Oscar Lizardi has been named Hispanic Business Man of the Year by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s recipient continues the tradition of honoring those who exemplify the chamber’s work and philosophy”, said Lea Márquez-Peterson, president of the business group. “One of the primary criteria we look at is really giving back to the community and the recipient’s own success in their particular industry,” she said, “It’s very important to recognize the contribution they make, not only to business but as role models.”
Attorney Oscar Lizardi grew up in Nogales, Arizona, attended both Arizona State University, earning an undergraduate degree in finance, and the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law. He has over 20 years of corporate and transactional law experience as well as 20 years of service to his community. Oscar has earned a successful corporate and commercial transactional law practice and is a managing equity partner at Rusing Lopez & Lizardi. His life/work philosophy has always been to combine both life and work with community involvement.
Mr. Lizardi has been recognized on several occasions for his pro bono contributions, including being named a Top 50 Pro Bono Attorney in Arizona by the Arizona Bar Foundation in 2001. Also in 2001, then Governor Jane D. Hull appointed him to the State Board of Directors for Community Colleges of Arizona (the equivalent of the Arizona Board of Regents but for community colleges) because of his leadership and service in the educational arena. He was one of the youngest ever appointed to this prestigious Board. Moreover, Oscar recently served a six year tenure as a member of the San Miguel High School Board of Trustees including the chair of the board for two years. San Miguel High School is a college preparatory school which primarily serves Latino students who are from socioeconomically disadvantaged homes.
In addition to education, he also serves on various community boards which focus on improving the socioeconomic conditions of children. He was a board member of the Children’s Action Alliance, as well as the Board’s Treasurer. He is a current member of the Angel Charity for Children Advisory Board, former board member and chair of Child and Family Resources, Inc., and has spent over eight years as a member of The Tucson Conquistadores serving as last year’s President. Oscar was also recently named to the Board of Directors for Tu Nidito Children and Family Services.
Oscar has also served as President for the Hispanic Professional Action Committee and as a board member of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In 2005, he was recognized as one of the Tucson Business Edge, 40-under-40 leaders.