FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
December 3, 2013 Ricky Garza
(202) 776-1732
rgarza@nclr.org
NCLR strives to deepen impact on policy as it re-launches Policy Analysis Center
WASHINGTON, D.C.—NCLR (National Council of La Raza) is pleased to announce that Dr. Margaret R. (Peggy) McLeod has joined the organization as its new Deputy Vice President of Education and Workforce Development. In this capacity, Dr. McLeod will lead NCLR’s education and workforce development programs, aligning several programs that help young Latinos prepare for college and careers under a rebranded NCLR’s Líderes youth leadership initiative.
In addition, Albert Jacquez has been named Director of the NCLR Policy Analysis Center, established in 1980 to provide fact-based analysis of relevant policy issues facing the Latino community. As Director, Mr. Jacquez will set strategic direction and advance NCLR’s policy priorities while continuing to support NCLR’s legislative work on Capitol Hill.
Prior to her appointment at NCLR, Dr. McLeod served as Executive Director of Student Services in the Alexandria (VA) City Public Schools. She holds a doctorate in education in Bilingual Special Education Leadership from the George Washington University, a master’s degree in Special Education from New York University, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Puerto Rico.
“Dr. McLeod brings significant knowledge and experience to NCLR from her years in the classroom and in education reform, particularly her background with Latino students and English-language learners. Our education and workforce development programs will benefit enormously from her expertise and we are excited about growing these programs to meet a critical need among young Latinos for quality preparation for college and high-wage jobs,” stated Delia Pompa, Senior Vice President, Programs.
Prior to joining NCLR, Mr. Jacquez was a principal at Strategic Solutions Washington, a public interest consulting firm. He was also appointed by President Clinton as Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. He was the chief of staff for Congressman Esteban E. Torres and staff director of the House Banking Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs. He holds a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Texas and a bachelor’s of arts degree from Whittier College.
“Mr. Jacquez brings extensive policy expertise to this role and will bring experienced leadership to NCLR’s economic public policy work specifically,” said Eric Rodriguez, Vice President, Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation. “Affordable homeownership opportunities, consumer protection, and access to good quality jobs are important priorities for millions of Latinos. It is clear that there is more work to be done in these areas if we are to narrow disparities in income and wealth. Albert will work with a talented team of experts to make advancements in these areas while supporting NCLR’s work on other policy priorities such as education, health, and immigration reform.”
NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Latinos. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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