Washington, DC—Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, commended the Obama transition team for appointing a record number of Latinos to key positions in the next Administration, including the historic appointment of three Latinos to the Cabinet.

“President-elect Obama’s appointments thus far have earned widespread praise from across the political spectrum for their unusual level of achievement and experience,” Murguía stated.  “Both individually and as a group, his Hispanic appointees more than meet this test.  This level of diversity and accomplishment will be of enormous benefit to the country as we address the challenges ahead.”

Murguía continued, “Governor Bill Richardson has ably served his state and country as a congressman, governor, ambassador, and as a cabinet secretary, and he will bring his considerable skill and stature to his new position as Secretary of Commerce.  Senator Ken Salazar is an outstanding choice for Secretary of the Interior—his ranching background and diverse Senate experience demonstrate his capacity to balance multiple interests while serving as the steward of our land and natural resources.  Based on Representative Hilda Solis’ distinguished track record and remarkable life story, it’s clear that she will lead a revitalized Department of Labor to perform its core function of  protecting and training American workers, such as by advancing into new areas like green jobs, and also produce a more culturally competent health care workforce.”

“Not only has he appointed a record number of Latinos to his cabinet, President-elect Obama will also benefit from the advice of many top-notch Latinos on his White House staff.  NCLR’s own Cecilia Muñoz will combine substantive policy knowledge and deft political skill in her new job as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.  Former Secretary of the Army Louis Caldera will be the head of the White House Military Office, continuing his decades-long commitment of service to our country.  Nancy Sutley, Chair-designate of the Council of Environmental Quality and the daughter of immigrants, has been a major player in shaping environmental policy at the local, state, and national levels.  Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion provides a unique combination of technical expertise and street smarts to the newly-created post of Director of Urban Policy.  Finally, my former White House colleague, Moe Vela, will deploy his management skills as the Vice President’s Director of Administration.” 

“This stellar group of appointments illustrates the enormous talent that exists across all sectors of the Latino community.  While many key positions remain unfilled, we have every reason to believe that President-elect Obama and his team will continue to tap this large and growing pool of Hispanic talent as they continue the crucial appointments process,” Murguía concluded.

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