Assir R. DaSilva joined HHDC’s board in 1990. He began his career working in government, participating in the planning and implementation of programs such as Model Cities, Neighborhood Youth Corps, Head Start, and other federal initiatives. He then left the public sector to work in not-for-profit hospital administration before joining Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), where he held a number of positions in the field divisions and the General Administrative Office. After Commonwealth Edison merged with Pennsylvania Electric Co. (PECO), to form Exelon Corporation, Mr. DaSilva was named Vice President and Diversity Officer, a position he held until his retirement in 2005.

He has served on the Board of Directors of the Spanish Coalition for Jobs, the Brazilian Citizens Council of the Brazilian Consulate, Thorek Hospital and Medical Center, and the Illinois-São Paulo Partners of the Americas. He also served on the organizing committee for FIFA’s World Cup USA 94 and FIFA’s Women’s World Cup USA 99.

He is currently Chairman of the Board of The People’s Music School. Among his awards are the Corporate Responsibility Award from the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), the Lifetime Achievement Award from Chicago Latinos in Philanthropy and Development, and the Outstanding Citizen Award from The Brazilian Center of the Midwest.

Mr. DaSilva attended the University of Illinois where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences. He also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and a Master of Science Degree in Management.