Puerto Rico’s leading distribution companies. He has previously held positions with Unilever, Quaker Oats (now PepsiCo., and Parke-Davis (now Pfizer). With a strong foundation in business and marketing, he earned his B.A. in Marketing from the University of Maryland. Throughout his tenure, William has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic expertise, consistently driving growth and delivering results in highly competitive markets.

With over 35 years of managerial experience in multinational companies, William has cultivated a deep understanding of global business operations, market dynamics, and team development. His extensive background spans sales strategy, strategic partnerships, brand positioning, and organizational leadership. A passionate music enthusiast, William is deeply committed to elevating and expanding the appreciation of Puerto Rican popular music on a broader stage.