The city of Fort Wayne has hired a new “mayor's advocate/Hispanic-immigrant liaison,” Palermo Galindo.

“Fort Wayne has welcomed thousands of new Americans to our city in the past two decades. It is my responsibility as mayor of all Fort Wayne residents to make sure their interests are heard and lines of communication and city services are open to everyone,” Mayor Tom Henry said in a prepared statement.

Galindo has worked for Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, the Indiana State Lottery, Northeastern Center and Easter Seals Arc in community and multicultural outreach and served on non-profit boards. He is fluent in Spanish.

The existing but expanded position is a mayor's advocate with responsibilities similar to the four neighborhood advocates. Galindo will be more than a Spanish interpreter, the city said, maintaining contact with Hispanic and immigrant residents to ensure inclusiveness of city services and programs.

Galindo will work with Community Development Department staff for neighborhood planning, the 2010 Census and the city's Complete Count committee.

Galindo can be reached at 427-6214 or palermo.galindo@cityoffortwayne.org.