FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Julian Teixeira
jteixeira@nclr.org
(202) 776-1812
Washington—NCLR (National Council of La Raza) hails President Obama’s historic appointment of Cecilia Muñoz to serve as Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council (DPC). Muñoz is the first Hispanic to serve in that position, and she is the highest-ranking Latina in the White House. Muñoz joined the White House staff in 2009 after serving as NCLR’s Senior Vice President of Policy for more than a decade.
“This is obviously a very proud day for NCLR, but we are even more proud that President Obama has chosen someone of Cecilia’s experience and caliber for this very important position. We believe he has made a very wise choice,” stated Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO.
“Cecilia’s appointment is great news for America’s families,” continued Murguía. “She cares deeply about the struggles that our country’s families are facing, and she will work in her trademark relentless style to ensure a brighter future for them and, most especially, for our children.”
Muñoz will replace outgoing director Melody Barnes, who has served as director in that capacity since 2009. As head of the DPC, Muñoz will oversee policymaking on a variety of domestic issues, including Social Security, education, and health care. She will also continue her role as the president’s immigration adviser. The appointment of Muñoz elevates the visibility of the Latino community, which has experienced a significant increase in population and will be highly influential in the 2012 elections.
“This appointment is also great news for the Latino community,” said Murguía. “Latinos are not a one-issue community and they are affected significantly by all the issues within DPC’s portfolio. Having someone with Cecilia’s knowledge and perspective as head of the DPC is unprecedented and will be a big plus for the community.”
NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.
###